Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely and efficiently perform the duties of a barrier attendant at thoroughbred race meetings and trials. It involves handling horses safely in a high-pressure environment, working closely with other barrier attendants, following directions from the starter, recognising approved and damaged gear and fitting replacement gear to agitated horses in a timely manner.
The unit applies to individuals with experience handling thoroughbred horses, and who are authorised to perform the duties of a barrier attendant in the horse racing industry. Working environments include racing stables, paddocks, yards, racecourses and public areas.
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.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. Prepare for race meeting duties | 1.1 Confirm work roster with supervisor 1.2 Provide assistance with preparation of barrier and starting equipment 1.3 Confirm allocated duties with starter 1.4 Select and correctly fit personal protective equipment according to safe operating procedures and club requirements 1.5 Ensure personal presentation is appropriate for work duties and reinforces a positive image of racing |
2. Identify and fit racing gear | 2.1 Identify approved racing gear according to rules of racing and local racing club requirements 2.2 Detect non-compliant, damaged or defective gear 2.3 Fit, adjust and replace racing gear in a timely manner |
3. Load horses into barriers | 3.1 Apply knowledge of horse behaviour to select and modify safe horse handling skills 3.2 Use safe and effective horse handling techniques for the duties of a barrier attendant 3.3 Load horses into barriers according to starter instruction 3.4 Use strategies that minimise the risk of injury to self, horses and others for loading difficult horses 3.5 Assist riders at barrier 3.6 Relay problems to starter and others 3.7 Release horses held as directed at race start |
4. Assist in track emergencies | 4.1 Identify potential track risks, problems or incidents 4.2 Corner and capture loose horses 4.3 Assist riders who have fallen 4.4 Restrain injured horses according to track practices |
5. Debrief after race | 5.1 Report outcomes of barrier loading and start to starter and/or stewards 5.2 Contribute ideas on ways to improve effectiveness of barrier team and self 5.3 Move barriers for next race 5.4 Clean and return barriers to storage area, and report damage or maintenance needs according to workplace procedures |
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 key information in track procedures and rules of racing, including approved gear and equipment and safety requirements |
Writing | Record information about irregularities and issues accurately in workplace forms |
Oral communication | Use clear language to relay messages and respond promptly to instructions related to barrier attendant duties |
Navigate the world of work | Recognise and follow industry and track procedures, including safety and animal welfare requirements, associated with own role |
Interact with others | Follow accepted communication practices and protocols for communicating with race starter, racing officials and riders using accurate industry terminology Work collaboratively with riders, officials and other barrier attendants in high-pressure situations to achieve joint outcomes |
Get the work done | Take responsibility for performing duties safely and efficiently within nominated timeframes Assess and minimise risks relating to interactions with horses and seek assistance to prevent problems arising or escalating |
Sectors
Racing performance (ROP)