Required skills

applying safe handling and work practices when dealing with horses

catching leading and handling a range of horses in a variety of environments

communicating with employer supervisor coworkers and others using assertive communication techniques to gather and relay information related to horse handling activities

completing duties in accordance with safe operating procedures and nominated time frame

evaluating risks associated with catching and handling horses

identifying and correctly using different items of handling gear

identifying features of horses using industry standards

identifying horse behaviour social traits and vices

leading and handling horses in enclosed spaces

reading and interpreting workplace documentation including relevant rules of racing

relating to people from a range of social cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities

Required knowledge

basic industry terminology related to handling horses

basic understanding of applicable federal state or territory legislation and regulations and national standards and codes of practice relevant to full range of processes relating to own work role and responsibilities

communication procedures within stable and wider racing industry

common horse behaviour social traits and vices

purpose of using different items of handling gear and appropriate personal protective equipment

racing industry animal welfare requirements

racing industry safety requirements including safe operating procedures

relevant rules of racing

relevant road safety rules

reporting requirements in relation to handling horses safely

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following

knowledge of the requirements procedures and instructions that are to apply when handling horses

implementation of procedures and timely techniques for the safe effective and efficient handling of horses

working with others to undertake and complete horse handling procedures that meet required outcomes

Evidence should be collected over a period of time using a range of racehorses of different ages and sexes and at different stages of preparation in racing stable and track environments

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency must be assessed in a racing workplace that provides access to the required resources or simulated environment approved by the relevant State Principal Racing Authority Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices safety requirements and environmental constraints It is to comply with relevant regulatory requirements or Australian Standards requirements

Assessment of the practical components of this unit will be by observation of relevant skills

The following resources must be available

a variety of harness or thoroughbred horses

materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidates ability to handle horses safely

safe handling areas such as racing stables and racetracks

work instructions and related documentation

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Racing Training Package

The suggested strategies for the assessment of this unit are

written andor oral assessment of candidates required knowledge

observed documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidates application of practical tasks

simulation exercises conducted in a State Principal Racing Authority approved simulated environment

Evidence is required to be demonstrated over a period of time therefore where performance is not directly observed any evidence should be authenticated by supervisors or other appropriate persons

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role for example

RGRCMNA Follow OHS procedures and observe environmental work practices

RGRCMN201A Follow OHS procedures and observe environmental work practices.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands eg literacy and numeracy demands and the needs of particular target groups eg people with disabilities Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people women people with a language background other than English youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds

The range statement provides details of how this competency can be used in the workplaces of the racing industry to handle horses. Workplaces include harness and thoroughbred stables and racecourses, training tracks and public areas.

Features of a horse include:

Industry standards are:

Identification of behaviour and level of education of horses involves:

Horse behaviour problems may include:

Risks associated with catching and leading horses may include:

Controlling risks associated with catching and handling horses includes:

Gear may include:

Horses may be approached and caught by:

Leading techniques may include:

Public areas include:

Holding and controlling techniques may be required:

Confined spaces include: