Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides details of the competencies required of trainers who are licensed to care for and train standardbred or thoroughbred horses for racing. The competencies allow for differences within enterprises and workplaces, including health and municipal regulations, and industry practices and rules.
The environment covers racecourses, stables, administration buildings, training tracks and public places. The Range Statement covers the general principles applying to both thoroughbred and harness codes, refers where necessary, to differences between codes, and details the knowledge and skill requirements specific to each code.

What is involved in routine cleaning?
All regular cleaning of horse housing on a daily, weekly or other basis
All ground level areas to be kept clean of animal droppings and urine, all rubbish, papers, and any hazardous material
Stables or yards kept free from faeces/urine
Yards, boxes and housing arrangements including feed bins, water vessels and containers are regularly cleaned and

What items require safe and secure storage?
Food/feedstuff in sealed rodent proof bins/containers
Waste animal and veterinary materials in appropriately designed bins or containers including needle/syringe disposal
Traps/baits/poisons and cleaning agents are stored and/or used subject to Occupational Health & Safety regulations
Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies stored in locked containers

What constitutes suitable bedding?
Straw, sand, wood shavings, rice hulls

What must be followed when removing waste animal and veterinary material?
Adherence to local health regulations.

What must be done to provide an adequate water supply?
Plumbing fittings and fixtures protected for all seasons and weather conditions
Water supplies sourced to prevent carrying of heavy water containers
Water vessels/containers regularly checked, cleaned and disinfected.

What assists safe accommodation for horses?
Entries/walls/surrounds are free from sharp or dangerous protrusions
Accommodation is suitable for a mix of sex and to cater for dominant/submissive behaviours
Stables are of an appropriate size and are sited according to prevalent climatic conditions
Access to and exit from stables can accommodate emergency situations
Stables are adequately ventilated

What is involved in individual health management programs?
Teeth check and treatment is established on 3-4 month rotation
Worming, sheath cleaning, skin checks
Adherence to regulations relating to interstate/overseas travel
Identification and reporting of communicable and
Records and

What factors affect parasite control?
Daily and/or regular inspections
Reference to climatic and local conditions in respect of internal/external parasites

How is management of external and internal parasites carried out?
Topical dressings/washes are administered to manufacturer's specifications
Transmission of external parasites animal to animal is prevented by separation of gear and equipment cleaning, and disinfection and housing management
Accurate measurement of dosages for dressings/washes are utilised
Regulations for use of pharmaceutical substances are met and maintained
Drenches and worming medications are used to manufacturer's specifications or veterinary instruction
Parasitic conditions relating to ticks, mites, fleas, ulcers, hookworms, heartworms, round worms, tapeworms, thread worms, red worms, bots, and whipworm are known
Adherence to individual state and overseas requirements in relation to parasites

What health and injury checks should be regularly conducted?
Feed and water containers are checked in order to ensure that horses are feeding and drinking appropriately
Faeces and urine are checked for abnormalities
Nostrils checked for discharge or signs of ill health
Temperature checked
Changes to normal behaviour observed
Pulse checked in foot
Weight loss or gain is checked
Legs checked for "heat", swelling, cuts
Feet checked for loose/worn shoes.
Back injuries and signs of soreness observed
Teeth and eye of animal checked
Injury relating to ill-fitting equipment such as rubs and burns
Check for lameness

What reporting relationships apply?
Stablehand to foreman
Foreman to trainer
Trainer to veterinarian
Trainer to farrier
Trainer to steward
Trainer to owner
Trainer/foreman to external suppliers/contractors

What are common hoof diseases and injuries?
Stone bruises
Laminitis
Cracked heel
Seedy toe
Thrush
Quarter cracks
Nail binding
Navicular disease
Abscesses

What is involved in regular hoof care?
Checking
Cleaning
Dressing
Trimming (farriers)
Shoeing/plating (farriers)
Reporting problems to trainer

What are gait abnormalities?
Cross firing
Scalping
Brushing
Speedy cutting
Over reaching

What are common skin ailments?
Ringworm
Fungal infections
Rain scald
Eczema
Sunburn

