Horse Breeding Skills Project

Menu: Click across the green arrows to view active and completed project stages. Consultation takes place at every stage of the project.

Case for change

“Racehorse breeding skills” was identified as a priority skill area in the 2018-2021 Racing IRC Skills Forecast and Proposed Schedule of Work (see page 57-59). Australian horse racing is reliant on the breeding of high-quality horses. Breeding and racing should be viewed in tandem as one cannot exist without the other. In 2015–2016, the revenue from Thoroughbred breeding alone was $987.4 million with $145.4 million coming from export sales. Thoroughbred breeders currently send workers to the UK and Ireland to undertake Diploma-level qualifications. The skill needs of racehorse breeding should be addressed to protect current revenue and increase revenue through both local and export sales.

Qualifications, skill sets and units of competency from the RGR Racing and Breeding Training Package will be reviewed to incorporate the skills and knowledge requirements of job roles in racehorse breeding, from conception of progeny, development of foals and preparation of yearlings.

Skills Impact and the Racing and Breeding Industry Reference Committee (IRC) will take this project through a process that adheres to the 2012 Standards for Training Package Development.

Download the IRC Skills Forecast (see page 57-59)

Project Plan

Project Scope

This project will look at the knowledge and skills that are essential to breed racehorses in line with specific Australian breeding requirements, taking in to consideration foaling down, nutrition, development of the foal, knowledge of pedigrees, business management and relevant rules and regulations. Qualifications and units of competency will be reviewed and updated to include these skills. Knowledge of pedigrees, business management and the rules and regulations particular to the breeding of Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds will also be incorporated.

Scroll down to view the list of qualifications and of units proposed for revision. They will be incorporated in the RGR Racing and Breeding Training Package.

Australian horse racing is reliant on the breeding of high quality horses. Thoroughbred breeders currently send workers to the UK and Ireland to undertake Diploma-level qualifications. The skill needs of horse racing and breeding should be addressed to protect current revenue and increase revenue through both local and export sales.

Register your interest in the project

Subscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates and opportunities to provide input and feedback. Make sure to select ‘Racing’ as your industry of interest on the subscription form.

 

Relevant Occupations
  • Stablehand
  • Studhand
  • Breeder/stud manager
  • Equine veterinarian
  • Veterinary nurse
  • Bloodstock manager
  • Stallion manager
  • Foaling supervisor
  • Yearling supervisor
  • Broodmare supervisor
Key Deliverables
  • Review qualifications and units to align them with international best practice.
  • Review current accredited courses with a view to include them in the national training packages.
  • Review all current horse breeding units of competency within the ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package to ensure the skills are aligned to the needs of the industry.
  • Transfer relevant horse breeding units from the ACM Training Package to the RGR Racing and Breeding Training Package.

 

Timeline

August 2018
Initial scoping

September 2018
Development of draft qualifications and units

October/November 2018
Drafts available for broad consultation

February/March 2019
Validation of final drafts

April 2019
Finalisation of Training Package components

April/May 2019
Independent Quality Assurance, and Edit and Equity review of Training Package components

May 2019
IRC consideration for sign-off and submission for endorsement

 

Project Team
Ruth Geldard Industry Skills Standards Specialist, Skills Impact [email protected]
Michelle Ingley-Smith National Industry Engagement Manager, Skills Impact [email protected]
Sue Hamilton Industry Skills Standards Contractor

 

The Racing and Breeding Industry Reference Committee (IRC) will oversee this project, as part of their responsibility to support engagement with the sector, and to ensure the project meets industry stakeholder needs.

 

Qualifications and Units

Below is a list of the units of competency and qualifications proposed for revision as part of this project. Use the links below to view the components on training.gov.au.

In preparation for the review of these components, we invite you to provide your input on the current qualifications units. We would like to know what changes or updates should be made to the components so that they meet the skills needs of the industry.

Your feedback will help us in drafting the revised qualifications and units.

To provide feedback, please use our feedback form. Alternatively, you can email Ruth Geldard [email protected]

 

Stakeholder Consultation Process

A list of key stakeholder organisations has been identified for this project. Skills Impact will ensure contact is made with each of these organisations during the development of this project to seek their involvement and their views on the draft qualifications, skill sets and units.

If you are aware of an organisation that you think should be involved, please contact the project team to ensure they are contacted by us.

