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 assess riding horses at trackwork. Workplaces include thoroughbred stables and racecourses, training tracks and public areas.
Horses may be warmed up to and down from working pace by:
adhering to local track rules and regulations regarding pace permitted in specific areas
trotting in bull ring
trotting or cantering in designated exercise areas
trotting and cantering on track before pacework or gallops
easing horse after completing pacework or gallops
walking or trotting from gap.
Pace of horse may include:
strong canter
half pace
three-quarter pace
even time
working gallop.
Rules and etiquette for riding on fast tracks may include:
additional safety awareness and responsibility when riding fast work
easing own horse, should other horses become loose
identifying opening times and days for fast tracks
local track rules and regulations
obeying markers and witches hats
position on track when working past slower horses
permitted number for working horses abreast.
Safe entry and exit procedures to all tracks may include:
ensuring proper width space and length between horses when entering and exiting tracks
ensuring horse is ridden purposefully past gaps before easing at completion of work
ensuring horse does not attempt to duck out of gaps
following local track rules and regulations
identifying gaps for all tracks
observing horse traffic on all tracks
riding horse calmly and without delay when entering and exiting tracks.
Professional judgement may be used:
when rider encounters problems with:
own horse
track or other horses, for example:
horse soreness or bleeding
loose horse
track condition, such as slow or heavy
track debris.
Arrangements to use practice barriers may include:
confirming availability of practice barriers with gap attendant or other authorised track personnel
confirming trainer requirements for barrier practice
following local track rules and regulations regarding barrier use
requesting barrier assistant check smooth operation of front and rear gates before introducing horse to barriers.
Riding horses in a safe manner 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
ensuring barrier training is conducted when ground is suitable and not slippery
considering variables that influence behaviour of horses, such as:
fences and equipment
other persons or animals
vehicles
wind and noise
following safe operating procedures
identifying hazards associated with barrier training and applying risk control measures
identifying and reporting unsafe work practices and procedures
understanding individual horse's behaviour
using approved gear in good repair
using barriers when there is minimal horse traffic in immediate area
using graduated procedures to accustom horse to barriers
wearing approved personal protective equipment, including approved Australian Standard helmets, vests, clothing and footwear.
Common barrier problems may include:
horse laying back on gate
horse laying on sides of stall
horse burrowing
horse sitting down
horse refusing
horse pulling back
horse straddling front of stalls.

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 riding fast work
demonstration of advanced trackwork riding skills and practice barrier training for thoroughbred horses
implementation of procedures and timely techniques for the safe, effective and efficient application of fast work riding skills
working with others to undertake and complete fast work riding 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 thoroughbred horses
materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to demonstrate advanced trackwork riding skills and practice barrier techniques
safe handling and appropriate riding and practice barrier 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 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, 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).