Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to drive horses for pacework and fast work using a range of standardbred horses in training.
The unit applies to individuals, with experience in drive jog work, who use specialised technical harness driving skills and knowledge in the 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. Prepare for trackwork | 1.1 Confirm and clarify exercise instructions with trainer 1.2 Assess and control risks associated with trackwork activity 1.3 Warm up and cool down horses according to trainer instruction and individual horse exercise requirements 1.4 Handle horses safely and ethically, and monitor horse welfare during and after exercise |
2. Exercise horses in pacework | 2.1 Select and fit gear and personal protective equipment (PPE) for pacework 2.2 Achieve and maintain pacework speed for exercise period according to trainer instruction and safe work practices 2.3 Measure speed and distance using industry-recognised methods |
3. Exercise horses for fast work | 3.1 Select and fit gear and PPE for fast work 3.2 Drive safely to achieve and maintain fast work speed for exercise period 3.3 Develop racing skills of horses according to trainer instruction |
4. Care for horses post-exercise | 4.1 Carry out post-exercise care of horses and gear according to stable procedures 4.2 Report horse response to trackwork to trainer |
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 |
Numeracy | Estimate and use basic arithmetic to calculate speed, distance and time |
Navigate the world of work | Follow rules of racing and workplace procedures, including work health and safety and animal welfare requirements, associated with own work and role |
Interact with others | Adhere to track driving etiquette in interactions with others Follow industry accepted practices and protocols for receiving trainer instructions and reporting horse performance |
Get the work done | Follow instructions, sequence tasks and prepare equipment required for trackwork driving and care for horses Take responsibility for and make routine decisions relating to safety, safe horse handling and trackwork driving within limits of own role |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)