Of course, all and any interested industry participants are encouraged to engage in the consultation of this project, when the draft skill sets and units are available for feedback via this webpage and workshops that take place around Australia. Consultation is not limited to the organisations on this list. This list simply helps us to identify those organisations that, because of their industry role, size or specialty, are likely to have a key interest in the development and outcomes of this project.

 

Subject Matter Experts

Subject Matter Experts will be drawn on throughout this project to help review and draft the revised qualifications, skill sets and units.

If you are interested in applying to be a Subject Matter Expert and are able to volunteer your time to this project, please email details of your expertise to [email protected].

 

Opportunities for stakeholder input

Stakeholder input is appreciated throughout the duration of this project. The documents will be drafted in consultation with Subject Matter Experts and their networks. Opportunities to provide targeted feedback will occur when the draft materials are made available in October/November 2018, and again for validation of final drafts in February/March 2019. However, your feedback is welcomed at any time, and will help us in drafting the skill sets and units. It is important that training provides a skilled and flexible workforce for the future. The skill sets and units need to reflect real work experience. So if you work in the sector, Skills Impact would appreciate your input and help. Please feel free to register your interest for project updates and consultation opportunities by following the newsletter subscription link below. Alternatively, please feel free to contact the project manager, Ruth Geldard on 03 9321 3526 or [email protected].

Development

Consultation has begun with Subject Matter Experts to define skills requirements specific to job roles in horse breeding, identifying relevant units of competency and qualifications for development from the RGR Racing and Breeding and ACM Animal Care and Management Training Packages.

Discussions at consultation meetings held in Melbourne have considered the migration of units and qualifications related to Horse Breeding from the ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package to the RGR Racing and Breeding Training Package on the basis that:

  • the racing industry is the largest and most complex horse breeding sector, and
  • units and qualifications would be able to apply to horses generally with some racing specific elective units.

Three qualifications to be reviewed and considered for migration from ACM to RGR are:

  • Certificate III in Horse Breeding
  • Certificate IV in Horse Breeding
  • Diploma of Horse Breeding.

Proposed new skill sets are proposed in the following areas:

  • Natural Horse Breeding Supervision
  • Horse Artificial Insemination
  • Breeding Stallion Care
  • Mare and Foal Care
  • Yearling Preparation.

Discussions have also considered:

  • Current units of competency covering infection control for inclusion in reviewed qualifications
  • Introducing elective groups to provide greater structure/guidance on selecting electives
  • Inclusion of imported units to encourage mobility between sectors
  • Delivery implications for pre-requisite units within qualifications and potential for specialisations within qualifications.

Face-to-Face Consultation Workshops – Registrations Open!

Broad stakeholder consultation is scheduled to commence in November, when draft units and skill sets will be made available for comment on this webpage (under the ‘Drafts Available’ menu above) and national consultation workshops will be held. Registration for these workshops are now open – dates and times are listed below. Please feel free to register for a workshop near you by clicking the corresponding link. A webinar is also planned for those unable to attend in person.

14 Nov 18, 10am to 1pm – Hunter Valley (Scone), NSW (Horses) – register here

15 Nov 18, 12pm to 1.30pm – Brisbane, QLD (Horses) – register here

19 Nov 18, 12pm to 2pm – Melbourne, VIC (Horses) – register here

20 Nov 18, 12pm to 2pm – Hobart, TAS (Horses) – register here

22 Nov 18, 12pm to 1.30pm – Adelaide, SA – (Horses) – register here

28 Nov 18, 12pm to 1.30pm – Perth, WA – (Horses) – register here

Consultation Webinar

Tue 4 Dec 18, 10am to 1pm – Webinarregister here

Register your interest in the project

Subscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates and opportunities to provide input and feedback. Make sure to select ‘Racing’ as your industry of interest on the subscription form.

Drafts Available

Thank you to all those who provided feedback on the four qualifications, five skill sets and 22 units of competency. The drafts were made available on this webpage for broad stakeholder review from 30 October – 9 December 2018. They have been revised to incorporate the knowledge and skills that are essential to breed racehorses in line with specific Australian breeding requirements, taking in to consideration foaling down, nutrition, development of the foal, knowledge of pedigrees, business management and relevant rules and regulations. Knowledge of pedigrees, business management and the rules and regulations particular to the breeding of Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds has also be incorporated.

