Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify signs of fitness in horses, detect abnormalities and problems, and communicate options to improve horse performance.
The unit applies to individuals who work in a broad range of occupations involving racehorses.
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 and recognise factors that affect horse movement | 1.1 Observe and identify features of racehorse conformation 1.2 Observe and describe gaits of racehorses 1.3 Identify and report lameness and other abnormalities 1.4 Identify safe ways to measure horse fitness and recovery from fast work 1.5 Identify reasons for use of corrective gear, and select options to improve horse performance 1.6 Explain factors that influence speed and strength |
2. Identify and recognise signs of fitness in racehorses | 2.1 Identify behavioural and physical indicators of fitness 2.2 Observe signs of horse fitness during exercise 2.3 Observe horse post-exercise recovery, and report information to relevant personnel |
3. Determine basic fitness requirements for racehorses | 3.1 Profile fitness and health of individual horses 3.2 Identify and discuss with trainer methods to evaluate performance 3.3 Identify indicators of poor adaptation to training program according to fitness indicators 3.4 Evaluate factors affecting performance for individual horses 3.5 Discuss fitness requirements for racehorses with relevant personnel |
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 |
Oral communication | Use clear language, accurate concepts and industry terminology to explain and report features of horse performance |
Navigate the world of work | Build knowledge of horse performance to keep up-to-date and improve own role and responsibilities |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)