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 develop riding skills for flatwork. Workplaces include thoroughbred stables and racecourses, training tracks and public areas.
Exercise instructions may include:
duration of exercise
exercise venue
instructions received by phone or email
pace
specific gear or equipment to be used.
Exercise areas may include:
bull rings
bush trails
designated slow exercise areas at racecourses
paddocks
private roads at racecourses
private tracks
rules and regulations of exercise area.
Hazards and obstacles may include:
broken rails, fences or gates
creeks and waterholes
dusty or eroded tracks
horses
machinery
rabbit holes
slippery or muddy surfaces
stray animals, including native animals
vehicles.
Gear selected will include:
horse gear:
approved gear
bridles, including leather or plastic with snaffle bits or ring bits
breastplates
double clip leads
protective boots
reflector strips if exercised before light
rings or running martingales
saddles, including exercise pad or general purpose
saddlecloths and necessary packing
rider gear:
approved Australian Standard helmet, clothing and footwear
reflector strips if riding before light.
Horse is prepared for exercise by:
grooming
requesting assistance from strapper for riding or leading exercise
saddling
warming up.
Safe zones will include:
distance from other horses:
when walking, maintaining two horse lengths
when trotting, maintaining four to six lengths
when cantering, maintaining 10 to 12 lengths
identifying and keeping clear of young or intractable horses
techniques for slowing or manoeuvring horses seeking to encroach on space of others
width between riders.
Potential risks may include:
gear breakage
loose horses
rider injury
kicks from adjacent horse.

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 developing riding skills for flatwork
demonstration of flatwork riding skills under controlled conditions
implementation of procedures and timely techniques to complete riding skills for flatwork safely, effectively and efficiently
working with others to undertake and complete flatwork riding skills that meet required outcomes.
Evidence should be collected over a period of time using a range of well-educated thoroughbred horses of different ages and sexes 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 well-educated thoroughbred horses
materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to perform flatwork riding skills
safe handling and controlled riding 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.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
RGRCMN201A Follow OHS procedures and observe environmental work practices
RGRPSH201A Handle horses.
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).