SISOEQU004 Ride horses on untracked trail rides

Release: 2

SISOEQU004 Ride horses on untracked trail rides

Modification History

Unit Release 2. No change to unit content from Release 1; mapping updated for accuracy.

Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to ride horses on complex trail rides along untracked areas with steep or difficult terrain, numerous obstacles and or environmental extremes. Rides would typically involve overnight stays and this unit requires the ability to manage horses overnight.

These personal riding skills are required by support staff, guides and trail bosses to lead participants on complex trail rides offered by outdoor recreation operators.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Pre-requisite Unit

SISOEQU001 Handle horses

SISOEQU002 Ride horses using fundamental skills

Competency Field

Equine

Unit Sector

Outdoor Recreation

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
Elements describe the essential outcomes	Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.
1. Select and prepare tack, horse and personal equipment.	1.1. Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during horse handling and riding activities. 1.2. Assess horse and select to match own skill level and riding conditions. 1.3. Check condition of horse, confirm soundness and groom before fitting tack. 1.4. Select tack and personal equipment to match riding conditions for difficult untracked terrain, and check it is in safe working condition. 1.5. Fit and adjust tack and personal equipment to self and horse to ensure comfort and safety.
2. Ride horses in untracked trail ride environments.	2.1. Mount and dismount horse safely in untracked trail environments without assistance according to organisational safety procedures. 2.2. Interpret behavioural signals, use positive body language and aids to direct, communicate with and control horse. 2.3. Use appropriate posture for horse riding in difficult terrain and safely and effectively handle the horse in a range of movements. 2.4. Instigate a gait appropriate to the terrain, establish and maintain an appropriate rhythm and adjust according to conditions and terrain. 2.5. Maintain safe zones according to the terrain and environmental hazards. 2.6. Maintain communication protocols during group riding activities. 2.7. Use practices to minimise impact of horse riding on the environment according to organisational policies and procedures.
3. Negotiate environmental obstacles and steep inclines.	3.1. Consistently control horse to safely approach and negotiate constant and unpredictable environmental hazards and obstacles. 3.2. Choose appropriate gait, and control horse resistance, line of direction and pace to ride over uneven and unstable ground, to ride through water, and to negotiate ascending and descending steep inclines. 3.3. Monitor horse behaviour towards obstacles and use techniques to maintain horse confidence and calmness.
4. Manage horses overnight.	4.1. Assess prevailing conditions and select suitable site for containing or tethering horses. 4.2. Set up temporary horse containment area or tethering systems to ensure security and welfare overnight. 4.3. Check condition and health of horses and treat as required. 4.4. Monitor safety and security of horses through the night. 4.5. Store equipment securely to avoid damage and exposure to weather conditions. 4.6. Return site to equal or greater standard on departure to minimise impact on environment.

Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement.
SKILLS	DESCRIPTION
Reading skills to:	interpret detailed familiar organisational policies and procedures which can include those for safety, emergency response and minimal impact to the environment.
Oral communication skills to:	clearly interact verbally and non-verbally with other riders to maintain a positive and safe riding environment.
Teamwork skills to:	work cooperatively with other riders to set up horse containment and monitor horse security and welfare.
Planning and organising skills to:	manage own timing to complete trail ride within planned timeframes.

Unit Mapping Information

No equivalent unit.

Links

Companion Volume Implementation Guides - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=1ca50016-24d2-4161-a044-d3faa200268b