Elements and Performance Criteria
- Outline riding practices to avoid the risk of falling
- Review industry research to identify different types of horse fall accidents and common injuries
- Identify the process for assessing horse suitability prior to riding
- Outline the role of fitness and pre-safety checks in avoiding falls
- Recognise the importance and basic biomechanics of balance in maintaining control of horses while riding
- Identify situations that can increase the risk of falls and injuries from falling from a horse
- Conduct a self-assessment of own riding skills, experience and comfort zone
- Identify and describe techniques to minimise the risk of a potential fall
- Interpret and describe horse behaviour prior to mounting
- Identify techniques for mounting and dismounting a horse in different situations and the associated risks
- Identify ways to maintain balance of rider and control of a horse in different scenarios
- Recognise how to slow and stop horses when travelling too fast
- Recognise ways to manage a horse demonstrating undesirable behaviours
- Identify how to complete and when to apply an emergency stop
- Review a range of difficult riding scenarios and suggest strategies for dealing with them
- Outline the theory behind reducing the impact of falls from horses
- Identify the impact of response and reaction times associated with falls from horses
- Recognise actions to take when a fall seems imminent, including releasing reins, removing feet from stirrups and preparing to dismount
- Outline the basic techniques for landing, rolling and tumbling in different fall scenarios
- Identify actions to take immediately after a fall, including checking for injuries and checking the horse
- Outline follow-up actions after a fall
- Review incidents, considering ways to mitigate risks in the future
- Outline procedures and responsibilities for notifying designated personnel of accidents or injuries
- Recognise the role of physical conditioning, training and practice, and prepare a plan to improve own riding skills to minimise the likelihood and impact of falls