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

SISOEQO306A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Guide day horse trail rides in tracked areas

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SISOEQO306A - Guide day horse trail rides in tracked areas
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to guide or lead clients on day rides in tracked or easy untracked areas. This unit focuses on the application of planning skills to make suitable arrangements to guide a group through a day riding activity.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to those working as horse riding guides who guide day rides in a controlled environment. This may include those working for private horse riding companies or group leaders in school outdoor education programs.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Nil
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: Plan a day ride.
  • Establish participant's needs and characteristics and assist with participant's disclaimer where required.
  • Develop an activity plan, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures, to meet participants' needs.
  • Select trail ride route suitable for participants and identify rest stops to minimise impact on the terrain and other trail users according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Identify hazards associated with the ride and minimise risks to ensure personal safety of participants.
  • Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan.
  • Determine food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues of the activity.
  • Inform appropriate authorities of route and anticipated times before commencing the ride.
       
Element: Select equipment for the ride.
  • Select horses of suitable size and temperament to suit individual rider's needs, abilities and attitude.
  • Select equipment according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Perform and document appropriate safety checks suitable for the ride, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • Adjust and fit equipment to ensure personal comfort.
  • Pack saddle bags to ensure they are balanced and comfortable for the horse.
       
Element: Brief participants.
  • Communicate instructions and relevant information about the ride in a manner suitable to the participants.
  • Demonstrate correct horse handling and riding techniques.
  • Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use during the ride.
  • Outline safety procedures and safe areas and or boundaries for the activity.
  • Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the ride.
  • Check participants can apply simple aids to horses to control their direction and speed
  • Check that the combinations of horses and riders are appropriate for the planned ride
       
Element: Lead a day ride.
  • Provide clear and concise direction and advice to group during the ride.
  • Monitor riding conditions and techniques to ensure a safe environment.
  • Monitor individual participant's performance and provide appropriate feedback.
  • Implement appropriate modifications to activity in regard to all variable factors that are monitored.
  • Lead both mounted and unmounted horses from horseback.
  • Respond appropriately to any emergency or situation.
       
Element: Select a temporary site for short stops.
  • Assess and select suitable sites to minimise impact on the local environment.
  • Explain relevant minimum impact practices to group and monitor their compliance.
  • Return site to an equal or greater standard on departure.
       
Element: Complete post trip responsibilities.
  • Notify relevant authority of trip completion.
  • Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • Check and deal with injuries or wear to horses according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • Evaluate relevant aspects of riding activity.
  • Identify potential areas of improvement for future trail horse riding activities
  • Review own performance and identify potential improvements.
       


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

Evidence of the following is essential:

applies knowledge of horse riding and handling techniques to plan within activity constraints and applies effective group management techniques to guide and monitor participants according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures

monitors the progress of the day ride and applies effective contingency management techniques to make adjustments in response to changing conditions, such as horse and rider problems, and negotiating hazards and changing weather conditions

encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own guiding performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure planning and leading day rides that reflect the needs of a range of participants to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, guide and document a day ride for a variety of participants

suitable horses

a route or location suitable for the conduct of a horse trail ride

a suitable temporary site, if required

a group of participants to take part in the day ride

horse riding equipment such as saddles, navigation equipment, appropriate clothing, food and water, communication devices; safety, and first aid equipment.

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 planning and guiding processes and interaction with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation and appropriate assessment of and assistance provided to participants

oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of day rides

observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure

portfolio of day riding plans

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

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

SISOEQO304A Apply first aid for horses.

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

communication skills to:

consult with participants to plan day rides that meet their needs

liaise with relevant authorities regarding the route

convey information about the safety aspects of the ride

interact with participants to create a safe and positive riding environment

provide information on skills required to safely negotiate tracks and trails and to control the horses

provide information and skills to non riders

provide feedback to riders to assist them to improve their riding skills

problem-solving skills to:

plan suitable riding activities according to participant's needs and abilities

assess different variables affecting the ride

respond appropriately to non-routine situations

manage the group effectively

assess suitability of horse to rider and the level of their abilities to travel different routes and paces

planning and organisation skills to source, allocate and coordinate resources, equipment and a suitable trail ride route with easy access to a suitable site for short stops

language and literacy skills to:

produce a plan for the riding activity

document safety checks,

complete post activity participant and self evaluations

personal horseriding skills to a high level of technical correctness to demonstrate and explain requirements to participants

water hazard and river reading skills, such as direction and speed of flow, currents, eddies and other hydrological features that may impact on safety during the ride

water hazards

navigation skills to lead a group on a planned horse riding activity along a certain route and or to a chosen destination

first aid and emergency response and rescue skills appropriate to the location to enable initial response to emergencies for both participants and horses

ability to apply a risk management plan to enable the activity to be conducted safely.