Feedback was sought on whether the draft qualifications, skill sets and units reflect the current skills standards and practices of industry, and whether job functions are accurately described. Feedback will inform the work on the final drafts, which will be available for industry validation in early March 2019.

Summary of consultation to date

Feedback on the draft documents was collected via the online feedback hub, face-to-face consultation workshops and webinars. To view the draft documents, including comments that were made on them from people using the feedback hub, please click on the expandable document menus below.

Consultation with industry stakeholders possessing broad experience and knowledge in health assistance services for greyhounds occurred during September and October. This has informed the revision of the qualification, skill sets and units of competency that identify skill requirements for individuals undertaking these roles, including the development of five new skill sets and one new unit.

 

Qualifications

Unit code and name Proposed changes Link to view and feedback
RGR30X19 Certificate III in Horse Breeding Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Changes have also been made to the core and elective units and packaging rules. This qualifications supersedes ACM30717 Certificate III in Horse Breeding. View qualification
RGR40X19 Certificate IV in Horse Breeding Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Changes have also been made to the core and elective units and packaging rules. Supersedes ACM40717 Certificate IV in Horse Breeding. View qualification
RGR50X19 Diploma of Horse Breeding Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Changes have also been made to the core and elective units and packaging rules. Supersedes ACM50317 Diploma of Horse Breeding. View qualification

The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here. 

This qualification is equivalent to RGR20218 Certificate II in Racing Industry (Release 1). The packaging rules and electives for Stud Hand specialisation have been updated.

RGR20218 Certificate II in Racing Industry View qualification

 

Skill sets

Natural Horse Breeding Supervision Skill Set View skill set
Breeding Stallion Care Skill Set View skill set
Horse Artificial Insemination Skill Set View skill set
Mare and Foal Care Skill Set View skill set
Yearling Preparation Skill Set View skill set

The draft documents can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here. 

Units of competency

This new unit to be included in RGR30X19 Certificate III in Horse Breeding qualification, covering the skills and knowledge required to work effectively as part of a team in a horse breeding stud.

RGRHBR301 Work effectively in horse breeding sector View unit

The draft document can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here. 

Unit code and name Proposed changes Link to view and feedback
RGRHBR201 Assist with oestrus detection in mares Previously ACMHBR202 Assist with oestrus detection in mares. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit 
RGRHBR302 Carry out natural mare mating procedures Previously ACMHBR303 Carry out natural mare mating procedures. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR303 Assist with artificial insemination of mares Previously ACMHBR304 Assist with artificial insemination of mares. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR304 Assess suitability of horse for specific uses Previously ACMHBR305 Assess suitability of horse for specific uses. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR305 Handle young horses Previously ACMHBR307 Handle young horses. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes and new PC1.4 for clarity. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR306 Raise young horses Previously ACMHBR311 Raise young horses. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity and new element 2. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR307 Carry out procedures for foaling down mares Previously ACMHBR312 Carry out procedures for foaling down mares. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR308 Care for broodmares Previously ACMHBR313 Care for pregnant mares. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. New element one and changes for clarity. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR309 Maintain horse stud records Previously ACMHBR309 Follow stud operational procedures. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Changes throughout to clarify intent of unit. View unit
RGRHBR401 Oversee administration of stud records Previously ACMHBR401 Carry out stud stable management duties. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR402 Manage foaling and post-foaling problems Previously ACMHBR402 Manage foaling and post-foaling problems. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity and new performance criteria 2.2 and 3.9. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR403 Handle and care for breeding stallions Previously ACMHBR403 Handle and care for stallion. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity and and new performance criteria 1.4, 2.3 and 3.3. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR404 Oversee care and supervise staff raising young horses Previously ACMHBR404 Supervise staff raising young horses. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage and intent of unit. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR405 Supervise natural horse mating program Previously ACMHBR405 Supervise natural horse mating program. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity and new performance criteria 2.5. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR406 Prepare horses for sale Previously ACMHBR406 Prepare yearlings for sale. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage and intent of unit. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR407 Educate stallions for breeding Previously ACMHBR407 Educate stallions. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage and intent of unit. Minor changes and new element 3 for clarity. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR502 Manage reproductive outcomes of stallions and mares Previously ACMHBR502 Manage reproductive outcomes of stallions and mares. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes and new PC1.8 for clarity. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR503 Develop and implement a marketing plan for stud stock Previously ACMHBR503 Develop and implement a marketing plan for stud stock. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR504 Manage horse breeding operations Previously ACMPHR506 Manage performance horse breeding operations. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View unit
RGRHBR408 Collect, process sand evaluate horse semen for artificial insemination Included in RGR40X19 Certificate IV in Horse Breeding and Horse Artificial Insemination Skill Set. Horse specific unit with some content based on AHC units for general livestock. View unit
RGRHBR501 Develop an enterprise horse breeding strategy Included in RGR50X19 Diploma of Horse Breeding. Horse specific unit with some content based on AHC units for general livestock. View unit

