Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop training and conditioning plans for racing horses, assess horse adaptation to the plan and modify the program for individual horses.
The unit applies to individuals who have specialist knowledge, skills and experience in caring for and managing racing horses safely in various environments.
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. Evaluate current fitness and education of individual horses | 1.1 Assess behavioural indicators of fitness and health of the horse 1.2 Analyse and assess physiological indicators of horse fitness and health 1.3 Evaluate performance indicators of horse fitness and adaptation to workload of current education program |
2. Prepare conditioning programs for horses | 2.1 Determine options for training horses in first preparation 2.2 Determine options for training horses returning from injury 2.3 Evaluate options for adapting training programs for improved fitness status 2.4 Prepare and document conditioning program for individual horses according to relevant regulations, including for racing, safety and animal welfare 2.5 Appoint driver or rider, giving due consideration to capabilities of horse in order to maximise horse performance |
3. Review performance of individual horses and modify programs | 3.1 Analyse and monitor trackwork times and recovery rate 3.2 Gather feedback and reports on horse condition and performance from riders or drivers and other relevant personnel 3.3 Determine the need for any corrective or remedial gear to improve individual horse performance 3.4 Review diet and modify to achieve optimum performance 3.5 Compare individual horse performance to racing goals 3.6 Modify conditioning program in response to review of performance |
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 | Extract technical information relating to individual horse performance and rules of racing from a range of documentation |
Writing | Prepare written training and conditioning programs and specifications for individual horses using clear language, accurate industry terminology and logical structure |
Numeracy | Interpret trackwork times and distances Calculate quantities of feed and supplements for conditioning program Interpret ratios, percentages and comparative data relating to individual racehorse performance |
Oral communication | Participate in verbal exchanges to obtain, explain and clarify information about individual horse training and conditioning programs using language and terminology appropriate for audience |
Navigate the world of work | Work independently and collectively, taking responsibility for plans, decisions and outcomes relating to individual racehorse training and conditioning programs Follow regulatory requirements, including for racing, safety and animal welfare, relevant to own role and area of responsibility |
Interact with others | Select and use appropriate communication protocols and conventions when seeking or sharing information with others |
Get the work done | Organise and plan programs for multiple racehorses; monitoring actions against stated goals and adjusting plans and resources in response to changing conditions |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)