Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement indicates how this competency standard can be used in the environment of the racing industry to assess workers involved in overseeing the care and welfare of horses that are either standardbreds or thoroughbreds. The environment covers racecourses, stables, administration buildings, training tracks and public places. The Range Statement covers the general principles applying to both thoroughbred and harness codes, refers where necessary, to differences between codes, and details the knowledge and skill requirements specific to each code.

Which people require assistance in handling horses?
Other stable employees
Veterinarians
Farriers
Float drivers

Who requires Supervision?
Other stable employees

Who gives instructions?
Supervisor or employer to others

Who receives instructions?
Relayed instructions from others to supervisor or employer
Stablehands and other employees

What gear is used to control horses?
Halters
Bridles
Leads
Twitches
Anti rearing bits
Leg ropes
Hobbles

Competence in supervising and assisting in the handling of horses requires evidence that animal behaviour is known and taken into account when handling race horses in various environments and at varying times.
Evidence of ability to select staff appropriate to tasks and to demonstrate judgement and skills associated with consistent identification and safe handling of a range of horses of different ages, sexes, and temperaments in different circumstances and in different work environments over a period of time.
Knowledge of handling techniques and use of gear consistently applied to a variety of horses is required, as is knowledge of stable procedures and racecourse procedures at training and on race days.
Evidence of communication skills is also required for the purpose of giving and receiving instructions.
Critical Aspects of Evidence

Evidence to demonstrate consistent achievement of the unit's outcomes includes:


Knowledge and Understanding of:
The range and purpose of gear for catching and controlling horses
Safe work practices when giving instructions
Effective working relationships/teams
Handling techniques for horses

Demonstration of:
Supporting others in handling standardbreds or thoroughbreds in an appropriate manner
Following instructions of supervisor or acting autonomously, when appropriate, with regard to handling a range of horses
Communicating appropriate instructions related to handling horses
Ability to assess the level of an individual's competency to undertake a task when issuing instructions
Incorporation of safe work practices into all instructions.
Ability to catch, control and handle a wide variety of horses including those that are difficult to handle
Giving, receiving and interpreting instructions
Ability to assess individual capacity for specific tasks

Context of Assessment

All assessment must:

Relate to horses in a training program or racing program, housed in an approved commercial stable environment
Relate to the staff of the stable and appropriate external visitors
Include a variety of horses at different stages of their training or racing program
Include horses that are currently racing
Include a range of horses of different temperament and behaviour.

Method of Assessment

Assessment may include:

Observation of work practices at various times during the working day and on different occasions
Questioning of underpinning knowledge
Practical tests

Resource Implications
Adequate assessment will require access to racing stables, with a variety of horses at differing stages of preparation.
It will be necessary for assessment to occur during the normal routine and operation of the establishment.
It may be necessary to access this environment on a number of occasions to complete the range of assessment tasks required.
Qualified Assessors will be required for this unit.

Pre-requisite and Interdependent Assessment of Units

This unit should be assessed after competency has been established in the following units:

RGRH206A Apply Occupational Health and Safety Procedures
RGRH207A Handle Horses Safely
RGRH208A Work Effectively in the Racing Industry
RGRH209A Care for Horses,
and may be assessed in conjunction with
RGRH312A Supervise and manage effectively in the Racing Industry

Processes to be applied to this competency standard
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout life that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. The numbers in brackets indicate the level to which the competency needs to be demonstrated.

0 Not required
1 Perform the process
2 Perform and administer the process
3 Perform administer and design the process
Communicating ideas and information
By receiving instructions from trainers and employers and conveying those instructions to other employees and contractors working in the stable. By reporting to trainers and employers on matters to do with handling and controlling horses and relaying instructions from third parties. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By reference to official publications, racing calendars, worksheets and bulletin boards and by discussion with others at the workplace. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Staff are briefed daily on tasks and work routine is supervised. Trainer and/or supervisors are consulted regularly, and visits by outside contractors arranged and supervised. Racing calendar is consulted regularly, transport to race meetings is organised in advance, equipment and gear organised, timetable and contingencies planning in place. (2)

Working with others and in teams
By liaison with employees, trainer and contractors to plan and distribute work and tasks. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By calculating time for journeys to racecourses, by calculating quantities of feeds, by using safe working loads when lifting or towing. (1)

Solving problems
By observing and analysing work practices and introducing alternative methods and improvements. (2)

Using technology
Through use of mobile phones and facsimile to communicate, and use of computers for internet access to race programming and general information. (1)