Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below.

The range statement provides details of how this competency can be used in the workplaces of the racing industry to implement feeding programs for racehorses under direction. Workplaces include harness and thoroughbred stables and racecourses, training tracks and public areas.
Quality and suitability of feed and feed supplements may include:
recognising quality of feed:
age
presence or absence of mould
rodent or other spoilage
type of grass or grain species
recognising:
electrolytes
herbal remedies
prescribed additives
vitamins and minerals
recognising and evaluating pre and post-race feeds
understanding basic digestive system
understanding feeding principles.
Preparation and distribution of feeds will include:
adhering to enterprise's feeding time requirements
changing rations, as directed, to suit local conditions:
high energy feeds for racing animals
spelling feeds for horses coming into work or being let down
climate
damping feeds as required
ensuring prepared feed is given to correct horse
following relevant rules of racing related to feed additives
following safe horse handling practices
maintaining enterprise's safe feed preparation procedures:
cleaning buckets, feed and water containers
following instructions related to feed mixers and grain crushers
minimising dust
using dust masks
using safe lifting and handling techniques
washing hands
reading and following feed rations lists and directions
recognising spoiled or contaminated feeds
recognising and adding prescribed supplements
understanding common horse behaviour
using feed weighing scales.
Contaminants may include:
accidental introduction of banned substances through use of supplements
chemicals
foreign objects in bagged or premixed feed
moisture, humidity or heat
mould
rodent, bird or bat droppings.
Feed inventory checking and reporting may include:
checking quality of remaining feed
checking receipt of supplies
confirming order with supervisor
counting remaining bales of hay, bags of feed and supplements
estimating ongoing supplies for designated period
ordering supplies
reading and writing feed inventory.
Individual eating and drinking variations may include:
aggression when feeding
drinking more or less water than usual
eating bedding
eating dirt or sand
leaving feed or feed components
playing with water
scattering or flinging feed
quidding.
Condition of horses may include:
becoming tucked up
changing consistency, odour or frequency of manure or urine
developing a dull or rough coat
developing a nervy disposition
losing or gaining weight.
Common problems related to incorrect feeding may include:
contravention of rules of racing
colic
diarrhoea
leg swelling
laminitis
exertional rhabdomyolosis (tying up).

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions that are to apply when feeding horses under direction
implementation of procedures to complete horse feeding tasks safely, effectively and efficiently
working with others to undertake and complete horse feeding tasks that meet required outcomes.
Evidence should be collected over a period of time using a range of harness and thoroughbred horses of different ages and sexes in racing stable and track environments.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency must be assessed in a racing workplace that provides access to the required resources or simulated environment approved by the relevant State Principal Racing Authority. Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints. It is to comply with relevant regulatory requirements or Australian Standards requirements.
Assessment of the practical components of this unit will be by observation of relevant skills.
The following resources must be available:
a range of harness and thoroughbred horses
materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to implement feeding programs for horses under direction
safe handling areas, such as racing stables
work instructions and related documentation.
Method of assessment
Assessment methods must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Racing Training Package.
The suggested strategies for the assessment of this unit are:
written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
simulation exercises conducted in a State Principal Racing Authority approved simulated environment.
Evidence is required to be demonstrated over a period of time, therefore where performance is not directly observed any evidence should be authenticated by supervisors or other appropriate persons.
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).