Assessor Resource

SISOEQO410A
Guide overnight horse trail rides in tracked areas

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit applies to current or aspiring individuals operating as outdoor guides who are responsible for safely guiding overnight rides in a controlled environment. This may include those working for private horse riding companies or group leaders in school outdoor education programs.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to guide or lead clients on overnight horse trail rides on terrain or conditions not exceeding personal skill level in tracked or easy untracked areas. This unit focuses on the application of planning skills to make suitable arrangements to safely guide groups on overnight riding activities.

No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Nil

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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 overnight ride within activity constraints and applies effective group management techniques to guide and monitor participants in a safe and professional manner, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures

monitors the progress of the ride and applies effective contingency management techniques to make adjustments in response to changing conditions, such as negotiating hazards, changing weather conditions and illness or injury

encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure planning and leading overnight rides that reflect the needs of a range of participants to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, guide and document overnight rides for a variety of participants

suitable horses

a route or location suitable for the conduct of overnight horse trail rides

a suitable temporary site, if required

a group of participants to take part in overnight rides

horse riding equipment such as saddles, navigation equipment and rescue and first aid equipment.

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 planning and guiding processes and interaction with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation

oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of overnight rides

observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure

portfolio of plans for overnight ride

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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

Guidance information for assessment

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan overnight rides that meet their needs

liaise with relevant authorities regarding the route,

convey information about the safety aspects of rides

interact with participants to create a safe and positive riding environment

problem-solving skills to:

plan suitable riding activities according to participant's needs and abilities

assess different variables affecting the ride

respond appropriately to non routine situations and manage the group effectively

planning and organising skills to source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and a suitable trail ride route with easy access to a suitable site for short stops

language and literacy skills to:

produce plans for the riding activity

complete post-activity participant and self evaluations

personal horse riding skills to a high level of technical correctness to demonstrate and explain requirements to participants

river reading skills, such as direction and speed of flow, currents, eddies and other hydrological features that may impact on safety during the ride

navigation skills to lead a group on a planned overnight horse riding activity along a certain route and or to a chosen destination

first aid and emergency response and rescue skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies for both participants and horses.

Required knowledge

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safety of participants and horses during the riding activity

minimal impact codes to enable protection of the environment

horse handling techniques and behaviour patterns and characteristics of horses to ensure safety of participants

symptoms, treatment and prevention of hypothermia, hyperthermia and dehydration to assist in planning riding times and distances and assist participants in self monitoring

location specific information to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential hazards and any special restrictions applying to the area

characteristics and purposes of equipment and gear used to control and handle horses to enable its safe and efficient selection, use and maintenance

clothing requirements such as wet weather gear and sun protection

care and maintenance of riding equipment to ensure prolonged life span and safety requirements

waterproofing and stowing techniques to enable protection of equipment that is not required on hand during ride

communication systems and signals used to communicate during the ride

principles of nutrition to maintain health during the riding activity

camp craft to establish overnight site to ensure comfort and safety of participants and horses weather and environmental information to identify forecast conditions and their effect on the riding activity

hazards, obstacles and risks commonly experienced when undertaking overnight rides and ways to avoid or negotiate these

emergency response, first aid and rescue procedures appropriate for horse riding, to ensure prompt response to manage injuries to self, group and horses.

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.

Participant's needs and characteristics may include:

skill level

previous experience

fitness level and physical capabilities

age

injuries and illnesses

medical conditions.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

time and budget constraints

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

confidentiality of participant information

guide and participant ratios

emergency and safety procedures

notification of illness or injury to participants or horses

alteration of routes

code of ethics.

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.

Food and water requirements may include:

range of foods

perishability

energy content.

Principles of nutrition may include:

essential nutrients

individual food requirements and allergies

hydration.

Contextual issues may include:

weather extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards

Plan may include:

ride's aims and objectives

date, time and duration of ride

location, planned route and or destination

guide and participant ratios

route and meeting points for support vehicles

group management

resources

equipment

food and water

weather details

risk management

permits and permission.

Care requirements of horses may include:

food

water

corralling

tethering

shelter

security.

Appropriate authorities may include:

authorities

supervisors.

Equipment may include:

saddles and associated horse equipment:

backpack or saddlebags

overnight shelter

sleeping bags

cooking systems and utensils.

navigation equipment

safety equipment

watch

ropes

knife

communication equipment

Relevant information may include:

logistical details

safety procedures

symptoms, treatment and prevention of hypothermia, hyperthermia and dehydration

behaviour patterns and characteristics of horses

equipment requirements

preventative measures for risks

horse handling and riding techniques

rules and codes

responsible and safe behaviour.

Communication system may include:

calls

radio

hand signals

whistles.

Safety procedures may include:

serviceable equipment

correctly fitted equipment

communication systems

use of safety and rescue equipment.

Participant's performance may include:

use of appropriate communication system

riding technique

riding pace and space

attitude

negotiation of hazards

use of equipment.

Modifications may include:

riding pace.

Variable factors may include:

change of weather

equipment failure

participant's needs

riding conditions.

Emergency or non routine situations may include:

illness of participants or horses

injury of participants or horses.

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.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Establish participant's needs and characteristics and assist with participant's disclaimer where required 
Select trail ride route suitable for participants and identify rest stops to minimise impact on the terrain and other trail users according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Assess the capacity to acquire additional or new horses, as required according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Identify hazards associated with the ride and minimise risks to ensure personal safety of participants. 
Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan. 
Determine food and water requirements for participants according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues of the activity. 
Develop and document a plan for the ride, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures, to meet participants' needs. 
Identify and plan for the care requirements of horses according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Obtain permits as required and inform appropriate authorities of route and anticipated duration before commencing the ride. 
Select horses of suitable size and temperament to suit individual rider's needs, abilities and attitude. 
Select and organise equipment according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures. 
Select and pack first aid supplies for horse and rider. 
Perform and document appropriate safety checks suitable for the ride, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Adjust and fit equipment to ensure personal comfort. 
Pack saddle bags to ensure they are balanced and comfortable for the horse. 
Communicate instructions and relevant information about the ride in a manner suitable to the participants. 
Demonstrate correct horse handling and riding techniques. 
Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use during the ride. 
Outline safety procedures and safe areas and or boundaries for the ride. 
Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the ride. 
Provide clear and concise direction and advice to group during the ride. 
Identify potential hazards and decide how they can be overcome or avoided. 
Monitor individual participant's performance and provide appropriate feedback. 
Implement appropriate modifications to the ride in regard to all variable factors that are monitored. 
Respond to emergency or non routine situations according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Assess and select suitable sites to minimise impact on the local environment 
Explain relevant minimum impact practices to group and monitor their compliance 
Arrange shelter appropriate for prevailing weather conditions 
Check condition and health of horses at completion of the day's ride and manage problems that arise from wear or injury according to organisational policies and procedures 
Monitor the security and safety of horses through the night. 
Return site to an equal or greater standard on departure according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures 
Notify relevant authority of ride completion 
Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures 
Check and deal with injuries or wear to horses according to organisational policies and procedures 
Evaluate relevant aspects of riding activity. 
Identify potential areas of improvement for future overnight trail horse riding activities 
Review own performance and identify potential improvements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOEQO410A - Guide overnight horse trail rides in tracked areas
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Assessment Record Sheet

SISOEQO410A - Guide overnight horse trail rides in tracked areas

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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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