Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement explains how this competency standard can be used in a racing stable to plan and implement an education program for individual horses so as to enable each horse to be safely handled and prepared for training and racing according to industry standards.
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.

What rules and regulations are involved?
Relevant industry and local government rules and
Health and safety of animals and employees (OHS)
Requirements for and the eligibility of animals to access training and racing facilities
Standards of control and behaviour for animals during the training and racing program

How is the education process managed?
Work must be managed to comply with industry standards, rules or regulations at all times.
Education may be delivered and/or supervised by the trainer, or organised through another person or facility established for breaking in and educating horses.

What is the work environment for educating horses?
In the stable and stable yards
At different registered training/breaking and educating tracks and premises
At different locations and on different track surfaces
At trials
From the barrier
At registered race meetings and in public places
With other horses or alone

What gear is appropriate for use in educating horses?
Blinkers, hopples, a variety of bits, saddles, reins, harness, halters, sulky, bridles, rings, tongue ties, nose bands, shadow rolls, breastplates, pacifiers. Note: the National harness gear list can provide further information.

What matters are evaluated?
Age, temperament, vices, and background of horse
Progress towards industry standards
Safety of horse and handlers

Critical Aspects of Evidence

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


Demonstration of:
Principles of education of standardbreds or thoroughbreds for racing
Industry standards of behaviour of horses' post education and breaking in
Assessing behaviour of horses post education and breaking in, against industry standards, rules or regulations in terms of handling, training, and racing.
Ability to communicate with owners and employees regarding individual standardbreds or thoroughbreds potential, performance and needs
Safe handling of standardbreds or thoroughbreds
Ability to communicate effectively with staff designated to care for horses
Implementation of principles of occupational health and safety

Knowledge and Application of:
Normal behaviour, vices and undesirable traits, and the identification of appropriate behaviour modification and corrective practices and procedures
Housing, welfare, and care requirements of standardbreds and thoroughbreds in work, and industry and council requirements and regulations
Routine and first aid treatments for care of standardbreds or thoroughbreds
Recording requirements for the education, feeding and veterinary care of individual standardbreds and thoroughbreds

Context of Assessment
Whilst it is deemed that aspects of this unit are theoretical in nature, it is considered that assessment is practical by application.
It is appropriate to assess understanding of the principles of educating horses in the theoretical mode (i.e. by short answer testing, multiple choice testing, written examination and oral examination).

Method of Assessment

Assessment may include:

Observation of work practices at various times during the working day and on different occasions with horses at different stages of education
Questioning of underpinning knowledge
Practical tests for handling horses
Short answer or multiple choice testing
Written assignments

Resource Implications
Access to a commercial training establishment and the full range of equipment normally associated with same.
A variety of horses in various stages of education and preparation for training and racing will be required.
Some tasks may be completed using a simulated environment.
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,
RGRH310A - Oversee safe handling of horses
RGRH311A - Apply principles of basic anatomy and physiology to horses
RGRH312A - Lead and co-ordinate personnel effectively in the racing industry
RGRH420A - Plan training and racing programs for standardbreds and thoroughbreds and may be assessed in conjunction with
RGRH422A - Train and race standardbreds or thoroughbreds
RGRH423A - Assess training and racing programs of standardbreds or thoroughbreds

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 conveying information to team members on matters relating to horses undergoing education such as condition and behaviour of animals, handling problems, vices, use of corrective gear, and hazards and problems. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By liaison with breeders, owners, horse breakers, veterinarians, and handlers to obtain relevant information on individual horses. By organising team meetings to discuss progress of individual horses, and by assessing performance and behaviour at trials and within the racecourse environment. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Assessment of individual horse's age, conformation, history and background is carried out and education method and timetable planned. Progress of work is checked and monitored and modifications to program introduced where appropriate. Equipment, gear and staff are organised, and horses identified and prepared for education program. (3)

Working with others and in teams
By liaison with relevant staff to plan and distribute work and tasks and check and report on progress of work. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Not applicable to this unit. (0)

Solving problems
By observing and reporting unusual or dangerous behaviour in animals, and applying corrective handling and control measures. (2)

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