Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to introduce a horse to the skills, gear and equipment required for harness racing, and to correct or re-educate horses with inappropriate training or racing behaviours or styles.
The unit applies to individuals who have a high standard of competence in handling horses and racing training and driving. They require a strong knowledge of horse learning theory to educate inexperienced horses and horses with schooling problems in harness racing.
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 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. Introduce harness racing gear, equipment and routines | 1.1 Assess and control risks before interacting with horses 1.2 Condition horses safely and ethically to accept general care and handling 1.3 Mouth horses for harness racing according to industry practices 1.4 Condition horses to accept harness, then cart |
2. Introduce driving skills | 2.1 Use a controlled environment to introduce horse to basic driving tasks 2.2 Drive horse in harness 2.3 Develop horse confidence in driving tasks 2.4 Gait horse for harness racing |
3. Identify driving problems and implement correction program | 3.1 Evaluate horse's performance and previous history 3.2 Investigate potential physical and behavioural causes of poor performance 3.3 Develop and implement an education program in consultation with trainer 3.4 Use corrective techniques safely to modify performance and behaviour according to animal welfare principles 3.5 Review horse's racing future with trainer and owner |
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 calculate speed, distance and time relevant to horse pace and driving |
Navigate the world of work | Follow safe, ethical and humane horse handling industry practices associated with own role |
Interact with others | Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with others to plan education programs and evaluate horse performance and progression |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence strategies for horse education programs, monitoring risks and progress and adjusting activities to achieve outcomes Analyse problems and risks, devise solutions and reflect on approaches taken |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)