Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to ride and exercise a range of horses in slow work and pacework. It includes selecting aids and gear, accepting rides based on rider and horse experience, reporting on horse performance and organising riding commitments.
The unit applies to individuals who work under supervision, using practical skills and specialised knowledge relevant to riding thoroughbred horses within racing industry guidelines.
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. Ride a range of horses in slow work | 1.1 Ride horses in slow work according to trainer instructions and safe work practices 1.2 Identify approved gear and personal protective equipment, and fit safely to individual and horses according to safe work practices 1.3 Select aids and use within rules of racing and trainer instructions |
2. Ride experienced horses in pacework | 2.1 Accept rides based on rider experience and horse experience 2.2 Ride horses at a range of paces and tempos using time-counting methods to determine speed 2.3 Demonstrate techniques used to control horses in a range of situations according to safe work practices 2.4 Follow trainer instructions to the best of ability, and report horse performance following trackwork |
3. Apply the rules of racing and track rules to trackwork | 3.1 Interpret rules of local track prior to undertaking trackwork 3.2 Schedule trackwork to meet requirements of local track availability and times 3.3 Follow track supervisor instructions and track rules, including entry and exit of track 3.4 Apply rules of racing and industry etiquette to slow and fast trackwork |
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 relating to riding pacework |
Numeracy | Estimate and use basic arithmetic to calculate pace, time and distance |
Navigate the world of work | Follow rules of racing and workplace procedures, including work health and safety and animal welfare requirements, associated with own role |
Interact with others | Follow accepted industry practices and protocols for reporting horse performance and working with others |
Get the work done | Follow instructions, sequence tasks and prepare gear required for exercising horses Take responsibility for and make routine decisions relating to safety, safe horse handling and pacework within limits of own role |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)