Unit of competency details

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

1. Plan for the riding activity.

1.1. Identify possible hazards  and risks  associated with the ride according to organisational policies and procedures .

1.2. Access and confirm intended route and become familiar with route environment  for the intended ride according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Prepare and pack navigation equipment  and other safety resources according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.4. Access relevant sources  to interpret weather and environmental information  and ascertain possible impact on the ride.

2. Select and prepare horse and equipment.

2.1. Assess and select horse for safety and suitability for the ride according to organisational policies and procedures.

2.2. Select suitable riding equipment  after consideration of contextual issues , and check that it is in good working condition according to organisational policies and procedures.

2.3. Plan and pack personal equipment  and food and water resources for the duration of the ride.

2.4. Catch and lead horse tether, and tack up in a safe and appropriate manner.

2.5. Fit and correctly adjust tack and personal equipment, suitable for the rider and horse.

3. Demonstrate horse riding skills in a trail ride situation.

3.1. Mount and dismount in a safe manner in an open trail ride environment without assistance according to organisational policies and procedures.

3.2. Adopt appropriate posture for horse riding and handle the horse in a safe and effective manner.

3.3. Establish and maintain an appropriate rhythm  and pace.

3.4. Negotiate obstacles  safely according to organisational policies and procedures.

3.5. Negotiate ascending and descending inclines safely.

3.6. Demonstrate appropriate navigation skills to follow planned route.

3.7. Apply minimum impact procedures according to relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures.

4. Evaluate the ride.

4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects  of the ride.

4.2. Identify improvements for future rides.

4.3. Review own performance and identify potential improvements.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• communication skills to interact with group leader and other participants to maintain a positive and safe environment while on the ride
• planning and organisation skills to plan relevant food, water, clothing and riding equipment for the ride
• literacy skills to read and interpret route maps and analyse weather and environmental information
• self-management skills to:

• recognise and act within boundaries of role and responsibilities
• review and evaluate the ride in relation to personal performance

• first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location or degree of remoteness of the track used for riding to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge 

• relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe participation in riding activities
• selection, use and set up of horse riding tack and equipment, such as bridles and saddles, to enable safe riding
• social behaviour, psychology and vices of horses to recognise and treat individual temperaments and behaviours
• gaits of horses, such as walking, trotting and cantering in all directions
• horse handling techniques and movements for basic horse riding, such as turns, halts and reverses, mounting and dismounting and ascending and descending techniques
• weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their effect on the ride
• emergency and first aid procedures appropriate to the level and location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.
• minimum impact code and minimal impact practices applicable to horse riding to ensure protection of the environment
• fluid and nutritional requirements for up to a day's duration to enable safe participation
• clothing requirements for day rides, such as wet weather gear to maintain warmth and sun protection to minimise sunburn and heat stroke
• basic horse first aid techniques to manage injuries sustained by horses during the ride

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.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the following is essential:

• plans for the ride within own area of responsibility by accessing appropriate information impacting on the ride
• identifies, accesses and uses appropriate equipment and resources for the ride within departure time frames
• utilises knowledge of horse behaviour and horse riding and handling techniques to control and handle horses to ensure the safety of self and others and develops a trusting relationship with horses
• applies effective contingency management techniques to make adjustments in response to changing conditions, such as negotiating hazards and changing weather conditions
• evaluates and reflects on own riding to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure participation in a horse riding activity that is up to a day's duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

• resources, such as information on horse riding equipment, possible horse behaviour and riding techniques and weather and environmental information
• a suitable location for the ride with controlled conditions
• suitable horses
• equipment such as halters, ropes, saddles, bridles, helmets, suitable clothing and boots
• organisational policies and procedures.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• observation of equipment selection and preparation, to ensure proper fit and usage
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of safety aspects and horse handling techniques
• observation of safe participation and demonstration of correct technique while maintaining control of the horse at all times
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Hazards  may include:

• temperature extremes
• slippery or unstable terrain
• dangerous animals and insects
• stinging trees and nettles
• dense vegetation
• group management hazards.

Risks  may include:

• hypothermia
• heat exhaustion
• injuries
• exhaustion
• lost party or party member
• equipment and course failure.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• use and maintenance of equipment
• communication protocols
• emergency procedures
• duty of care
• code of ethics
• industry standards for maximum workload for horses
• codes of practice.

Route environment  may include:

• bushland
• arid areas
• alpine areas
• rainforest
• beaches
• tracks and roads.

Navigation equipment  may include:

• compass
• map.

Relevant sources  may include:

• Bureau of Meteorology
• media
• land managers or agencies
• local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information  may include:

• satellite images
• daily and weekly forecasts
• maximum and minimum temperatures
• weather warnings
• event warnings
• river levels
• synoptic charts
• high and low tide predictions.

Riding equipment  may include:

• halters
• ropes
• towels
• brushes
• hoof picks
• saddles
• saddle cloths
• bridles
• stirrups
• martingales
• cruppers
• breastplates
• markers.

Contextual issues  may include:

• weather conditions, including times
• season
• transport
• location
• trip distance and duration
• group objectives
• group size.

Personal equipment  may include:

• clothing
• boots
• helmet.

Mount  may include:

• from the ground
• using a mounting block.

Rhythm  may include:

• few stops and starts
• changes of pace
• maintaining steady group pace.

Obstacles  may include:

• rivers
• low boughs on trees
• logs
• rocks
• exposed areas.

Relevant legislation  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• permits or permission for access
• environmental regulations.

Relevant aspects  may include:

• objectives
• planning process
• activity site
• weather
• equipment selection
• clothing selection
• food selection
• instructional content
• instructional technique
• assessment technique
• group feedback
• directing techniques
• rescue techniques employed.