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 to drive jog work. Workplaces include harness stables and racecourses, training tracks and public areas.
Trackwork measurements may include:
distances:
estimating distance when watching horses in action or in video
estimating distance while driving
measuring distances
pacing out distances
using distance markers
speed:
counting manually
estimating speed by watching horses in action or on video
estimating speed while driving
using a stopwatch to measure time.
Trackwork instructions may include:
directions to maintain or change position when working with other horses
gear to be used
length of time, distance and speed horses are to be worked
type of warm-up or cool-down exercise
work speed and distance over particular track sections.
Modifying trackwork instructions may include:
reducing or stopping trackwork due to:
gear failure
horse or driver injury
impact of weather conditions on horse health
track incident or potential hazard
track official directions
unsafe track conditions.
Safety checks may include :
fit and condition of horse tack and equipment
fit and condition of personal protective equipment
review of horse condition and behaviour
review of weather conditions
verification that exercise area is free of hazards.
Post-exercise activities may include:
checking gear for damage or wear
checking horses for injury
cleaning gear and returning it to storage area
completing stable records for exercise and horse health or injury status
hosing and grooming horses
reporting injuries or damaged gear to supervisor.
Safely mounting and dismounting sulky may include:
ensuring area is clear of hazards and obstacles prior to mounting or dismounting
mounting:
practising with assistant releasing horse from tie-up once driver is mounted
practising with assistant holding horse's head while driver mounts
practising mounting while driver controls horse in confined area
practising mounting while driver controls horse in open area
dismounting:
practising dismounting while assistant holds horse
practising dismounting while driver controls horse in confined area
practising dismounting while driver controls horse in open area.
Supervisor's instructions may include:
all driving skills and directions will relate to beginner driver speed not trackwork speeds
cantering horses at controlled speed in controlled area
driving horse in pace or trot:
alone:
controlling position of horse on track, close to marker poles or set distance off markers
maintaining nominated controlled speed
working with others:
changing position on track relative to other horses
maintaining position relative to other horses throughout exercise at controlled speed
moving back behind other horses at controlled speed
overtaking other horses at controlled speed.
Strategies may include:
complying with road rules and track rules
planning ahead to avoid potential hazards, such as:
avoiding driving too close to obstacles or other horses
being aware of location of track or exercise area entrance and exit points
maintaining control when horses get their tails over reins
making suitable corrections to maintain control when horses:
bolt
buck
jump shadows
kick
pig root
stumble
shy
negotiating public roads and traffic
paying attention to location and behaviours of other drivers and horses
slowing down in good time
watching for unusual obstacles or hazards, damaged equipment or other distractions
watching out for track staff, members of the public and other animals
using assertive rein pressure to encourage horse to follow directions
using corrective aids, such as:
bits
boots
burrs
ear plugs
head checks
hopples
martingales
using rein pressure to control speed and direction
using voice to calm or reassure horse.

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 practising basic jog work driving tasks
demonstration of control of quiet harness horses in basic trackwork driving manoeuvres at beginner driver speed not trackwork speeds
implementation of procedures and timely techniques to complete basic trackwork driving tasks safely, effectively and efficiently
working with others to undertake and complete basic driving tasks that meet required outcomes.
Evidence should be collected over a period of time using a range of well-educated harness 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 Harness 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 well-educated harness horses
materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to practise basic driving skills
safe handling and controlled driving areas, such as racing stables, 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 and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
simulation exercises conducted in a State Principal Harness 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.
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).