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 the ride.

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

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

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

1.4. Identify and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition  and the duration of the ride .

2. Select equipment for the ride.

2.1. Select and check equipment  according to contextual issues  and organisational policies and procedures.

2.2. Adjust and fit equipment to ensure comfort and safety for rider and horse.

2.3. Select and pack first aid supplies  for horse and rider.

2.4. Pack saddle bags to ensure even distribution and comfort for the horse.

2.5. Select personal clothing and footwear that are appropriate for the ride.

3. Demonstrate horse riding skills in a remote area.

3.1. Adopt appropriate posture for horse riding and handle the horse in a safe and effective manner according to organisational policies and procedures.

3.2. Approach and negotiate obstacles  and hazards in a safe manner and minimise risks to self and group where possible.

3.3. Initiate a gait appropriate to the terrain .

3.4. Establish and maintain an appropriate rhythm according to conditions.

3.5. Negotiate ascending and descending inclines on steep slopes.

3.6. Demonstrate appropriate navigation skills to follow planned route.

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

4. Manage horse overnight in remote environment.

4.1. Select a suitable site for tethering or corralling horses according to organisational policies and procedures.

4.2. Set up corrals and picket lines using appropriate knots .

4.3. Tether horse and supply with needs for overnight stop.

4.4. Ensure safety of other horses and riders during stop over's according to organisational policies and procedures.

4.5. Store equipment for overnight stop in a safe manner according to organisational policies and procedures.

5. Evaluate the ride.

5.1. Evaluate relevant aspects  of the ride.

5.2. Identify improvements for future rides.

5.3. 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 organising 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 personal performance

• first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location or degree of remoteness to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care
• navigation skills and techniques in remote areas to enable safe participation in the ride
• river crossing skills to cross rivers safely and select a suitable crossing location

Required knowledge 

• relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe participation in riding activity and legal access to remote areas
• 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 manage individual temperaments and behaviours
• gaits of horses appropriate to remote and difficult terrain
• horse handling techniques and movements for horse riding in remote and difficult terrain, such as turns, halts and reverses, mounting and dismounting and ascending and descending techniques
• basic 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 practices applicable to horse riding to ensure protection of the environment
• fluid and nutritional requirements for the ride including an overnight stay for both self and horse
• clothing requirements for remote 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 participation in rides in remote areas within own area of responsibility by accessing appropriate information impacting on the ride
• identifies, accesses and uses appropriate equipment and resources for the ride according to conditions and departure time frames
• utilises knowledge of horse behaviour and horse riding and handling techniques to control and handle the horse to ensure the safety of self and others and develops a trusting relationship with the horse
• safely manages and monitors the needs of the horse during stopovers and overnight taking into consideration the safety of other horses and riders
• 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 safe participation in a horse riding activity in a remote area that includes an overnight stay to allow the participant to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also enable access to:

• a suitable remote location for the ride
• suitable horses
• equipment such as halters, ropes, saddles, bridles, helmets, suitable clothing and boots
• safety equipment such as first aid kit
• navigation and overnight equipment such as communications equipment and sleeping bag or swag
• 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 and or written questioning to assess knowledge of safety aspects and horse handling techniques for remote areas
• observation of safe participation and demonstration of correct technique while maintaining control of the horse at all times in steep or difficult terrain
• third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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

• SISOEQO412A Manage horse illness and injuries in remote areas.

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.

Route environment  may include:

• bushland
• arid areas
• alpine areas
• rainforest
• beaches.

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

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

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.

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.

Principles of nutrition  may include:

• food groups
• dietary guidelines
• essential nutrients
• food preparation
• hydration.

Duration of the ride  may include:

• one day
• overnight.

Equipment  may include:

• water
• dry clothing
• first aid supplies
• communication devices
• bedding
• shelter.

Contextual issues  may include:

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

First aid supplies  may include:

• gun
• axe
• knife
• hoof pick
• farrier equipment
• personal first aid supplies
• horse first aid supplies
• torch.

Obstacles  may include:

• rivers
• low boughs on trees
• logs
• rocks and loose debris
• steep gullies
• exposed areas
• unstable or sloping terrain.

Terrain  may include:

• steep ascents and or descents
• dense vegetation
• numerous obstacles
• untracked areas
• exposed areas with inherent dangers due to environmental extremes.

Relevant legislation  may include:

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

Knots  may include:

• quick release
• bowline
• clove hitch
• Dutchman.

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.