Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to reinforce safe horse riding techniques to minimise the risk of falling, and knowledge of techniques to minimise the risk of injury from a fall from a horse.
The unit applies to individuals who participate in a range of activities that involve riding horses.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Work health and safety and animal welfare legislation relevant to interacting with horses applies to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and state/territory jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for specific requirements.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Outline riding practices to avoid the risk of falling | 1.1 Review industry research to identify different types of horse fall accidents and common injuries 1.2 Identify the process for assessing horse suitability prior to riding 1.3 Outline the role of fitness and pre-safety checks in avoiding falls 1.4 Recognise the importance and basic biomechanics of balance in maintaining control of horses while riding 1.5 Identify situations that can increase the risk of falls and injuries from falling from a horse 1.6 Conduct a self-assessment of own riding skills, experience and comfort zone |
2. Identify and describe techniques to minimise the risk of a potential fall | 2.1 Interpret and describe horse behaviour prior to mounting 2.2 Identify techniques for mounting and dismounting a horse in different situations and the associated risks 2.3 Identify ways to maintain balance of rider and control of a horse in different scenarios 2.4 Recognise how to slow and stop horses when travelling too fast 2.5 Recognise ways to manage a horse demonstrating undesirable behaviours 2.6 Identify how to complete and when to apply an emergency stop 2.7 Review a range of difficult riding scenarios and suggest strategies for dealing with them |
3. Outline the theory behind reducing the impact of falls from horses | 3.1 Identify the impact of response and reaction times associated with falls from horses 3.2 Recognise actions to take when a fall seems imminent, including releasing reins, removing feet from stirrups and preparing to dismount 3.3 Outline the basic techniques for landing, rolling and tumbling in different fall scenarios 3.4 Identify actions to take immediately after a fall, including checking for injuries and checking the horse |
4. Outline follow-up actions after a fall | 4.1 Review incidents, considering ways to mitigate risks in the future 4.2 Outline procedures and responsibilities for notifying designated personnel of accidents or injuries 4.3 Recognise the role of physical conditioning, training and practice, and prepare a plan to improve own riding skills to minimise the likelihood and impact of falls |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret and locate key information in industry information relating to falls and safe riding techniques |
Oral communication | Use industry terminology to describe horse behaviour, scenarios and fall training techniques |
Sectors
Equine (EQU)