Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to ride horses in trials. It includes complying with rules of racing, following instructions, judging pace, and applying riding skills according to track conditions.
The unit applies to individuals who are approved to ride in official barrier trials. They 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. Comply with barrier trial procedures | 1.1 Confirm horses to be ridden in trials with trainers 1.2 Follow starter, barrier attendant and other racing official directions 1.3 Clarify and follow trainer or foreman instructions to the best of ability |
2. Apply trial riding skills | 2.1 Assess potential risks related to track, gear and equipment and horse condition, and take action to minimise 2.2 Use riding skills appropriate for track conditions and situations 2.3 Judge pace of horse during trial and maintain for required times and distances, according to trainer instructions |
3. Use safe riding skills | 3.1 Apply rules of racing relating to safe and compliant riding of horses in trials 3.2 Demonstrate safe and ethical whip use according to the rules of racing |
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 written trainer instructions, workplace documentation, and relevant rules of racing |
Numeracy | Estimate and calculate speed, distance and time relevant to horse pace |
Oral communication | Listen to instructions, respond to requests and convey information using clear language and industry terminology relating to handling and racing horses |
Navigate the world of work | Adhere to rules of racing and race trial protocols, and follow safe and ethical horse handling and work practices associated with own role |
Interact with others | Follow racing communication protocols and practices when interacting with a range of racing personnel |
Get the work done | Plan and prepare strategies for race trial, considering trainer and racing official instructions, and taking responsibility for decisions Anticipate and respond rapidly to changed circumstances in a trial, including emergency situations |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)