Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement explains how this competency standard can be used by a licensed trainer to implement a training and racing program for individual horses so as to enable each horse to be competitive in races conducted by the racing authorities.
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 industry rules, regulations and procedures apply?
Registration and licensing of animals and employees
Safety of animals and employees
Rules and regulations pertaining to the requirements for and the eligibility of animals to access training and racing facilities
Appropriate presentation of horses and persons at the races
Eligibility of horses to race
Handicapping or grading systems
Race day procedures
Recording requirements
Procedures for protests, inquiries and appeals
Accepted racing gear and gear changes
Pre race and post race procedures.

What are the health and welfare checks?
Feed and water regimes
Housing and accommodation
Safe transportation
Monitoring health of horses

What records should be kept?
Health maintenance
Feeding regimes
Breeding/pedigree
Training and work schedule
Trials schedule and performance
Race behaviour
Gear
Veterinary treatments
Nominations
Documents of description

What nutritional factors influence performance?
Ratio of bulk to concentrates
Relationship between quantity and workload
Influence of oats in diet
Influence of pre-mixed feeds
Feed intolerance

Critical Aspects of Evidence

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


Demonstration of:
Completing training and racing records, and all other related racing documentation in an appropriate format and within an appropriate time frame
Assessing standardbreds or thoroughbreds potential and classification, for entering in the appropriate race
Principles of conditioning standardbreds or thoroughbreds for the purpose of racing over short, medium and long distance races.
Ability to communicate with owners and employees regarding individual standardbreds or thoroughbreds potential, performance, and needs
Ability to present information as required for protests, inquiries and appeals
Ability to analyse training records and information in order to determine appropriate training schedule

Knowledge and Application of:
Rules and regulations pertaining to the training and racing of horses
These may include, race day procedures, recording requirements (including nomination and acceptance), procedures for protests, inquiries and appeals, accepted racing gear and gear changes, licensing of persons, and registration of horses
Occupational health and safety standards and safe handling of horses including the safety of the animal, the handler and the public
Principles of conditioning standardbreds or thoroughbreds for racing
Principles of feed and nutrition of standardbreds or thoroughbreds in training and racing
Fitness indicators of given individuals at various stages of a training and racing program
Housing and care requirements of standardbreds and thoroughbreds in work
Racing calendars with reference to race types (classes), and handicapping rules
Racetrack surfaces and how these impact upon individual animals and their racing needs and temperaments
Routine and first aid treatments for care of standardbreds or thoroughbreds. This will include the post training and race assessment of animal condition for fitness and injury, and muscle and limb soreness. It will also include a demonstrable knowledge of the treatment of common training and racing injuries and complaints
Recording requirements for the training, feeding and veterinary care of standardbreds and thoroughbreds

Context of Assessment
The theoretical components of training and racing may be assessed in simulated situations but would be required to be practically oriented. Training and racing programs should relate to standardbreds or thoroughbreds that are currently racing and should include a variety of animals with differing performance levels and racing history.
Theoretical components include: rules and regulations, principles of fitness, classes and types of racing; handicapping or grading systems; occupational health and safety requirements; review of performance records, feeding and nutrition, racing surfaces
Practical components must be assessed using racing animals in a race day or training environment. Practical components include: assessment of performance and performance potential; assessment of levels of fitness; presentation of horses at trials and races; feeding and watering regimes; housing, communicating with industry persons.

Method of Assessment

Assessment may include:

Observation of work practices at various times during the working day
Questioning of underpinning knowledge
Practical tests
Review and analysis of videos of race performance

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 will be required.
A qualified Assessor 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
RGRH420A - Plan training and racing programs for standardbreds and thoroughbreds
RGRH421A - Manage the education of standardbreds or thoroughbreds and may be assessed in conjunction with
RGRH423A - Assess training and racing programs of 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 conveying to team members the requirements of training and racing programs for individual horses and the associated stable duties. By establishing a system for reporting progress and problems encountered by horses in the training and racing program. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By reference to trackwork records, racing performance, veterinarian's reports and daily observation of individuals work, performance, and health and activity. By discussion with owners and at team meetings and observation of race videos. By regular review of progress towards aims of racing plans. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Regular planning of race programs and reviews of performance conducted, daily training routine is organised, staff are briefed, progress of work is checked, transport to race meetings is organised in advance, jockeys considered and engaged. (3)

Working with others and in teams
By liaison with trackwork riders and other training staff to plan trackwork and check report on horses condition at completion of work. By pre and post race discussion with jockeys to assess performance and plan future engagements. By liaison with veterinarians and other specialists to assess health and fitness of horses. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By examining training times and race times and weights carried and mapping progress and performance. (2)

Solving problems
By observing unusual behaviour or vices in animals and by applying corrective measures at trackwork. By adjusting feeding regimes and training methods to suit individual horses. (2)

Using technology
Through use of mobile phones and facsimile to communicate with owners and officials, and use of computers for internet access to race programming, general information and email communication. (1)