Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify, safely catch, handle and control racehorses, and fit with appropriate gear.
The unit applies to individuals employed as stablehands, strappers, trainers and others authorised to handle standardbred or thoroughbred horses in work environments of racing stables, paddocks, yards, racetracks and public areas.
Competencies attained in this unit apply to the harness and thoroughbred codes of the industry. Consequently, when performance criteria are applied they will relate to the harness or thoroughbred code, and statements of attainment will reflect this distinction.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, in accordance with applicable state/territory animal welfare and workplace health and safety legislative requirements.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit. Users are advised to check with the relevant Principal Racing Authority (PRA) for current requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify physical features of racehorses | 1.1 Describe key features used to identify racehorses, including body type, height, colour and markings, using racing industry terminology 1.2 Recognise individual racehorse features using racing industry standards, terminology, microchips, brands and registration documentation |
2. Apply knowledge of racehorse behaviour | 2.1 Describe common behaviours of racehorses and identify common and specific causes of those behaviours 2.2 Observe and interpret basic body language and common behaviours of racehorses in different situations 2.3 Identify responses of different horses to a range of different handling cues 2.4 Identify areas of personal risk and risks to horses and others, in various environments, including stables and training and racetracks 2.5 Interpret and respond appropriately to horse body language and behaviours and maintain awareness of all horses at all times |
3. Safely approach, catch and lead racehorses | 3.1 Check and clarify supervisor instructions for tasks involving approaching, catching and leading racehorses, including raising safety risks or concerns 3.2 Identify known temperament, behaviour and level of education of racehorses prior to handling 3.3 Assess risks associated with catching and leading a variety of racehorses in different environments 3.4 Identify, select and correctly fit appropriate horse gear and personal protective equipment for catching and leading racehorses 3.5 Approach, catch and lead racehorses using safe handling practices and body language that minimises adverse horse reactions |
4. Select and correctly fit gear for trackwork | 4.1 Select and correctly fit appropriate personal protective equipment 4.2 Identify and select 4.3 Prepare horses for trackwork, including grooming and checking shoes and general health of horse 4.4 Fit horses with nominated approved gear within industry standard timeframes and prepare for work 4.5 Remove, check, clean and store gear according to stable procedures |
5. Control racehorses in training at stables and trackwork | 5.1 Assess risks associated with handling racehorses in public areas 5.2 Use safe leading, holding and controlling techniques for racehorses according to industry practices and animal welfare principles 5.3 Lead horses into cross ties and confined spaces, and secure using safe handling techniques 5.4 Carry out post-trackwork procedures safely according to supervisor's instructions 5.5 Minimise risk to self and others around racehorses in stables and trackwork environments |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret stable forms, signage and instructions related to job role, including identification of horses and tasks |
Oral communication | Use active listening and questioning techniques to clarify and confirm supervisor instructions Use industry terminology to describe racehorses and handling gear and equipment |
Navigate the world of work | Follow workplace procedures, including safety and animal welfare requirements, relating to own role and work area Demonstrate a duty of care to self and others when working with racehorses |
Get the work done | Assemble resources and follow clearly defined instructions, seeking assistance when necessary Assess safety hazards and risks associated with catching, leading and handling racehorses; monitoring and responding to safety at all times |
Range Statement
This section specifies different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the individual, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Gear for relevant racing code must include all items from the following list for the relevant code: | Harness code gear: bridles bits driving boots: knee, tendon and bell head checks hopples hopple shorteners lugging poles jog vehicles pull up blinds reins removable deafeners removable hoods saddles shoes sulkies head collars leads leading bits towels scrapers rugs. or Thoroughbred code gear: mounted track saddle towel saddle blanket breastplate bridle martingale. |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)