The draft document can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here. 

 

Register your interest in the project

Subscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates and opportunities to provide input and feedback. Make sure to select ‘Racing’ as your industry of interest on the subscription form.

 

Validation

Thank you to those who participated in the validation process for the final draft qualifications, skill sets and units of competency relating to horse breeding skills. The documents were made available on this webpage for validation and comment from 8 – 31 March 2019.

The final drafts will shortly progress through to the Finalisation stage of the project which includes quality assurance of the documents and review and feedback from the State/Territory Training Authorities. They will then be forwarded to the Racing and Breeding Industry Reference Committee for consideration and sign off, before being submitted to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) to consider and approve for publication on training.gov.au.

Validation means checking and confirming that the documents are logical and factually accurate.

Summary of consultation

Prior to the Validation period, the draft units of competency were made available on this webpage for broad stakeholder review, from 30 October – 9 December 2018, under the ‘Drafts Available’ stage menu above. During this time, feedback was collected via the online feedback hub, national face-to-face consultation workshops and webinars. A description of how this feedback has been consideration and applied in these final drafts can be downloaded below.

Stakeholder consultation and feedback have determined that the migration of units of competency and qualifications related to Horse Breeding from the Animal Care and Management (ACM) Training Package to the Racing and Breeding (RGR) Training Package on the basis that:

  • The racing industry is the largest and most complex horse breeding sector
  • Units and qualifications would be able to apply to horses generally with some racing specific elective units.

Qualifications

Horse breeding qualifications (Certificate III and IV in Horse Breeding and Diploma of Horse Stud Management)

The qualifications were reviewed and updated when migrated from the ACM Training Package to the RGR Training Package. Changes were made to the qualification design to:

  • clarify the AQF outcomes, reflect industry requirements and enable application in different contexts
  • update packaging rules to encourage depth and breadth of knowledge and skills by requiring the selection of units from groups of electives
  • incorporate units used in other RGR qualifications to enable individuals to move easily from one related occupation to another
  • include imported units to allow greater mobility to and from related occupations .

Click here to download a zipped folder of all units in this group.

Unit code and name Proposed changes Link to view and feedback
RGR30X19 Certificate III in Horse Breeding Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Changes have also been made to the core and elective units and packaging rules. This qualifications supersedes ACM30717 Certificate III in Horse Breeding. View final draft qualification
RGR40X19 Certificate IV in Horse Breeding Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Changes have also been made to the core and elective units and packaging rules, including addition of new units. Supersedes ACM40717 Certificate IV in Horse Breeding. View final draft qualification
RGR50X19 Diploma of Horse Stud Management Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Changes to core and elective units and packaging rules ACMHBR units recoded to RGRHBR. Supersedes ACM50317 Diploma of Horse Stud Management. View final draft qualification

Unit code and name Proposed changes Link to view and feedback
RGR20218 Certificate II in Racing Industry Packaging rules and electives for Stud Hand specialisation updated. Equivalent to RGR20218 Certificate II in Racing Industry (Release 1). View final draft qualification
RGR30418 Certificate III in Racing Services Additional Track Maintenance stream/specialisation has be added to this qualification View final draft qualification

Skill sets

These five kill sets target specific breeding operations, which are in some horse studs undertaken by different personnel or occur at different stages of the breeding cycle. The use of skill sets will allow individuals to develop the skills they need according to their role, the season and the need or desire to build their skills.

Click here to download a zipped folder of all units in this group.

