Required skills

applying safe handling and work practices when dealing with horses

attaching and releasing horses from jog vehicles harness

catching leading handling and tying up horses

communicating with employer supervisor trainer coworkers and others using assertive communication techniques to gather and relay information related to attending horses at trackwork

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

evaluating risks associated with working around horses

fitting approved gear

following instructions of trainer and working autonomously when necessary

following stable procedures

identifying and fitting rugs

identifying and incorporating principles of horse learning into training

identifying and reporting irregularities with horse and gear

identifying approved gear

maintaining working gear

preparing horses for work

performing postexercise procedures

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

selecting gear and rugs

storing gear

Required knowledge

approved gear and rugs

communication procedures within stable and wider racing industry

common racehorse behaviour traits

common horse illnesses or injuries

effective working relationships including teamwork

features of horses

industry terminology

irregularities with horses and gear

personal protective equipment

racing industry animal welfare requirements

racing industry safety requirements including safe operating procedures

relevant rules of racing

stable procedures

track rules and regulations

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 attending horses at trackwork

implementation of procedures and timely techniques for safe effective and efficient attendance of horses at trackwork

working with others to undertake and complete duties 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 attend horses at trackwork

safe handling areas such as racing stables and training or 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

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

RGRCMNA Follow OHS procedures and observe environmental work practices

RGRCMN201A Follow OHS procedures and observe environmental work practices

RGRPSHA Handle horses

RGRPSH201A Handle horses

RGRPSHA Perform stable duties

RGRPSH207A Perform stable duties.

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 attend horses at trackwork. Workplaces include harness and thoroughbred stables and racecourses, training tracks and public areas.

Horses may be worked by:

Verifying horses to be worked may include:

Approved working gear may include:

Factors to consider when horsesare handled include:

Rules and protocols may include:

Factors relevant when horses are prepared for work include:

Procedures followed when gear is checked and cleaned may include:

Stable procedures for post-work care of horses may include:

Irregularities with horse may include: