Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:58 AM AWST

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Handle racehorses in stables and at trackwork

Handle racehorses in stables and at trackwork

Unit of competency
National Code
RGRPSH201
State Code
OAB39
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
05/07/2018
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/02/2019
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
08/02/2019
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify, safely catch, handle and control racehorses, and fit with appropriate gear.The unit applies to individuals employed as stablehands, strappers, trainers and others authorised to handle standardbred or thoroughbred horses in work environments of racing stables, paddocks, yards, racetracks and public areas.Competencies attained in this unit apply to the harness and thoroughbred codes of the industry. Consequently, when performance criteria are applied they will relate to the harness or thoroughbred code, and statements of attainment will reflect this distinction.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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify physical features of racehorses
  • 1.1 Describe key features used to identify racehorses, including body type, height, colour and markings, using racing industry terminology
  • 1.2 Recognise individual racehorse features using racing industry standards, terminology, microchips, brands and registration documentation
2. Apply knowledge of racehorse behaviour
  • 2.1 Describe common behaviours of racehorses and identify common and specific causes of those behaviours
  • 2.2 Observe and interpret basic body language and common behaviours of racehorses in different situations
  • 2.3 Identify responses of different horses to a range of different handling cues
  • 2.4 Identify areas of personal risk and risks to horses and others, in various environments, including stables and training and racetracks
  • 2.5 Interpret and respond appropriately to horse body language and behaviours and maintain awareness of all horses at all times
3. Safely approach, catch and lead racehorses
  • 3.1 Check and clarify supervisor instructions for tasks involving approaching, catching and leading racehorses, including raising safety risks or concerns
  • 3.2 Identify known temperament, behaviour and level of education of racehorses prior to handling
  • 3.3 Assess risks associated with catching and leading a variety of racehorses in different environments
  • 3.4 Identify, select and correctly fit appropriate horse gear and personal protective equipment for catching and leading racehorses
  • 3.5 Approach, catch and lead racehorses using safe handling practices and body language that minimises adverse horse reactions
4. Select and correctly fit gear for trackwork
  • 4.1 Select and correctly fit appropriate personal protective equipment
  • 4.2 Identify and selectgear for relevant racing code, and check for wear
  • 4.3 Prepare horses for trackwork, including grooming and checking shoes and general health of horse
  • 4.4 Fit horses with nominated approved gear within industry standard timeframes and prepare for work
  • 4.5 Remove, check, clean and store gear according to stable procedures
5. Control racehorses in training at stables and trackwork
  • 5.1 Assess risks associated with handling racehorses in public areas
  • 5.2 Use safe leading, holding and controlling techniques for racehorses according to industry practices and animal welfare principles
  • 5.3 Lead horses into cross ties and confined spaces, and secure using safe handling techniques
  • 5.4 Carry out post-trackwork procedures safely according to supervisor's instructions
  • 5.5 Minimise risk to self and others around racehorses in stables and trackwork environments
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S6930 RGRPSH208A Attend horses at trackwork Unit of competency
S6927 RGRPSH201A Handle horses Unit of competency