RGRSSXX6 Natural Horse Breeding Supervision Skill Set View final draft skill set
RGRSSXX7 Breeding Stallion Care Skill Set View final draft skill set
RGRSSXX8 Horse Artificial Insemination Skill Set View final draft skill set
RGRSSXX9 Mare and Foal Care Skill Set View final draft skill set
RGRSSX10 Yearling Preparation Skill Set View final draft skill set

Units of competency

These units, although sitting within the RGR Training Package, are not specific to racehorses. The units apply to all types and breeds of horses. The selection of electives within the qualifications allows for specialist skills that are applicable to the racing industry (thoroughbred and harness codes). The units have general cross industry application.

One prerequisite unit has been removed from the suite of units migrated from ACMHBR to RGRHBR (see RGRHBR306 Raise young horses).

Click here to download a zipped folder of all units in this group.

RGRHBR301 Work effectively in horse breeding sector New unit to be included in RGR30X19 Certificate III in Horse Breeding covering the skills and knowledge required to work effectively as part of a team on a horse breeding stud. View final draft unit
RGRHBR408 Collect, process and evaluate horse semen for artificial insemination New unit to be included in horse breeding qualifications covering the skills and knowledge required to collect, process, analyse quality and supply horse semen to clients for artificial insemination breeding. View final draft unit
RGRHBR501 Develop an enterprise horse breeding strategy New unit to be included in RGR50X19 Diploma of Horse Stud Management covering the skills and knowledge required to plan, develop and implement a horse breeding strategy for an enterprise or stud farm. View final draft unit

Click here to download a zipped folder of all units in this group.

Unit code and name Proposed changes Link to view and feedback
RGRHBR201 Assist with oestrus detection in mares Previously ACMHBR202 Assist with oestrus detection in mares. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR302 Carry out natural mare mating procedures Previously ACMHBR303 Carry out natural mare mating procedures. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR303 Assist with artificial insemination of mares Previously ACMHBR304 Assist with artificial insemination of mares. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR304 Assess suitability of horse for specific uses Previously ACMHBR305 Assess suitability of horse for specific uses. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor edits and new Performance Criteria 2.3 for clarity. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR305 Handle young horses Previously ACMHBR307 Handle young horses. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes and new Performance Criteria 1.4 for clarity. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR306 Raise young horses Prerequisite RGRHBR305 Handle young horses (previously ACMCBR307 Handle young horses) removed. Updated coding from ACMHBR311 Raise young horses to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity and new Element 2. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR307 Carry out procedures for foaling down mares Previously ACMHBR312 Carry out procedures for foaling down mares. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR308 Care for broodmares Previously ACMHBR313 Care for pregnant mares. Renamed and recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. New Element one and changes for clarity. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR401 Maintain horse stud records Previously ACMHBR309 Follow stud operational procedures. Renamed and recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Changes throughout to clarify intent of unit. View final draft unit
RGRHBR402 Manage foaling and post-foaling problems Previously ACMHBR402 Manage foaling and post-foaling problems. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity and new performance criteria 2.2 and 3.9. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR403 Handle and care for breeding stallions Previously ACMHBR403 Handle and care for stallion. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity and and new performance criteria 1.4, 2.3 and 3.3. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR404 Oversee care and supervise staff raising young horses Previously ACMHBR404 Supervise staff raising young horses. Renamed and recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage and intent of unit. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR405 Supervise natural horse mating program Previously ACMHBR405 Supervise natural horse mating program. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity and new performance criteria 2.5. Removal of duplication in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR406 Prepare horses for sale Previously ACMHBR406 Prepare yearlings for sale. Renamed and recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage and intent of unit. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR407 Educate stallions for breeding Previously ACMHBR407 Educate stallions. Renamed and recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage and intent of unit. Minor changes and new Element 3 for clarity. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR502 Manage reproductive outcomes of stallions and mares Previously ACMHBR502 Manage reproductive outcomes of stallions and mares. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes and new Performance Criteria 1.8 for clarity. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR503 Develop and implement a marketing plan for stud stock Previously ACMHBR503 Develop and implement a marketing plan for stud stock. Recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR504 Manage horse breeding operations Previously ACMPHR506 Manage performance horse breeding operations. Renamed and recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit
RGRHBR505 Oversee administration of stud records Previously ACMHBR401 Carry out stud stable management duties. Renamed and recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage. Minor changes for clarity. Removal of points duplicating Performance Criteria in Performance Evidence. View final draft unit

 

 

Register your interest in the project

Subscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates and opportunities to provide input and feedback. Make sure to select ‘Racing’ as your industry of interest on the subscription form.