Required knowledge

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to ensure safe conduct of riding activities

minimal impact codes to enable protection of the environment

horse handling techniques and behaviour patterns and characteristics of horses to ensure safety of participants and horses

symptoms, treatment and prevention of hypothermia, hyperthermia and dehydration to assist in planning riding times and distances and assist participants in self monitoring

information about local area to assist in the planning process and enable management of potential hazards and any special restrictions applying to the area

types and characteristics of equipment to enable its safe and efficient selection, use and maintenance

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

waterproofing and stowing techniques used to keep equipment, that is not required on hand, dry during ride

communication systems and signals used to communicate during the ride

principles of nutrition to maintain health during the activity

weather and environmental information to identify forecast conditions and their effect on the riding activity

emergency response and rescue procedures appropriate for horse riding, to ensure risk minimisation to self and group.

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.

Participant's needs and characteristics may include:

skill level

previous experience

fitness level, emotional and physical capabilities

age

injuries and illnesses

condition on the day of the trip

size of the horse.

Plan may include:

ride's aims and objectives

date, time and duration of ride

location, planned route and or destination

guide and participant ratios

resources

equipment

weather details

safety requirements

contingency plan.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits from land management authorities

equal opportunity

privacy

working with children

environmental regulations.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

Standard Operating Procedures for running a trail ride

risk management procedures

assessment procedures

time and budget constraints

use and maintenance of equipment

communication protocols

confidentiality of participant information

guide and participant ratios

emergency and safety procedures

code of ethics.

Hazards may include:

temperature extremes

slippery or unstable terrain

dangerous animals and insects

stinging trees and nettles

dense vegetation

group management hazards.

Risks may include:

hypothermia

heat exhaustion

injuries

exhaustion

lost party or party member

equipment failure.

Relevant sources may include:

Bureau of Meteorology

Media

land managers or agencies

local knowledge.

Weather and environmental information may include:

satellite images

daily and weekly forecasts

maximum and minimum temperatures

weather warnings

event warnings

river levels

synoptic charts

high and low tide predictions.

Food and water requirements may include:

range of foods

perishability

energy content.

carrying capacity

Principles of nutrition may include:

essential nutrients

individual food requirements and allergies

hydration.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size

Appropriate authorities may include:

authorities

supervisors

Equipment may include:

saddles and associated horse equipment

maps and compass

safety equipment

Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons

ropes

knife

communication equipment.

first aid equipment

saddle bags

Relevant information may include:

logistical details

safety procedures

prevention and treatment of illnesses

behaviour patterns and characteristics of horses

equipment requirements

preventative measures for risks

possible hazards

horse handling and riding techniques

objectives of day ride

rules and codes

responsible and safe behaviour.

medical information, fitness and skills of the riders

Communication system may include:

calls

radio

hand signals

whistles.

Safety procedures may include:

correct fitting equipment

undamaged equipment

communication systems

use of safety and rescue equipment.

procedures for managing the group

assessing abilities of riders before departure

teaching basic skills prior to departure

ensuring appropriate horse and rider combination

Participant's performance may include:

use of appropriate communication system

riding technique

riding pace and space

attitude

negotiation of hazards

use of equipment

suitability of horse or rider combination.

Variable factors may include:

change of weather

equipment failure

participant's needs

riding conditions.

Suitable site may include:

rest stops

activity sites

temporary shelter.

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
Establish participant's needs and characteristics and assist with participant's disclaimer where required. 
Develop an activity plan, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures, to meet participants' needs. 
Select trail ride route suitable for participants and identify rest stops to minimise impact on the terrain and other trail users according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Identify hazards associated with the ride and minimise risks to ensure personal safety of participants. 
Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine activity plan. 
Determine food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues of the activity. 
Inform appropriate authorities of route and anticipated times before commencing the ride. 
Select horses of suitable size and temperament to suit individual rider's needs, abilities and attitude. 
Select equipment according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures. 
Perform and document appropriate safety checks suitable for the ride, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures. 
Adjust and fit equipment to ensure personal comfort. 
Pack saddle bags to ensure they are balanced and comfortable for the horse. 
Communicate instructions and relevant information about the ride in a manner suitable to the participants. 
Demonstrate correct horse handling and riding techniques. 
Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use during the ride. 
Outline safety procedures and safe areas and or boundaries for the activity. 
Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the ride. 
Check participants can apply simple aids to horses to control their direction and speed 
Check that the combinations of horses and riders are appropriate for the planned ride 
Provide clear and concise direction and advice to group during the ride. 
Monitor riding conditions and techniques to ensure a safe environment. 
Monitor individual participant's performance and provide appropriate feedback. 
Implement appropriate modifications to activity in regard to all variable factors that are monitored. 
Lead both mounted and unmounted horses from horseback. 
Respond appropriately to any emergency or situation. 
Assess and select suitable sites to minimise impact on the local environment. 
Explain relevant minimum impact practices to group and monitor their compliance. 
Return site to an equal or greater standard on departure. 
Notify relevant authority of trip completion. 
Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Check and deal with injuries or wear to horses according to organisational policies and procedures. 
Evaluate relevant aspects of riding activity. 
Identify potential areas of improvement for future trail horse riding activities 
Review own performance and identify potential improvements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SISOEQO306A - Guide day horse trail rides in tracked areas
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

SISOEQO306A - Guide day horse trail rides in tracked areas

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: