Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work situations available.

What condition may the mares being handled be in ?
Mares may be in-foal, wet or dry.

How might signs of oestrus be observed?
Follicle testing must be performed once on the first cycle and then every second day, and might use either manual techniques or scanning equipment.

Where may teasing occur?
Teasing may occur with free access with teaser in a pen or run, teasing over a board or rail, paddock teasing, crush or race teasing.

What restraining methods could be used during teasing?
Nose twitch, neck skin twitch, and chain lead could be used during teasing.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?
This may include boots, helmet, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or facemask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What OHS requirements are relevant to this standard?
All procedures must be carried out in compliance with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts, their regulations and the relevant Codes of Practice and should include:
making calm and positive actions at all times when handling horses to minimise the risk of kicks or bites from frightened or escaping animals
strictly observing the manual handling Codes of Practice
maintaining awareness of the constant workplace hazard of kicks, bites and crushing from horses
maintain safe working practices, including communicating proposed actions with horses to all personnel in close proximity to avoid accidents.

What may be used as a restraint method in the crush?
Nose twitch, neck skin twitch, chain lead may be used to restrain mares in the crush

How may a veterinarian be assisted to prepare for an examination?
Assistance provided may include holding mares tail to the side, washing down mares external genitalia, and holding equipment as required.

What condition may the mares being handled be in ?
Mares may be in-foal, wet or dry.

How might signs of oestrus be observed?
Follicle testing must be performed once on the first cycle and then every second day, and might use either manual techniques or scanning equipment.

Where may teasing occur?
Teasing may occur with free access with teaser in a pen or run, teasing over a board or rail, paddock teasing, crush or race teasing.

What restraining methods could be used during teasing?
Nose twitch, neck skin twitch, and chain lead could be used during teasing.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?
This may include boots, helmet, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or facemask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What OHS requirements are relevant to this standard?
All procedures must be carried out in compliance with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts, their regulations and the relevant Codes of Practice and should include:
making calm and positive actions at all times when handling horses to minimise the risk of kicks or bites from frightened or escaping animals
strictly observing the manual handling Codes of Practice
maintaining awareness of the constant workplace hazard of kicks, bites and crushing from horses
maintain safe working practices, including communicating proposed actions with horses to all personnel in close proximity to avoid accidents.

What may be used as a restraint method in the crush?
Nose twitch, neck skin twitch, chain lead may be used to restrain mares in the crush

How may a veterinarian be assisted to prepare for an examination?
Assistance provided may include holding mares tail to the side, washing down mares external genitalia, and holding equipment as required.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in conducting natural mating of horses requires evidence of the ability to monitor mares condition, detect oestrus cycles, handle mares safely for teasing, conduct mating, and record data.
The skills and knowledge required to conduct natural mating of horses must be transferable to another rural workplace. For example, this could include different breeds, enterprises and workplace environments.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

care for and handle in-foal mares
care for and handle mares with foals at foot
signs of oestrus
signs of abortion
signs of imminent foaling in mares
teasing methods
restraint methods used during teasing
restraint methods used in the crush
general health and wellbeing signs in mares
relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice with regard to workplace OHS and animal welfare
enterprise and industry policies with regard to recording and reporting routines.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

handle mares and foals safely and quietly
check for health and wellbeing of mares and possible signs of abortion
use a variety of teasing methods
use a variety of restraints
use safe work practices
ensure animal welfare practices are used
communicate effectively with other teams members, veterinarians and supervisors

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

care for and handle in-foal mares
care for and handle mares with foals at foot
signs of oestrus
signs of abortion
signs of imminent foaling in mares
teasing methods
restraint methods used during teasing
restraint methods used in the crush
general health and wellbeing signs in mares
relevant State/Territory legislation, regulations and Codes of Practice with regard to workplace OHS and animal welfare
enterprise and industry policies with regard to recording and reporting routines.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

handle mares and foals safely and quietly
check for health and wellbeing of mares and possible signs of abortion
use a variety of teasing methods
use a variety of restraints
use safe work practices
ensure animal welfare practices are used
communicate effectively with other teams members, veterinarians and supervisors

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Discuss natural mating procedures and requirements with other staff, supervisors and veterinarians. (1)

Communicating ideas and information
Discuss natural mating procedures and requirements with other staff, supervisors and veterinarians. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Mares reaction to the teaser, health and welfare observations of the mare and foal (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Mares reaction to the teaser, health and welfare observations of the mare and foal (2)

Planning and organising activities
Process of teasing is planned and organised. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Process of teasing is planned and organised. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Team-work may be applied to ensure mating targets are met. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Team-work may be applied to ensure mating targets are met. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematics may be applied to determine oestrus cycle (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematics may be applied to determine oestrus cycle (1)

Solving problems
Mating may require re-joining and infertility cause may need to be determined. (1)

Solving problems
Mating may require re-joining and infertility cause may need to be determined. (1)

Using technology
To record data and to test for pregnancy. (1)

Using technology
To record data and to test for pregnancy. (1)