Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

ACMEQU404A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Evaluate fit of saddlery and equipment

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency ACMEQU404A - Evaluate fit of saddlery and equipment
Description This Unit of Competency covers the process of evaluating the fit of saddlery and equipment for individual horses across a range of horse activities.
Employability Skills This Unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application The Unit is applicable across equine industry sectors where it may be necessary to assess the fit, condition and suitability of saddlery and equipment for nominated purpose.In addition to legal and ethical responsibilities, all Units of Competency in the ACM10 Animal Care and Management Training Package have the requirement for animals to be handled gently and calmly. The individual is required to exhibit appropriate care for animals so that stress and discomfort is minimised.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites There are no pre-requisite Units for this competency standard.
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Evaluate factors that influence horse comfort in relation to saddlery and equipment use
  • Conformational, breed and developmental characteristics of horses are related to fit of saddlery and equipment
  • 1.2 Impact of shape and size of rider/driver/load on horse's balance and comfort is evaluated
  • Horse behavioural and physical symptoms are interpreted in relation to fit of gear
  • Materials used in the construction of saddlery and equipment are evaluated for comfort and durability
       
Element: Relate saddlery and equipment design and condition to purpose and safety considerations
  • Saddlery and equipment used in a range of horse activities are identified
  • Saddlery and equipment design is related to horse activities
  • Stress and wear points of saddlery and equipment are identified and evaluated
  • Condition of saddlery and equipment is evaluated
       
Element: Assess the fit of saddles and bridle wear
  • Saddle template is used to estimate saddle size and shape, and results documented
  • Fit ofsaddles is evaluated, and reported to owner
  • Fit of common bridles, halters and bitless bridles is evaluated, and reported to owner
  • A range of common bit types is evaluated, and reported to owner
  • Options for adjusting saddlery and equipment for improved horse comfort are identified and discussed with owner and/or other specialists
       
Element: Assess the fit of accessory tack and equipment
  • Fit of saddle mounts is identified, assessed and reported to owner
  • Fit of training, corrective or accessory gear is assessed and reported to owner
  • Fit of boots is assessed, and reported to owner
  • Options for adjusting accessory tack and equipment for improved horse comfort are identified, presented and discussed with owner and/or other specialists
       


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

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this Unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

assess construction, purpose and suitability of saddlery and equipment

evaluate factors that can affect the comfort of horses in relation to saddlery and equipment use

assess fit and condition of saddlery and equipment and make recommendations on adjustments.

The skills and knowledge required to evaluate fit of saddlery and equipment must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment for this Unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in an equine workplace or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.

There must be access to horses and ponies from a range of breeds and age groups and a wide range of saddlery and equipment used on performance and working horses and other relevant information, materials and documentation to enable one to demonstrate competence.

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency in performance, competency should be demonstrated, to industry standards, on more than two occasions over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities and over a number of assessment activities.

The assessment strategy must include assessment of competency in a work environment. Suggested strategies for this Unit are:

written and oral assessment of candidate’s required knowledge

observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate’s application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

case studies

third-party evidence

workplace documentation.

This Unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other Units of Competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socio-economic backgrounds).


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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 include:

Ability to:

analyse and solve problems using available information and resources including recording information and prioritising daily tasks

apply interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

communicate effectively with others, including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and consulting with or seeking advice from other relevant persons

consult clearly and precisely with other equine service providers and horse owners or carers

employ safe and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when working with and handling horses

follow sequenced written instructions; record accurately and legibly information collected; and select and apply procedures to a range of defined tasks

identify the impact of size and shape of rider/driver and load on horse comfort

interpret and respond to horse behaviour

maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection; considering zoonotic and exotic disease possibilities (biosecurity)

numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace elements

read and follow required policies and procedures, including OHS, infection control and waste management

relate saddlery and equipment shape and style to purpose and performance needs

use safe manual handling techniques and equipment

use safe, hygienic and environmentally friendly waste handling and disposal procedures.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

anatomical and physiological structures, features and functions related to the fit of saddlery and equipment

features of fit for saddlery and equipment

impact on horse comfort of rider/driver and load

impact on saddle and equipment fit of breed, conformation and body shape status

industry terminology related to saddlery and equipment fit and purpose

methods used to adjust fit of saddlery and equipment

principles of animal welfare

range of saddlery and equipment available including designs, styles and materials

relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice, including OHS, animal welfare and ethics, and waste disposal

requirements for saddlery and equipment for a range of horse activities

safe work practices

workplace hygiene standards (biosecurity) including: disinfectants, cleaning agents and techniques, cleaning and appropriate disinfection or sterilisation of equipment, materials and personal protective equipment (PPE).

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.

Developmental characteristics may include:

changes in body shape due to:

body condition score

education level

fitness level

maturity

teething.

Behaviour and physical symptoms may include:

behavioural:

bucking

during girthing-up

biting

groaning

sitting down

reluctance to stand still

flicking ears

getting tongue over the bit

head shyness

rearing

reluctance to accept bit

reluctance to jump

reluctance to move forward with usual stride or tempo

reluctance to stand for mounting

tossing or shaking head

travelling with head and neck raised

travelling with mouth open or jaw crossed

physical:

bleeding

broken skin

presence of white hair unrelated to skin pigment

on back

trunk

head

legs

rub marks

scarring

swelling.

