Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate the conformation, temperament, pedigree, general health, performance and previous history of horses to determine their suitability for racing.
The unit applies to individuals who have specialist knowledge, skills and experience in managing, caring for and training racehorses safely in the harness or thoroughbred codes of the racing industry.
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. Profile a racehorse | 1.1 Identify and observe desired racehorse characteristics in individual horses 1.2 Evaluate features of conformation according to racing protocols 1.3 Research race distance times and records for individual racehorses 1.4 Determine racing program aims for individual horses |
2. Evaluate pedigrees | 2.1 Interpret pedigree information for individual horses 2.2 Evaluate racing breeding theories 2.3 Identify features of prominent racing lines |
3. Evaluate horses available | 3.1 Determine options for racing horses 3.2 Seek specialist advice to evaluate horse health and fitness for racing 3.3 Gather input from staff regarding horse performance 3.4 Rank horses available based on racing program aims, pedigree, general health and price range affordability |
4. Re-evaluate horse racing career | 4.1 Evaluate horse progress in racing program 4.2 Discuss options for horse future with key personnel 4.3 Determine horse future with consideration to animal welfare issues |
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 | Research and interpret information to profile and evaluate horses Access and locate information about racing pedigrees and breeding theories |
Writing | Complete workplace records for individual horses accurately |
Numeracy | Interpret statistical information related to horse breeding and pedigrees Analyse track times and performance statistics |
Navigate the world of work | Recognise the significance of own role in selecting horses for races within broader organisational goals |
Interact with others | Work independently and collaboratively with others to seek or share information and achieve outcomes |
Get the work done | Use systematic and analytical process to select horses for racing, accepting responsibility for decisions made |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)