SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Assist a mare to foal 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
335725  Assist a mare to foal 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Equine Management and Equestrian Instruction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 02 - Culture and Arts Sport 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The learner credited with this unit standard will be able to carry out procedures to assist a mare to foal under supervision.

The qualifying learner will be capable of:
  • Preparing the mare for foaling.
  • Providing assistance to a foaling mare.
  • Monitoring the condition of the newborn foal.
  • Providing post-foaling care. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Equine welfare at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare the mare for foaling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The observable changes in a mare before foaling are identified that indicate readiness for foaling. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Changes include, but are not limited to:
  • Change in behaviour, udder enlargement, waxing, mammary secretion, relaxed pelvic ligaments, hollow flanks, swollen vulvae lips and sunken hindquarters.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The advantages of mares foaling under supervision are explained in relation to possible foaling complications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The mare is moved into the foaling area and placed in a group of in-foal mares according to stud farm procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Considerations when moving an in foal mare includes, but is not limited to:
  • Foaling paddock, foaling box, sterilized environment, fresh grass, observation, suitable bedding and safety.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Mare is prepared for foaling in accordance with foaling protocols and stud farm procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparations include, but is not limited to:
  • Washing vulva, udders, bedding, disinfectants, tail bandaging, foaling alarm is fitted to the head collar and foaling kit is prepared.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Provide assistance to a foaling mare. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The three stages of normal labour are described in terms of duration, signs and course of events. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The mare is continuously monitored and assistance is provided in accordance with stud farm procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Ill health or abnormal conditions are reported and treated in accordance with stud farm procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Abnormal conditions include, but are not limited to:
  • Running colostrums, uterine inertia, oedema, colic, foal's foot through anus, premature separation of placenta, malpresentation, retained afterbirth and lack of progress.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Emergency procedures are described in terms of actions to be taken in specific situations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The need for veterinary intervention is described for examples where complications could arise. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The placenta is collected, weighed and examined for completeness and signs of infection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Records of the foaling process are maintained in accordance with stud farm procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Details for records include, but is not limited to:
  • Time of events, problems, treatments, weight of placenta, colostrum levels, umbilical cord length, sex and colour of foal, sire and dam.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor the condition of the newborn foal. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The foal is restrained to cause minimum stress in accordance with standard industry safety practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Examination of the newborn foal is conducted in relation to action to be taken in the event of ill health in accordance with stud farm procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Examination includes, but is not limited to:
  • Colostrums, TPR, retaining and passing meconium, lax tendons, suckle time, alert, awake and colour of mucous membranes.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Examination for physical abnormalities of newborn foal is conducted and if any are present these are reported to the stud management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Treatments which do not require veterinary advice are administered in accordance with stud farm procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Treatments include, but is not limited to:
  • Treating umbilical cord and enema.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Treatments required for the foal and reasons for these treatments are explained as per stud farm requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Treatments include, but are not limited to:
  • Antibiotics, enema, tetanus anti toxin, selenium and vitamin E.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Provide post-foaling care. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The mare's external reproductive organs are examined for trauma and injury and reported on according to stud farm procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Signs of illness or discomfort in the mare are reported according to stud farm procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Retained placenta is dealt with as a veterinary emergency and handled as per stud farm emergency procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The mare is cleaned and teats are checked in accordance with stud farm procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Areas to be cleaned includes, but is not limited to:
  • Vulva, udder, hindquarters and legs.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The mare is fed and watered in accordance with stud farm procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The mare's vital signs are monitored and reported on according to stud farm procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Records and reports are compiled according to stud farm procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • External Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA at its discretion.
  • The accredited Training Provider will oversee internal moderation of assessment.
  • Internal and external moderation should encompass achievement of competence described in the specific outcomes of the unit standard as well as the integrated competence described in the purpose of the unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner will be able to understand and explain relevant extracts of the following relating to the humane handling of horses:
  • The Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
  • The Performing Animals Protection Act 24/35.
  • The Veterinary and Para-Veterinary Professions Act 19 of 1982.
  • Powers of Seizure Regulation 468 as contained in the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962

    The qualifying learner will be able to understand and explain the following:
  • Stages of normal labour in a mare.
  • Techniques to assist a mare to foal.
  • Care of newborn foal.
  • Post foaling care for mare.
  • Stud farm procedures and requirements when assisting a mare to foal. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to assisting a mare to foal in which responses display that critical thinking is used for responsible decision making. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community in assisting a mare to foal. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively in assisting a mare to foal. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information about an in foal mare in order to assist the mare to foal. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using appropriate modes of oral and/or written persuasion in dealing with all internal and external role-players in ensuring the health of newborn foal and mare. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  71469   Further Education and Training Certificate: Equine Practices  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.