Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to evaluate the fit of saddlery and equipment for individual horses for a range of horse activities.
The unit applies to individuals who have responsibility for assessing the fit, condition and suitability of saddlery and equipment for a particular purpose across equine industry sectors.
No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, except for the racing industry, where requirements vary between states and territories. Users working in the racing industry are advised to contact the relevant Principal Racing Authority for advice on current requirements.
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. Relate saddlery and equipment design and condition to purpose and safety considerations | 1.1 Identify saddlery and associated equipment used in horse activities 1.2 Relate saddlery and associated equipment design and purpose to horse activities 1.3 Identify safety aspects of saddlery and associated equipment used in various horse activities 1.4 Identify saddlery and associated equipment suitable for different levels of rider experience 1.5 Identify condition and assess stress and wear points of saddlery and equipment 1.6 Outline hazards, risks and controls associated with saddlery and associated equipment 1.7 Review workplace maintenance practices for potential improvements to arrangements |
2. Ensure horse comfort in relation to saddlery and associated equipment use | 2.1 Evaluate and relate the conformational, breed and developmental characteristics of horses to the fit of saddlery and associated equipment 2.2 Evaluate the impact of the shape and size of a rider and load on horse balance and comfort 2.3 Evaluate the shape and size of the rider and the impact on the balance and comfort of the horse 2.4 Interpret horse behavioural and physical signs relevant to both correctly fitted and incorrectly fitted saddlery and associated equipment 2.5 Interpret rider physical signs relevant to correctly fitted and incorrectly fitted saddlery and associated equipment 2.6 Evaluate materials and techniques used in the construction of saddlery and associated equipment for horse and rider comfort and durability |
3. Assess the fit of saddles, bridles and associated equipment | 3.1 Apply saddle fitting tools and techniques to determine appropriate saddle size and shape, and document results 3.2 Evaluate and report the fit of a saddle for horse, rider and activity 3.3 Evaluate and report the fit of bridles 3.4 Evaluate and report on a range of bits relevant to specific purposes 3.5 Identify and implement options for adjusting saddlery and associated equipment for improved horse and rider comfort and safety |
4. Assess the fit of accessory equipment | 4.1 Assess and report fit of saddle mounts 4.2 Assess and report fit of accessory gear 4.3 Assess and report fit of boots and bandages 4.4 Identify, implement and discuss options for adjusting accessory tack and equipment for improved horse and rider comfort and safety |
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 |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for complying with work health and safety and animal welfare requirements Work independently and collectively within broad parameters and meet expectations relating to own role and responsibilities |
Interact with others | Use communication practices and protocols suitable for liaising with a range of personnel Use clear language appropriate for audience when reporting and sharing information about saddlery, associated equipment and safety |
Get the work done | Assemble resources, and plan and prioritise tasks to achieve outcomes Make decisions about routine and non-routine activities, taking responsibility for assessing risks relating to saddlery and equipment and control actions taken |
Sectors
Equine (EQU)