Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare horses for race meetings and trials, and perform post-race meeting duties.
The unit applies to individuals who perform routine tasks under supervision within the harness or thoroughbred racing industry.
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. Prepare horses for race meeting or trial | 1.1 Prepare horses prior to race meeting or trial as instructed 1.2 Select and pack race gear for relevant code according to instructions 1.3 Follow workplace requirements for personal presentation 1.4 Follow industry safe horse handling practices and identify risks relevant to tasks |
2. Attend race meetings or trials | 2.1 Carry out pre-race or pre-trial duties for care of horses following officials instructions 2.2 Groom horses prior to race or trial following officials instructions 2.3 Provide assistance in saddling or harnessing horses following officials instructions 2.4 Parade horses prior to race (thoroughbreds only) |
3. Provide post-race or post-trial care of horses | 3.1 Complete post-race or post-trial procedures according to race result 3.2 Inspect horses for injury, and cool down according to stable routine 3.3 Prepare horses and gear for return to stables as instructed 3.4 Attend and present horse for swabbing process according to racing official's instructions 3.5 Return horses to stables and re-check for post-race injury |
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 procedures, attending horses at race meetings and trials |
Oral communication | Use clear language and industry terminology appropriate for audience to convey and report information |
Navigate the world of work | Follow workplace procedures, including work health and 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 attending horses at race meetings and trials |
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.
Race gear for relevant 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 pull up blinds reins removable deafeners removable hoods saddles shoes sulkies head collars leads leading bits towels scrapers rugs. or Thoroughbred code gear: mounted race saddle packing saddlecloth breastplate tongue tie bridle boots or bandages blinkers winkers ear muffs pacifiers. |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)