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 relate anatomical and physiological features to the care and treatment of horses. Workplaces include harness and thoroughbred stables and racecourses, training tracks and public areas.
Components of skeletal and muscular systems will include:
bones
joints
ligaments
muscles
tendons.
Components of respiratory system will include:
alveolus
diaphragm
larynx
lungs
nostrils
pharynx
trachea.
Components of circulatory system will include:
arteries
blood cells
heart
lungs
veins.
Components of digestive system will include:
caecum
diaphragm
intestines
kidneys
mouth
oesophagus
pharynx
stomach.
Components of reproductive system will include:
endocrine glands
male and female genital organs
oestrous cycle
pregnancy and foaling.
Common illnesses and injuries may include:
skeletal and muscular systems, including:
bone chips
bone spavin
bowed tendon
navicular disease
sesamoiditis
shin soreness
splints
stifle joint lameness
suspensory ligament injury
tendonitis
respiratory system, including:
air passage inflammation
equine influenza
heaves
pneumonia
roaring
strangles
circulatory system, including:
cardiac abnormalities
epistaxis
myocardial disease
digestive system, including:
botulism
colic
colitis x
dysphagia
enteritis
hepatitis.
Healing processes may include:
blood vessels
cartilage and bone
connective tissue
muscle tissue
nerves
skin and mucosal membrane.
Medications may include:
anabolic steroids
antibiotics
anti-inflammatories
bronchodilators
hormones
injections:
intra-articular
intramuscular
intravenous
subcutaneous
muscle relaxants
poultices
sedatives
vasodilators
vitamins.
Therapies may include:
acupuncture
bandaging
chiropractic
counter irritation
electromagnetic
exercise, for example walking or swimming
hydrotherapy
ice and heat
immobilisation
laser
magnetic
massage
pharmaceutical
rest
ultrasound.
Directions related to care and treatment of racehorses will include:
adhering to rules of racing in administration of treatments
adhering to medication material safety data sheet directions
administering prescribed treatments
advice from veterinary surgeons, farriers or other horse health specialists.

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 key features and functions of the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, circulatory, digestive and reproductive systems of horses
knowledge of common illnesses and injuries of the skeletal, muscular and respiratory systems of horses
implementation of procedures and timely techniques to relate anatomical and physiological features to the care and treatment of horses that meet required outcomes
working with others to undertake and complete care and treatment tasks that meet required outcomes.
Evidence should be collected over a period of time using a range of racehorses of different ages and sexes, and at different stages of preparation 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 variety of harness or thoroughbred horses
materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to relate anatomical and physiological features to the care and treatment of horses
safe handling areas, such as racing stables, yards, and training and racetracks
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.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
RGRPSH408A Manage horse health and welfare.
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).