Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides details of how this competency standard can be used when assessing trackriders and harness drivers for registration to engage in riding or driving horses in trackwork conducted on registered training tracks and racecourses for the harness code or the thoroughbred code. The Range Statement is broad enough to cover differences in knowledge and skill requirements of registration standards adopted by racing authorities in the states of Australia.
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 factors affect horses on training tracks?
Horses of varying ages, experience and temperament
Horses
Horses at varying stages of preparation or states of fitness
Horses worked on a

What situations are dangerous for trackriders?
Track hazards and variations to surface
Loose or out of control horses
Horses going in reverse direction
Fallen horses
Broken reins or defective gear
Horses in new environment

Who is responsible for organising commitments?
Track work riding or driving arrangements may be self managed or arranged by employer/trainer.

How do the Rules of Racing and regulations apply to track work?
Rider or driver safety-wear (approved helmets, clothing and footwear)
Rider or driver obligations under the rules of racing
Approved gear for horses
Registration requirements of stable employees and track riders or drivers
Track rules and regulations

What are approved riding aids?
Whips
Spurs

Critical Aspects of Evidence
The competencies involved in this unit are critical considerations for registration of trackwork riders and trackwork drivers.
Evidence must be gathered to test each Performance Criteria in routine and non-routine circumstances, at various times, on different racecourses, and with a range of horses, to ensure consistency and transferability and to cover the range of applications that the standard operates in.

Evidence to demonstrate consistent achievement of this unit's outcomes includes:


Knowledge and Understanding of:
Relevant code's local rules and regulations pertaining to the riding or driving of horses in work
Obligations within the industry in accordance with employer, stable and track requirements
Animal health and welfare regulations
Industry terminology related to the working and performance of horses
Communication procedures within the stable and the industry
Procedures for reporting common hazards and hazardous situations
Appropriate corrective action in dangerous situations

Knowledge and Application of:
Interpreting and implementing track work instructions
Reporting on the performance, health and well being of horses.

Demonstration of:
Ability to work horses singly or with other horses in a controlled manner and according to instructions
Judging the pace and identifying the gait at which a horse is working
Ability to communicate and report on the performance of horses at work

Context of Assessment
Riding components are contained in element 3, and must be assessed in the context of a licensed racecourse or training track under the control of stewards conducting training for thoroughbreds or harness horses.

All assessment must:

Relate to horses in a training program, housed in an approved commercial stable environment
Include a variety of horses at different stages of their training program
Include horses that are currently racing
Include a range of horses of different age, temperament, and behaviour
Demonstrate competency on a consistent basis

Method of Assessment

Assessment may include:

Observation of work practices before, during, and after, track work and trials
Questioning of underpinning knowledge
Oral testing
Short answer or multiple choice testing

Pre-requisite and Interdependent Assessment of Units

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

RGRH205A - Perform basic riding or driving tasks
RGRH207A - Handle horses safely
and may be assessed in conjunction with
RGRH209A - Care for horses,
RGRH310A - Supervise handling horses safely

Resource Implications
Adequate assessment will require access to training tracks, with a variety of horses at differing stages of preparation and able to be ridden or driven at track work.
It will be necessary for assessment to occur during the normal routine and operation of the training establishment and on numerous occasions.
Qualified Industry Assessors will be required for this unit.

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 reporting to trainers on performance of horses at exercise and training. By receiving instructions and information on horse characteristics and by relaying observations to trainers. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By reference to official publications, racing calendars, diaries and personal organisers. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Arrangements and times to ride trackwork for various trainers confirmed. Transport to training tracks is organised in advance, equipment organised. Permits are renewed, and log books and diaries kept. (2)

Working with others and in teams
By liaison with trainers to ride work, discuss performance, prospects and future plans. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By using time measurement to rate horses work, by calculating time required for journeys to training tracks. (1)

Solving problems
By application of riding skills and knowledge of horse behaviour to address and correct behavioural problems in horses during trackwork. (1)

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