What are bites?
Bee stings
Buffalo fly stings
Ticks
Mosquitos

What are external parasites?
Lice
Bots

What are common internal Parasites?
Roundworm
Tapeworm
Whipworm
Hookworm
Threadworm

Critical Aspects of Evidence
Demonstration of:
Principles of animal welfare
Remedial first aid procedures for horses
Housing and care requirements of standardbreds or thoroughbreds in work
Ability to communicate effectively
Recognition of symptoms of common diseases and injuries to horses

Knowledge and Understanding of:
Minimum welfare and/or council requirements and regulations for keeping animals
State/Commonwealth OH&S regulations relating to the use and storage of poisons, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and cleaning agents
Vaccination requirements and any regulations established by controlling bodies or government agencies
Symptoms of and procedures for notifiable diseases
Regulations pertaining to therapeutic substances and the implications of these regarding the use of any substance such as over-counter medication or topical dressing
Rules and regulations pertaining to the shoeing of horses
Principles of hygiene and best practice as they relate to animal care
Structure of the hoof/foot
Common foot/hoof disorders such as: thrush, corns, quarter cracks, bruising, and abscess
Infection transfer
Required quarantine procedures in case of localised infectious disease
Commonly used health parameters for the animal e.g. temperature, respiration rate, hydration, temperature control, heart rate

Context of Assessment
This unit is to be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated situation by demonstration of skill under the normal range of work conditions and be conducted one more than one occasion.
Assessment must involve horses currently in work and include a range of animals of different ages, temperament and behaviour.

Assessment of this unit would include:

Hazard identification; provision of adequate water supply; routine cleaning of stables and yards; undertaking checks of animals; identification of gait abnormalities
Design of accommodation; security of buildings, animals and environment; pest management; storage requirements of chemicals, fuels, medications and food; disposal of waste materials; vaccination program management; parasite control management; causes symptoms and treatment of common injuries, illnesses, parasites, hoof diseases and injuries: record keeping; shoeing requirements of horses.

Method of Assessment
Practical tests
Observation of work practices
Questioning of underpinning knowledge
Written examination or assignments

Resource Implications
Access to a commercial training establishment and the full range of equipment normally associated with same.
A variety of horses in various stages of preparation and as found in most commercial establishments would be required.
Some tasks may be completed using a simulated environment.
Qualified Industry Assessors will be required for this unit.

Pre-requisite and Interdependent Assessment of Units

This unit should be assessed after competency has been established in the following units:

RGRH206A - Apply Occupational Health and Safety procedures
RGRH207A - Handle horses safely
RGRH208A - Work Effectively in the Racing Industry
RGRH209A - Care for horses,
RGRH310A - Oversee safe handling of horses
RGRH311A - Apply principles of basic anatomy and physiology to horses
RGRH312A - Lead and co-ordinate personnel effectively in the racing industry
and may be assessed in conjunction with
RGRH318A - Determine nutritional requirements for standardbreds or thoroughbreds
RGRH319A - Assess health and first aid for standardbreds or thoroughbreds

Processes to be applied to this competency standard
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout life that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. The numbers in brackets indicate the level to which the competency needs to be demonstrated.

0 Not required
1 Perform the process
2 Perform and administer the process
3 Perform administer and design the process
Communicating ideas and information
By observing individual animals and conveying information to team members and employers on health, welfare, and condition and behaviour of animals including injuries, illnesses and treatments. By reporting on conditions of gear, workplace hazards and problems, and by conversing with specialists such as veterinarians to obtain and impart information. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By reference to official publications, labels and instruction charts, posters and notices. By liaison with health and municipal officials. By attending team meetings and management meetings and by preparing and revising workplace instructions and arrangements. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Regular team meetings organised, daily work routine is organised, staff are briefed, progress of work is checked and horses are monitored. (2)

Working with others and in teams
By liaison with work colleagues to plan and distribute work and tasks and check and report on completion of work. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By measuring of quantities and doses. (1)

Solving problems
By observing and reporting unusual behaviour or conditions in animals, by detecting potential hazards in the workplace, by analysing work practices and suggesting improvements. (1)

Using technology
Through use of mobile phones and facsimile to communicate, and use of computers for internet access to general information and email. (1)