Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare for riding in races. It includes practising race riding skills, following rules of racing, interpreting form, and observing race meeting procedures and protocols.
The unit applies to individuals with approval to ride, who use specialised knowledge and practical riding skills 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. Identify and practise race riding skills | 1.1 Practise techniques for riding short in a racing saddle 1.2 Refine riding action to ride horses out using hands and heels and use of whip 1.3 Apply pre-race and post-race riding procedures |
2. Identify factors that can affect race outcomes | 2.1 Assess personal fitness and weight to ride at peak fitness and optimal weight 2.2 Walk track and assess track shape and surface for impact on individual horse performance 2.3 Research effect of horse ratings and handicapping system on race outcomes 2.4 Research effect of barrier draw on individual horses 2.5 Recognise individual horse's racing style |
3. Read and interpret form | 3.1 Use industry terminology and abbreviations to describe action and interpret performance 3.2 Interpret reports on trackwork, trial and race performance from a range of sources 3.3 Prepare and interpret speed maps according to industry practice |
4. Demonstrate knowledge of relevant rules and protocols related to riding in races | 4.1 Research procedures for applying for a permit to ride in races 4.2 Determine the system of apprentice claims 4.3 Identify and interpret inquiry and protest procedures 4.4 Research rider booking, and race nomination, acceptance and scratching procedures 4.5 Apply rules related to safe and compliant race riding during practise 4.6 Apply procedures to prepare race saddles to meet handicap weights 4.7 Identify reasons for personal weight fluctuations on race day, in races and over time |
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 | Access racing information from a range of sources Interpret racing industry terminology and locate and analyse key information to prepare for race riding |
Numeracy | Analyse and compare statistics on horse performance and form in preparation for race riding Estimate and calculate speed, distance and time relevant to horse pace and riding |
Navigate the world of work | Adhere to rules of racing and racetrack protocols, and follow safe and ethical horse handling and work practices associated with own role |
Interact with others | Follow racing communication protocols and practices to undertake and complete race riding tasks to achieve outcomes |
Get the work done | Take responsibility for and apply a logical process for planning, preparing and practicing for races with nominated horses Anticipate and respond rapidly to changed circumstances in a trial, including emergency situations |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)