Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement explains how this competency standard can be used in a racing stable to interpret and assess feed and supplements for quality and nutritional value, and to establish feeding programs for individual horses in training.
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 constitutes feed for horses?
Variety of grains and energy sources
Local varieties/species of grass, hays and fodders
Pre-packaged food or bulk base food

What influences quality in food?
Presence/absence of mould or rot
Age of material
Rodent or other spoilage
Type of grass or grain species

What is contained in a basic ration?
Bulk and roughage
Chaff
Oats
Hay varieties

What factors affect individual feeding regimes?
Age of horse
Gender
Level of work
Individual taste
Metabolism

What are alkalising agents?
Some supplements alkalise the blood level in performance horses

What dangers do supplements pose?
Accidental introduction of banned substances through supplements and combinations of supplements

What are the common supplements?
Vitamins, oils, calcium, electrolytes, potassium citrate, iron, herbal remedies

Critical Aspects of Evidence

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


Knowledge and Understanding of:
Nutritional composition of common foods
Preparing and providing balanced diets and food for problem eaters
Sources and importance of energy, protein, fibre, minerals and vitamins in food rations
Nutritional requirements with respect to the animals age, and needs while spelling, training, and racing
Interaction between foods and/or additives that may result in contravention of industry regulations

Knowledge and Application of:
Developing and modifying the feeding regimes of a range of standardbreds or thoroughbreds at varying stages in life cycle, work program (stages of preparation) and physical condition

Demonstration of:
Understanding of quality, type and value of feed

Context of Assessment
Elements 1 & 2 can be assessed in a simulated situation.
Element 3 should be assessed in the work situation. It is necessary to consider the nutritional requirements of a range of horses at different stages of work/preparation and with differing eating habits and patterns.
Assessment must relate to horses in a training program or racing program.
Assessment of quality, species and nutritional value of food will require a simulated or work environment.

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

Resource Implications
Access to a commercial training establishment for horses 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.
Some tasks may be completed using a simulated environment.
Qualified 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
RGRH319A - Assess health and first aid for standardbreds or thoroughbreds
RGRH420A - Plan training and racing programs for standardbreds and thoroughbreds
RGRH421A - Manage the education of standardbreds or thoroughbreds
RGRH422A - Train and race standardbreds or thoroughbreds
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 information to team members on matters occurring in the workplace such as feeding patterns of animals, changes to feeding regimes, feed mixes, and the application of supplements. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By reference to official publications, feeding charts and posters. By organising and attending team meetings and by preparing and revising work rosters, feeding charts, and other instructions and arrangements. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Regular team meetings organised, feeding regimes planned, daily work routine is organised, staff are briefed, progress of work is checked, assessments of individual horses made. (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 quantities of feed, by monitoring supplies and estimating and adjusting orders for new stock. (2)

Solving problems
By observing feeding habits and performance of horses and adjusting amounts and composition of feed. (2)

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