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 apply to catch and handle horses safely under supervision

implementation of procedures and timely techniques for the safe, effective and efficient catching and handling of horses under supervision

working with others to undertake and complete procedures under supervision that meet required outcomes.

Evidence should be collected over a period of time using a range of well-educated horses of different ages, sexes and temperaments, and at different stages of preparation in horse industry environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency may be assessed in a horse industry workplace or simulated environment that provides access to 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.

The following resources must be available:

a variety of horses

materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to catch and handle horses safely under supervision

safe handling areas, such as stables or training arenas

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 and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge

observed and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks

simulation exercises.

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:

RGRCMN201A Follow OHS procedures and observe environmental work practices

RGRPSH102A Perform basic stable duties.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. 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).

Required skills

applying safe work practices when catching and handling horses

catching and handling a range of quiet and well-educated horses in a variety of environments following instructions and under supervision

cleaning and checking gear for wear and tear

communicating with employer, supervisor, co-workers and others using assertive communication techniques to gather and relay information related to catching and handling horses

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

complying with animal welfare policies in the handling and care of horses

interpreting and following supervisor's instructions

identifying common behaviour signals of horses

identifying, selecting and correctly fitting nominated gear for catching and handling horses

identifying, selecting and fitting common stable and paddock gear and equipment

identifying common breeds of horses

identifying points of the horse

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

reporting problems promptly

supporting others in identifying, catching and handling horses in the appropriate manner

tying up and releasing horses safely

using common horse industry terminology.

Required knowledge

basic colours and markings of horses

basic industry terminology related to handling and caring for horses

communication procedures to seek information, advice or assistance

common safe horse handling techniques

points of the horse

principles of safe work practices

racing industry animal welfare requirements

range of common stable and paddock horse gear

senses and behaviour patterns of horses

social behaviour and communication methods of horses.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below.

The range statement provides details of how this competency can be used in the workplaces of the racing industry to catch and handle quiet horses under supervision. Workplaces include stables, yards, training arenas, paddocks and public areas.

Common horse industry expressions may include common terms used to describe:

horse behaviour, including when horses are:

being handled, for example:

barging

rearing

striking

in the stable, yard or paddock, for example:

cast

cribbing

fence walking

weaving

wind sucking

sick or injured

horse colours and markings

horse condition and eating habits

stable tasks, for example:

floating

hosing

lunging

mucking out

strapping

tacking up.

Catching and handling gear may include:

anti-rearing or other bits used for leading

bridle

double clip lead

halter and lead

head collar and lead

personal protective equipment.

Behaviour signals may include:

communication traits of horses, including:

body signals

facial expressions

verbal signals

methods the horse uses to show:

aggression

friendliness

illness

sexual interest or disinterest

sleep

warning to keep away.

Horses may be approached and caught by:

adhering to responsibilities under OHS legislation and safe workplace practices

adhering to responsibilities under national and state codes of practice; federal, state and territory legislation; and local government regulations covering animal welfare

approaching horse from near side

arranging gear in advance of handling

checking soundness of gear before approaching

encouraging horse to face handler

planning approach route and identifying safest areas for catching

talking to the horse

taking care moving around and catching horses in groups

using and fitting appropriate and approved gear.

Horses are lead and controlled by:

leading into and out of stables, yards and paddocks

leading person to person when approaching another horse moving in opposite direction

leading through gates or stable doors, which are open or shut

maintaining appropriate length of lead to allow horse to walk freely without getting ahead or away from handler

never wrapping lead around any part of handler's body

never letting horse turn its tail to handler

using both hands on lead

using leads of suitable length

using suitable tone of voice to reassure or control

walking at near side shoulder.

Horses are tied up by:

positioning horse correctly

using a head collar and lead

using baling twine

using a quick release knot.

Rugs may include:

combo rugs

paddock or stable rugs

rugs with leg straps, surcingles or rollers, fillet straps or other fittings

sweat rugs.

Stable or paddock gear may include:

fly veils

hoods

miscellaneous equipment used on individual horse in stables or paddocks, including:

collars

muzzles

wind-sucking collars

rug rollers

tail bags.

Signs of wear and damage will include:

cracked leather or PVC

frayed leads, girths and surcingles

rusted or cracked bits, buckles and clips

stretched or torn holes in strapping.