Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to educate thoroughbred horses once broken in and ready to be educated for racing, including introducing to barriers.

The unit applies to individuals who have a high standard of competence in riding trackwork and are authorised to educate thoroughbred horses for racing.

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 been involved with the education of at least three thoroughbred horses for racing, including for each:

• assessed needs and planned horse education program in consultation with trainer
• implemented the horse training plan, applying effective techniques to train, and correct or modify horse behaviour and competitive performance in consultation with trainer
• introduced horse to practice barriers through practicing riding of horses into and from barriers
• evaluated horse education and performance, reporting horse performance and wellbeing to trainer.

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:

• principles and practices of educating thoroughbreds for racing, including:

• methods for assessing education needs of horses
• basic principles of horse learning theory and associated terminology
• methods used in horse education programs and training plans
• remedial training techniques

• common racehorse behaviour traits and behaviour of individual horses
• approved gear, including:

• remedial gear and their effects
• types and purpose of personal protective equipment

• barrier operation and common racehorse barrier problems
• racing industry standards and expectations relevant to educating thoroughbred horses for racing:

• communication procedures with trainer and other relevant personnel
• teamwork and strategies for developing effective working relationships
• animal welfare requirements
• safety requirements, including safe operating procedures and risk assessment and control
• relevant rules of racing.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of skills must take place under the following conditions:

• physical conditions:

• safe handling and work areas, such as racing stables, and training and racetracks with barriers

• resources, equipment and materials:

• various thoroughbred horses being prepared for racing and assessed as suitable for the skill and experience of the individual
• appropriate and correctly fitted racing industry-approved gear and equipment for individual, horse and activity

• specifications:

• trainer instructions and reporting requirements.

Training and assessment strategies must show evidence of the use 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