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 a horse riding activity.

1.1. Identify possible hazards  and risks  associated with the horse riding activity.

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

1.3. Select a suitable arena in controlled conditions  that comply with relevant legislation  and organisational policies and procedures .

2. Select and prepare tack, horse and personal equipment.

2.1. Select tack  and personal equipment  after consideration of contextual issues , and check that it is in good working condition.

2.2. Assess horse for safety and suitability for the activity

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

2.4. Demonstrate quick release knot.

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

3. Mount, ride and dismount the horse.

3.1. Adjust tack and personal equipment as necessary to fit the rider comfortably.

3.2. Mount  horse in a safe and balanced manner.

3.3. Ride horse through gaits  in a balanced and calm manner.

3.4. Use recognised aids  appropriate to the training of the horse.

3.5. Ride horse in a group and alone, through a variety of required movements  in a confident fashion.

3.6. Control the horse at all times and approach hazards appropriately and creatively to reduce their impact.

3.7. Dismount and lead the horse safely.

4. Cool down and release horse.

4.1. Cool the horse down as necessary.

4.2. Remove equipment, check for wear or breakage, and store in an appropriate manner.

4.3. Release horse according to safety requirements .

5. Evaluate ride.

5.1. Evaluate relevant aspects  of the ride.

5.2. Identify improvements for future rides.

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to interact with supervisor, other riders and the horse, to maintain a positive and safe riding environment
• listening skills to follow instructions and directions from the supervisor
• horse handling and care skills to look after the horse
• horse riding techniques to control horse in a safe and effective manner under controlled conditions
• first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care.

Required knowledge 

• relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe conduct of all 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 and halts
• safe zones for riding in a group to enable safe participation in horse riding activity
• basic weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their affect on the ride
• emergency procedures appropriate to the level and location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.
• safe ascent and descent and negotiation of obstacles on a trail or within a horse-riding activity

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 :

• applies relevant process to select and fit appropriate tack and personal equipment so that it is safe and comfortable
• takes measures to develop control of the horse through the use of horse psychology, consistent positive body language and movement to communicate with the horse giving it appropriate instructions
• follows written and verbal instructions from the instructor to accurately apply knowledge and demonstrate required movements, techniques and control over the horse
• modifies technique according to group and individual riding, and applies safe horse handling techniques to avoid hazards where possible
• maintains safe zones in group riding
• 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 horse riding sessions that are of a sufficient duration to allow the participant 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 basic riding techniques
• a suitable location, such as a suitable track for a trail ride or a commercial riding school,
• quiet and reasonably tractable horses in a recreational or training program
• equipment such as halters, ropes, saddles, bridles, helmets, suitable clothing and boots
• a qualified instructor.

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, for example:

• RTE2130A Ride and care for horses and equipment.

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 failure.

Relevant sources  may include:

• Bureau of Meteorology
• media
• 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.

Controlled conditions  may include:

• under supervision
• minimal environmental hazards and obstacles
• good weather conditions
• quiet and reasonably tractable horses
• reasonable level terrain.

Relevant legislation  may include:

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

Organisational policies and procedures  may include:

• occupational health and safety
• use and maintenance of equipment
• communication protocols
• emergency procedures
• code of ethics.

Tack  may include:

• halters
• ropes
• towels
• brushes
• hoof picks
• saddles
• saddle cloths
• bridles
• stirrups
• martingales
• cruppers
• breastplates
• sponges
• paddock or other rugs

Personal equipment  may include:

• clothing
• boots
• helmet.

Contextual issues  may include:

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

Mount  may include:

• from the ground
• using a mounting block.

Gaits  may include:

• walk
• trot
• canter.

Aids  may include:

• legs
• weight
• hands
• voice.

Required movements  may include:

• turns
• halts
• circles
• reverses
• serpentines
• figures of eight
• riding towards and away from the group.
• riding up and down hills
• riding through creeks and rivers
• negotiation of obstacles such as trees, rocks or cliffs

Safety requirements  may include:

• catching
• leading
• saddling
• bridling
• tethering
• mounting
• keeping distance from other horses
• dismounting
• unsaddling
• unbridling
• cooling down horse
• rugging
• releasing horse to paddock or stall.

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.