Required skills

applying safe handling and work practices when dealing with horses

assessing track shape and surface

communicating with employer supervisor coworkers and others using assertive communication techniques to gather interpret and relay information related to preparing for race riding

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

following instructions

identifying and correctly using different items of gear and equipment and assessing condition of same in terms of safe use and need for repair

identifying industry jargon and abbreviations

observing pre and postrace 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

riding mechanical horse

riding short in a racing saddle

using numeracy skills to interpret predicted speed in a race and prepare speed maps

weighing in and out

written communication skills to complete workplace documentation and reports

Required knowledge

apprentice weight claim allowances

classes of races

communication procedures within stable and wider racing industry

drug testing procedures

enquiry and protest procedures

industry terminology related to handling and racing horses

permits to ride in races

procedures for race nominations acceptances and scratchings

procedures to organise rider bookings

purpose of using appropriate personal protective equipment

racing industry animal welfare requirements

racing industry safety requirements including safe operating procedures

rules of racing

speed maps

whip use

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 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 preparing to ride in races

evaluating form and assessing individual horses expected performance in a race

implementation of procedures and timely techniques to complete preparation of race riding tasks safely effectively and efficiently

interpreting documentation and other sources of racing information

working with others to undertake and complete preparation of race riding tasks that meet required outcomes

Evidence should be collected over a period of time using a range of horses of different ages and sexes in different circumstances and in different racing stable and track environments

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency must be assessed in a racing workplace that provides access to horses that are being educated and trained in a commercial racing stable under the care of a licensed trainer and the required resources 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 and must be conducted on licensed racetracks in conjunction with the State Principal Racing Authority officials for example stewards or riding masters

The following resources must be available

a variety of thoroughbred horses that are currently in training

commercial racing training establishments and training and licensed racetracks

materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidates ability to demonstrate race riding skills

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

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 at least one of whom should be approved by the State Principal Racing Authority

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

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 prepare for race riding. Workplaces include thoroughbred stables and racecourses, training tracks and public areas.

Techniques for riding short may include:

Whip action and seat refinement may include:

Pre and post-race riding procedures may include:

Track shape and surface assessment may include:

Classes of races will include:

Individual horse's racing style may include:

Industry jargon and abbreviations will include:

Speed map interpretation and preparation will include:

Apprentice claims will include:

Identifying and interpreting inquiry and protest procedures may include:

Rules related to safe and legal race riding may include: