Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to perform basic driving skills using a well-educated standardbred horse and assistance from another person and/or technology such as a double-seated sulky. It includes protecting the welfare of people and horses and providing post-exercise care of horses.
The unit applies to individuals who perform routine harness-related tasks under supervision within the harness racing industry.
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. Protect safety and welfare of people and horses | 1.1 Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment according to workplace policies and procedures 1.2 Follow safety instructions, including venue-specific requirements 1.3 Identify potential hazards, minimise risks and report problems to supervisor |
2. Provide pre-exercise care of horse | 2.1 Catch and secure horses following safe handling procedures 2.2 Carry out pre-exercise grooming according to workplace practice 2.3 Check the wear and suitability of designated gear, and ensure correct fit |
3. Apply basic driving skills | 3.1 Mount sulky and control horse as instructed while aided by an assistant to release horse from tie-up rail 3.2 Demonstrate and maintain effective driving position 3.3 Use aids to control movement, speed and direction of a horse at walk and trot 3.4 Dismount sulky and control horse while aided by an assistant to secure horse at tie-up rail 3.5 Discuss goals to improve driving skills with supervisor |
4. Provide post-exercise care of horse | 4.1 Remove gear and warm down horse according to workplace practice 4.2 Carry out post-exercise grooming according to workplace procedures 4.3 Release horse using safe procedures 4.4 Clean equipment and check for wear and breakage, and then store in an appropriate manner according to workplace procedures |
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 key information in written instructions and workplace or venue requirements |
Oral communication | Use clear language and industry terminology appropriate for audience to convey information |
Learning | Seek feedback to identify gaps in knowledge and skills |
Navigate the world of work | Follow workplace procedures, including safety and animal welfare requirements, associated with own role |
Interact with others | Follow accepted communication practices and protocols in stable and wider racing industry when working with others |
Get the work done | Follow clearly defined instructions to identify and sequence tasks and assemble equipment required for basic driving and care for horses |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)