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 horseriding 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

thirdparty reports from a supervisor detailing performance

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

RTEA Ride and care for horses and equipment

RTE2130A Ride and care for horses and equipment.

Guidance information for assessment

Hazards may include:

Risks may include:

Relevant sources may include:

Weather and environmental information may include:

Controlled conditions may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Tack may include:

Personal equipment may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Mount may include:

Gaits may include:

Aids may include:

Required movements may include:

Safety requirements may include:

Relevant aspects may include: