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 supervise the handling of horses. Workplaces include harness and thoroughbred racing stables and racecourses, training tracks and public areas.
Instructions to others may cover:
approved gear
individual horse behaviour
relevant rules of racing
road safety, including:
crossing roads
using reflective strips on rugs and vests
using underpasses or overpasses
safe horse handling and leading procedures.
Assistance in identifying or handling horses may be provided to:
farriers
float drivers
other stable employees
swab attendants
stewards
trainers
veterinarians or therapists.
Competence of other workers may be determined by:
observing successful completion of graduated tasks
questioning.
Factors to consider when tasks are delegated may include:
adhering to responsibilities under OHS legislation and workplace practices
adhering to responsibilities under national and state codes of practice; federal, state and territory legislation; and local government regulations covering animal welfare and transport of horses
adhering to rules of training tracks and public venues
approved gear for horses
assessing competence of individual workers
considering variables that influence behaviour of horses, such as:
fences and equipment
other persons or animals
vehicles
wind and noise
identifying potential hazards and applying risk control measures
individual horse behaviour
relevant road safety rules
wearing approved personal protective equipment, including approved Australian Standard helmet, vest, clothing and footwear.
Different gear may include:
general horse gear:
bandages
blinkers
floating boots
nosebands
pacifiers
shadow rolls
tongue ties
winkers
harness-specific gear:
bits
bridles
deafeners
driving boots
hopples
hopple shorteners
jog vehicles
lugging poles
pull up blinds
reins
removable deafeners
saddles
shoes
sulkies
thoroughbred-specific gear:
bits
breastplates
bridles
girths
reins
rings
saddles
shoes
stirrup irons and leathers
surcingles
working boots.
Different gear may be used to:
address behavioural problems
address conformation or anatomical faults
correct action.
Practice and skill development opportunities may include:
graduating difficulty of tasks
mentoring
staff initially working with less difficult horses, for example:
horses returning from spelling
lead ponies
training courses.

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 supervising the handling of horses
implementation of procedures and timely techniques for the safe, effective and efficient handling of horses
working with others to undertake and complete horse handling procedures 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 supervise handling of horses
safe handling areas, such as racing stables 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.
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
RGRCMN201A Follow OHS procedures and observe environmental work practices.
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).