Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and educate horses for life in a racing establishment, including exposure to routines and activities in a racing training complex and at a racing meeting. It covers using industry-approved techniques and principles of learning theory and application of safe and ethical work practices.
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. Oversee introduction of racing husbandry practices | 1.1 Implement risk assessment and control procedures for all activities involving the education of horses to avoid potentially hazardous situations 1.2 Provide opportunities to familiarise horses with racing stable activities 1.3 Provide opportunities to familiarise horses with racing tack and equipment 1.4 Introduce remedial or corrective equipment using safe and ethical work practices |
2. Oversee introduction of racing exercise practices | 2.1 Provide opportunities to acclimatise horses to exercise-related activities 2.2 Supervise acclimatisation of horses to working on the track 2.3 Introduce race start activities, procedures and equipment to horses |
3. Evaluate horse adaptation to racing routines and equipment | 3.1 Assess social and housing needs of individual horses 3.2 Review condition and general health needs of individual horses 3.3 Review horse acclimatisation to stable and training routines and gear 3.4 Seek specialist advice to modify behaviour or introduce race or exercise skills according to workplace practices and requirements |
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 information relating to individual horses in stable records and reports |
Writing | Prepare sequenced plans and routines to educate horses, using clear language and accurate industry terminology |
Oral communication | Participate in verbal exchanges to obtain, explain and clarify information about individual horse education 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 horse education programs Follow regulatory requirements, including for racing, workplace health and 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 horses; monitoring actions and adjusting plans and resources in response to changing conditions |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)