Required skills

communication skills to interact with group leader and other participants to maintain a positive and safe environment while on the ride

planning and organisation skills to plan relevant food water clothing and riding equipment for the ride

literacy skills to read and interpret route maps and analyse weather and environmental information

selfmanagement skills to

recognise and act within boundaries of role and responsibilities

review and evaluate the ride in relation to personal performance

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location or degree of remoteness of the track used for riding to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care

Required knowledge

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe participation in riding 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 halts and reverses mounting and dismounting and ascending and descending techniques

weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their effect on the ride

emergency and first aid procedures appropriate to the level and location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group

minimum impact code and minimal impact practices applicable to horse riding to ensure protection of the environment

fluid and nutritional requirements for up to a days duration to enable safe participation

clothing requirements for day rides such as wet weather gear to maintain warmth and sun protection to minimise sunburn and heat stroke

basic horse first aid techniques to manage injuries sustained by horses during the ride

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 for the ride within own area of responsibility by accessing appropriate information impacting on the ride

identifies accesses and uses appropriate equipment and resources for the ride within departure time frames

utilises knowledge of horse behaviour and horse riding and handling techniques to control and handle horses to ensure the safety of self and others and develops a trusting relationship with horses

applies effective contingency management techniques to make adjustments in response to changing conditions such as negotiating hazards and changing weather conditions

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 a horse riding activity that is up to a days duration 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 riding techniques and weather and environmental information

a suitable location for the ride with controlled conditions

suitable horses

equipment such as halters ropes saddles bridles helmets suitable clothing and boots

organisational policies and procedures

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

Hazards may include:

Risks may include:

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

Route environment may include:

Navigation equipment may include:

Relevant sources may include:

Weather and environmental information may include:

Riding equipment may include:

Contextual issues may include:

Personal equipment may include:

Mount may include:

Rhythm may include:

Obstacles may include:

Relevant legislation may include:

Relevant aspects may include: