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 assist with the transportation of horses. Workplaces include harness and thoroughbred stables and racecourses, training tracks and public areas.
Basic vehicle and float safety check may include:
assessment of risks and hazards to people and horses
float:
breach chains and dividers
brake lights and indicators
floor
interior lighting
ventilation
vehicle:
brakes
jack and wheel brace
lights and indicators
tow bar and ball
tyres.
Equipment for transporting horses may include:
bandages for legs and tails
bell boots
bits
head collars and leads
hock protectors
hoods
knee boots
rugs.
Checking and preparing horses for transport may include:
horse is assessed for illness or injury
feet are picked out
legs and tail are protected
rugs and hoods are used as directed
shoes are tight.
Transport may include:
air transport
floats
sea transport
trailers
trucks.
Horses may be positioned by:
removing rearing bit or other gear before tying up
tying up at suitable length and height using a quick release knot.
Horse requirements may include:
horse's temperament
horses that scramble or need extra space or height
stallions versus geldings, mares or young stock.
Transport configurations may include:
angle loading
head to front loading
head to rear loading
side loading.
Procedures for dealing with difficult situations during loading and unloading may include:
aligning float correctly
ensuring interior lighting works
ensuring angle of ramp is as low as possible
loading older, more experienced horses first
placement of individual horses
using britching rope
using bits for greater control.
Horse behaviour problems may include:
barging
fighting with other horses
going down in the float
kicking
pawing.
Indicators of illness or injury may include:
dehydration
diarrhoea
elevated temperature
head, leg or body wounds
laminitis symptoms
listlessness
shifted plates or shoes
swelling in limbs
travel sickness symptoms.
Caring for horses 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
checking shoes or plates for shifting
considering variables that influence behaviour of horses, such as:
fences and equipment
other persons or animals
vehicles
wind and noise
cooling down horses according to weather conditions
feeding and watering as directed
identifying and reporting unsafe work practices
identifying emergency situations, for example:
gear breakage
horse getting loose
rugging as appropriate
treating illness or injury as directed
understanding individual horse behaviour
wearing personal protective equipment.
Checking and cleaning vehicle and float may include:
gear and equipment are removed and stored
manure is collected and removed to waste area
rubber matting is cleaned or removed if wet
vehicle and float are locked.

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 assisting with the transportation of horses
implementation of procedures and timely techniques for the safe, effective and efficient transport of horses
working with others to undertake and complete transportation 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, including transport vehicles relevant to assessing candidate's ability to assist with transportation 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.
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).