 

Finalisation

The horse racing industry has at its foundation the largest and most complex horse breeding sector in Australia. Many racehorses go on to become broodmares and stallions at stud farms, at which point their nutritional requirements, health care, exercise and education needs change. Those caring for them and their offspring require a diverse range of skills and knowledge. Due to the high value of high performance horses, there are numerous job roles dedicated to breeding quality foals.

This is also true of those working in the breeding sector for equestrian or recreational purposes, though some of the skills and practices may differ. It is vital to factor in these varied methods of horse breeding when considering the learning, training and skill needs of the sector.

Horse breeding experts around the country have come together to provide advice on the current skills, knowledge and practices required to work in a range of job roles across all types of horse breeding. As a result, updated qualifications, skill sets and units are now available for use by industry and registered training organisations. This includes specific units and specialisations to suit varied job roles and kinds of breeding, including foal and yearling preparation. Throughout this review, knowledge of pedigrees, animal welfare issues, business management, and regulations pertaining to the breeding of thoroughbreds and standardbreds have also been considered.

Four revised qualifications, five new skill sets and associated units of competency were approved by the Racing and Breeding Industry Reference Committee (IRC) and endorsed by the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC), at their meeting on 13 August 2019 (see here).

The new materials are published on the training.gov.au website, within the RGR Racing and Breeding Training Package. They are available for use by registered training organisations (RTOs). RTOs can find information to help them adopt to the new changes in the Companion Volume, which provides additional information about the impacts of regulation and licensing implications and workplace health and safety on their training.

Key Changes:
  • Three Horse Breeding qualifications migrated from ACM Training Package to RGR Training Package to reflect industry usage, including RGR30619 Certificate III in Horse Breeding, RGR40619 Certificate IV in Horse Breeding, and RGR50319 Diploma of Horse Breeding. Changes to core and elective units and packaging rules.
  • Five new skills sets developed for job roles in the horse breeding industry, targetting specific breeding operations which in some horse studs are undertaken by different personnel or occur at different stages of the breeding cycle. The use of skill sets will allow individuals to develop the skills they need according to their role, the season and the need or desire to build their skills. The five new skill sets address skills in natural horse breeding supervision, stallion care, artificial insemination, mare and foal care and yearling preparation.
  • One current RGR qualification RGR30419 Certificate III in Racing Services reviewed to add additional track maintenance stream/specialisation. In addition, packaging rules and electives for stud hand specialisation have been updated for the RGR20218 Certificate II in Racing Industry during the Horse Breeding Project. Minor changes, not requiring formal endorsement. Equivalent to RGR20218 Certificate II in Racing Industry (Release 1)
  • Nineteen revised units of competency recoded from ACM (Animal Care and Management) to RGR (Racing) to reflect industry usage.

Three new units developed:

  • RGRHBR301 Work effectively in horse breeding sector to be included in RGR30X19 Certificate III in Horse Breeding covering the skills and knowledge required to work effectively as part of a team on a horse breeding stud.
  • RGRHBR408 Collect, process and evaluate horse semen for artificial insemination to be included in horse breeding qualifications covering the skills and knowledge required to collect, process, analyse quality and supply horse semen to clients for artificial insemination breeding.
  • RGRHBR501 Plan and implement an enterprise horse breeding strategy to be included in RGR50X19 Diploma of Horse Breeding covering the skills and knowledge required to plan, develop and implement a horse breeding strategy for an enterprise or stud farm.
Summary of consultation to date

Consultation with industry has taken place across Australia. A Subject Matter Expert Working Group was established to identify the skills and knowledge required for breeding of horses across all sectors and types (Thoroughbred, Standardbreds, performance and recreational). Consultation took place via public face-to-face consultation workshops, webinar, site visits, email and phone.

The broader industry was consulted on the draft documents at two different stages – the ‘Drafts Available’ and ‘Validation’ stages. A description of how feedback was considered can be downloaded below. Throughout this process feedback was collected a number of ways, via consultation workshops, online on the feedback hub, email, telephone and online surveys.

The ‘Finalisation’ stage includes the development and publishing of a validation summary for each project. A summary of feedback and how it has been considered and applied at each stage can be downloaded below.

Please find below links to the final documents, that are published on the training.gov.au website.

Click here to download the Case for Endorsement