Assessor Resource

SISOEQO413A
Guide trail rides in remote areas

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit applies to those working as horse riding guides who are responsible for guiding overnight rides in an uncontrolled 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 day and or overnight rides in remote areas. This unit focuses on leading groups of riders on trail rides, including overnight rides and rides in extreme and or remote locations.

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

Prerequisites

SISOEQO410A Guide overnight horse trail rides in tracked areas

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:

applies knowledge of horse riding and handling techniques to plan rides to remote areas with steep or difficult terrain within activity constraints

applies effective group management techniques to guide and monitor participants 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 and changing weather conditions

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 a ride to a remote area with steep or difficult terrain that is of sufficient duration and breadth 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 a ride to a remote area with steep or difficult terrain for a variety of participants

suitable horses

a route or location with steep or difficult terrain suitable for the conduct of a horse trail ride

a suitable temporary site, if required

a group of participants to take part in the ride

horse riding equipment such as saddles, navigation equipment 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 or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of rides to remote areas with steep or difficult terrain

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

portfolio of riding plans

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

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 rides to remote areas that meets their needs

liaise with relevant authorities regarding the route

convey information about the safety aspects of the ride

interact with participants to create a safe and positive riding environment

interact with participants and management during ride

problem-solving skills to:

plan a suitable riding activity according to participant's needs and abilities and terrain

assess different variables affecting the ride

respond appropriately to non routine situations

manage the group effectively

planning and organisation skills to:

source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment

select a suitable trail ride route to a remote area with access to a suitable temporary site for stopovers

language and literacy skills to:

produce a plan for the riding activity

complete post-activity participant and self evaluations

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 horse riding activity along a certain route and or to a chosen destination in a remote area

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

ability to apply a risk management plan to enable the activity to be conducted safely.

ability to use pack saddles and store weights evenly with appropriate loads for the pack

horses

advanced horse riding skills to manage horses in remote environments

Required knowledge

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of the riding activity

minimal impact codes to enable protection of the environment

horse handling techniques to enable safety of participants and horses

factors affecting choice of horses including size, age, health, tractability, absence of vices, temperament, fitness, experience and behaviour patterns to enable horses to be matched to participant abilities

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

area 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 for rides in remote areas, such as wet weather gear to maintain warmth and sun protection to minimise sunburn and heat stroke

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

waterproofing and stowing techniques used to keep equipment, that is not required on hand, dry during ride

communication systems and signals used to communicate during the ride

principles of nutrition to maintain health during the riding activity for horses and people

weather and environmental information to identify forecast conditions and their effect on the riding activity

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

emergency response and rescue procedures appropriate for horse riding, to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

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

skill level

previous experience

fitness level and physical capabilities

age

injuries and illnesses

condition on the day of ride.

Trail ride route may include:

bushland

arid areas

alpine areas

rainforest

beaches.

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

assessment procedures

selection of horses

time and budget constraints

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

confidentiality of participant information

guide and participant ratios

emergency and safety procedures

code of ethics.

Terrain may include:

steep ascents and or descents

dense vegetation

numerous obstacles and hazards

untracked areas

exposed areas with inherent dangers due to environmental extremes.

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.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Food and water requirements may include:

range of foods

perishability

storage.

Principles of nutrition may include:

essential nutrients

individual food requirements and allergies

hydration.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group activities

group size

Plan may include:

date, time and duration of ride

location, planned route and or destination

guide and participant ratios

group management

resources

equipment

food and water

weather details

safety requirements

contingency plan

permits.

Appropriate authorities may include:

authorities

supervisors.

Equipment may include:

horse equipment

maps and compass

watch

ropes

knife

communication equipment such as Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons

bedding.

food and water

First aid supplies may include:

gun

axe

knife

hoof pick

farrier equipment

first aid for personal use and for horse

torch.

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

wearing of helmets

use of safety and rescue equipment.

Signs of difficulty may include:

riding technique

riding pace and space

fatigue

negotiation of hazards

use of equipment

horse stress

overheating.

Variable factors may include:

change of weather

equipment failure

participant's needs

horse's needs

riding conditions.

Minimum impact practices may include:

using single file

zig-zagging up and down hills

avoiding soft terrain

avoiding trampling or camping near waterways

preventing horses from eating tree bark

varying stopping areas

watering horses on rocky banks

using designated trails.

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 stop locations 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. 
Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine plan for the ride. 
Identify potential hazards associated with the ride and. determine how they can be overcome or avoided. 
Determine food and water requirements for participants according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues of the ride. 
Develop a plan for the ride, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures, to meet participants' needs. 
Identify and plan for corralling or tethering requirements for horses according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Inform appropriate authorities of route and anticipated times before commencing the ride. 
Select horses of suitable size and temperament to suit individual rider's needs, abilities and attitude 
Select and train suitable horses as pack horses according to organisational policies and procedures 
Select and access 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. 
Provide information to participants regarding horses and their behaviour patterns and characteristics 
Demonstrate correct horse handling and riding techniques. 
Check riders abilities to control their horses and follow instructions 
Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use during the ride. 
Outline safety procedures and safe areas and or boundaries for the activity. 
Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the ride. 
Provide clear and concise direction and advice to group during the ride. 
Monitor riding conditions, horse performance and riding techniques to ensure a safe environment for rider and horse and provide advice as appropriate. 
Monitor participant and horse performance and identify signs of difficulty according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Implement appropriate modifications to activity in response to all variable factors that are monitored. 
Identify and respond to problems resulting from interaction between horses and riders or between horses quickly and appropriately to ensure client safety 
Monitor equipment for signs of wear and breakage and take corrective action as required. 
Assess and select suitable sites for stops and overnight stays to minimise impact on the local environment 
Explain relevant minimum impact practices to group and monitor their compliance according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Return site to an equal or greater standard on departure 
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 trail horse riding activities to remote areas 
Review own performance and identify potential improvements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOEQO413A - Guide trail rides in remote areas
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessor name:

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Assessment Record Sheet

SISOEQO413A - Guide trail rides in remote areas

Student name:

Student ID:

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

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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