Materials may include:

saddlery and equipment:

cotton

elastane and other stretch materials

horse hair

leather

neoprene

other synthetics

materials used for shock absorption

metal and plastic fittings

non-galling fabrics

plastic coated webbing

plastics

sheepskin

wool

bits:

copper

nickel-plated

other metals

plastics

rubber

stainless steel.

Saddlery and equipment may include:

breast plates and cruppers

bridles, halters and bitless bridles

bits

boots and bandages

girth

saddles and mounts

saddle cloths and pads

training, corrective and accessory head gear:

head checks

lungeing equipment

martingales

nosebands.

Horse activities may include:

gear design for particular purpose:

display and ceremonial

side saddle

Arabian

Spanish

harness:

3 phase driving

heavy horse

lightweight show

pleasure driving

racing

riding for the disabled

flat riding:

dressage

endurance

hacking

lungeing and long reining

Paralympics riding

polo

polocrosse

racing

tent pegging

trail riding

vaulting

jumping:

eventing

hunting

racing

showjumping

stock horse:

Australian

Western.

Design may include:

construction considerations:

availability of raw materials

cost of finished product

custom-made or mass-produced

long-term versus short-term use

need to fit more than one horse or rider versus individual fit

primary use

horse activity considerations:

ability to absorb or repel sweat, water, dirt

aesthetic considerations related to shape, size, materials and colours used

durability, strength and stability of materials and design in relation to safety

parade or display versus performance activity

rules and regulations related to equipment used.

Condition may include:

wear of materials, hardware and fitting:

broken, frayed or stretched stitching

broken, loose or bent hardware

split, frayed or worn materials

stretched or split adjustment holes

finish of materials or hardware:

clean, mouldy, dirty, dusty

supple, brittle or cracked materials

tarnished or cracking hardware surface

torn, pilled or contaminated cloth or Velcro attachments.

Fit of saddles may include:

saddle fit assessment:

channel width

D rings/attachments

gullet plate

length and breadth - saddle vs conformation

panels

tree

stuffing

saddle types:

stock horse:

full

poley

Western:

barrel racing

cutting

reining

roping

western pleasure

equestrian disciplines:

dressage

eventing

hacking

jumping

military

polo

harness:

3 phase driving

heavy horse

light horse

parade and costume:

Arabian

Native American

Spanish

racing:

flat

harness

jumping.

Bridles, halters and bitless bridles may include:

bitless bridles

double bridles

hackamores:

bosals

mechanical hackamores

single bit bridles:

one ear

ring head

split head.

Common bit types may include:

curbs

gags

mouthing and leading

overcheck

pelhams

snaffles.

Options for adjusting saddlery and equipment may include:

saddle:

using adjustable air panels and saddle cloths

changing or re-shaping gullet plates

changing girth point position or configuration

using smaller or larger saddle

selecting a wider or more narrow saddle

girth:

length

width

material

shape

buckle configuration

bridle:

mixing bride parts and noseband sizes for according to head shape

making more adjustment holes

using a different shape noseband or headpiece design

bit:

connecting joint design – cannons and shanks

material (iron/chrome/copper)

port height

shank length

shape

size/diameter

weight

width

varying position and number of adjustment holes or places

modifying packing

use of padding under saddle:

gel pads

horse hair or equivalent synthetic pads

risers

sheepskin or synthetic anti-rub materials

towels or other temporary packing

withers pads.

Saddle mounts may include:

breastplates

cruppers

girths:

surcingles

over girth

western girth rigs

stirrups:

safety irons

knife edge

racing

western

stirrup leathers

stud guards.

Training, corrective and accessory gear may include:

lungeing:

chambon

lungeing cavesson

lungeing roller

side reins

corrective head accessories

de Gogue

head checks

running and draw reins

martingales:

irish

market harborough

running

standing

nosebands:

cavesson

dropped

Hanoverian

Crackle

crank

protectors or eye sight controllers:

blinkers and pacifiers

shadow rolls

poll protector

serving boots

barrier blankets.

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
Conformational, breed and developmental characteristics of horses are related to fit of saddlery and equipment 
1.2 Impact of shape and size of rider/driver/load on horse's balance and comfort is evaluated 
Horse behavioural and physical symptoms are interpreted in relation to fit of gear 
Materials used in the construction of saddlery and equipment are evaluated for comfort and durability 
Saddlery and equipment used in a range of horse activities are identified 
Saddlery and equipment design is related to horse activities 
Stress and wear points of saddlery and equipment are identified and evaluated 
Condition of saddlery and equipment is evaluated 
Saddle template is used to estimate saddle size and shape, and results documented 
Fit ofsaddles is evaluated, and reported to owner 
Fit of common bridles, halters and bitless bridles is evaluated, and reported to owner 
A range of common bit types is evaluated, and reported to owner 
Options for adjusting saddlery and equipment for improved horse comfort are identified and discussed with owner and/or other specialists 
Fit of saddle mounts is identified, assessed and reported to owner 
Fit of training, corrective or accessory gear is assessed and reported to owner 
Fit of boots is assessed, and reported to owner 
Options for adjusting accessory tack and equipment for improved horse comfort are identified, presented and discussed with owner and/or other specialists 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ACMEQU404A - Evaluate fit of saddlery and equipment
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

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

ACMEQU404A - Evaluate fit of saddlery and equipment

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

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: