Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify signs of fitness in horses, detect abnormalities and problems, and communicate options to improve horse performance.

The unit applies to individuals who work in a broad range of occupations involving racehorses.

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.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Unit Sector

Performance services horse (PSH)

Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

Unit Mapping Information

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c4b8489-f7e1-463b-81c8-6ecce6c192a0

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

An individual demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria of this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has observed and identified factors that affect the performance of at least three different racehorses, including for each racehorse:

• recognised conformation features and detected normal gaits and common faults
• checked signs and symptoms of fitness of horse during handling or exercise
• profiled basic fitness requirements for each racehorse
• observed and reported on post-exercise recovery.

Knowledge Evidence

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

• features of racehorses, including:

• conformation
• types of gaits

• common behaviour, social traits and vices that affect racehorse performance
• indicators of lameness in horses
• basic fitness requirements of racehorses:

• behavioural or physical indicators of horse fitness
• factors that influence speed and strength in racehorses

• indicators of poor adaptation to training program or performance issues:

• signs and symptoms of distress in working horses

• types and purpose of different items of corrective gear relevant to horse performance
• racing industry standards and expectations relevant to factors that affect racehorse performance:

• racing industry animal welfare requirements
• racing industry safety requirements
• relevant rules of racing related to horse performance.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of skills must take place under the following conditions:

• physical conditions:

• a workplace or an environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting

• resources, equipment and materials:

• various standardbred or thoroughbred racehorses with different conformation and levels of fitness
• appropriate gear and equipment for individual, horse and activity.

Training and assessment strategies must show evidence of guidance provided in the Companion Volume: User Guide: Safety in Equine Training.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c4b8489-f7e1-463b-81c8-6ecce6c192a0