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 prepare for race riding. Workplaces include thoroughbred stables and racecourses, training tracks and public areas.
Techniques for riding short may include:
altering bridge
centre of gravity
local rulings related to leather lengths
mechanical horse practice
position of foot in iron
transition from exercise saddle to racing saddle.
Whip action and seat refinement may include:
changing hold
pulling the whip
showing the whip
swapping whip between hands
maintaining balance
maintaining control
mechanical horse practice
principles of animal welfare
rules of racing related to whip use.
Pre and post-race riding procedures may include:
discussions with trainers or jockeys related to riding instructions
discussions with stewards related to drug testing procedures
inspecting track
observing jockey room procedures
observing mounting yard procedures
observing stewards' race meeting activities
observing the start
observing weigh in and out.
Track shape and surface assessment may include:
differences between tracks in various locations
grass or synthetic tracks
observing rail position and condition
observing length of straights
observing distances between turns and straights.
Classes of races will include:
restricted
maiden
trophy
classes A to D
classes 1 to 6
special conditions
open transition
group
listed.
Individual horse's racing style may include:
discussions with trainer or foreman and other jockeys
observing how races are run:
jumping from barriers
coming from behind
front runners
sprint and staying races
watching races and race re-plays.
Industry jargon and abbreviations will include:
terminology related to:
action and behaviour of horses during race
age and experience of horses
inquiries into the running of races
position in a race
protests
race finish position of runners
race incidents
stages of a race
track conditions.
Speed map interpretation and preparation will include:
form guides
internet
race books
races, trials and trackwork
stewards' reports
video re-plays.
Apprentice claims will include:
claiming same allowance during race meeting
country, metropolitan and provincial claims
minimum handicap weights
out riding claims
rules of racing
winning rides book.
Identifying and interpreting inquiry and protest procedures may include:
discussing forms of evidence
discussing appropriate forms of address and personal presentation
participating in mock inquiries and protests
researching rules of racing
searching internet for results of inquiries and protests.
Rules related to safe and legal race riding may include:
careless, improper, incompetent or foul riding
crossing only when two lengths clear of other horses
keeping horse straight
riding horse calmly and safely into and from barrier.

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 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 preparing to ride in races
evaluating form and assessing individual horse's expected performance in a race
implementation of procedures and timely techniques to complete preparation of race riding tasks safely, effectively and efficiently
interpreting documentation and other sources of racing information
working with others to undertake and complete preparation of race riding tasks that meet required outcomes.
Evidence should be collected over a period of time using a range of horses of different ages and sexes, in different circumstances and in different racing stable and track environments.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency must be assessed in a racing workplace that provides access to horses that are being educated and trained in a commercial racing stable under the care of a licensed trainer and the required resources. 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 and must be conducted on licensed racetracks in conjunction with the State Principal Racing Authority officials, for example stewards or riding masters.
The following resources must be available:
a variety of thoroughbred horses that are currently in training
commercial racing training establishments, and training and licensed racetracks
materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to demonstrate race riding skills
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.
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, at least one of whom should be approved by the State Principal Racing Authority.
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).