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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for safe riding activities.
   • Assess, with instructor, horse behaviour and suitability for riding activity and own skill level.
   • Assess, with instructor, level of horse education and suitability for riding activity and own skill level.
   • Discuss and identify, with instructor, potential hazards and associated risks for riding environment, weather, horse and riding activity.
   • Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during horse handling and riding activities.
2. Select and prepare tack, horse and personal equipment.
   • Check condition of assigned horse, report any signs of illness or injury, select grooming equipment and groom before fitting tack.
   • Select tack and personal equipment to match riding conditions, and check it is in safe working condition.
   • Fit and adjust tack and personal equipment to self and horse to ensure comfort and safety.
   • Present horse and self to instructor for check prior to mounting.
3. Mount and ride horses.
   • Follow all instructions and safety directions to control horse throughout riding activities.
   • Mount horse safely and to ensure balance; check and adjust equipment as required.
   • Interpret behavioural signals, use positive body language and aids to direct, communicate with and control horse.
   • Use upright seat to walk, trot and canter horse calmly and maintain rider balance throughout.
   • Control horse line of direction and speed at halt, walk, trot and canter.
   • Ride horse under control in a group and alone, through a range of movements.
   • Control horse line of direction and speed to safely approach and avoid hazards.
   • Maintain safe zones and communication protocols during group riding activities.
4. Dismount, cool down and release horse.
   • Dismount horse safely to ensure balance, lead horse, ensuring safety of horse and self.
   • Remove equipment from horse according to organisational safety procedures.
   • Cool horse down as necessary.
   • Release horse to enclosure according to organisational safety procedures.
   • Check equipment for wear or breakage, and report any faults.
5. Evaluate riding techniques.
   • Evaluate riding skills after each ride and discuss techniques and adherence to safety requirements with instructor.
   • Identify improvements for future activities.