This unit applies to the interpretation of customer requirements to fit a saddle tree, shape the saddle, and assemble the saddle. Saddle fitting and assembly must comply with industry guidelines and saddle specifications.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.

The application of this unit is according to OHS practices of the enterprise and workplace practices, which may include:

requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment

standard operating procedures

work instructions

oral, written and visual communication

quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output

housekeeping

tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control and recycling

This unit requires the application of skills associated with planning and organising for the safe and efficient application of processes and technology used in assembling saddle components. This unit also requires an ability to read, interpret and record customer requirements, check the quality of assembly outcomes and identify assembly faults and problems. Self management and planning and organising skills are used to ensure work complies with workplace requirements.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Interpret shaping and fitting requirements

1.1 Information about customer requirements for fitting and shaping is gathered and recorded

1.2 Saddle tree requirements are identified

1.3 Fitting and shaping requirements are identified

1.4 Attachments and Additional features are identified

1.5 Ordering requirements for saddle tree or associated materials and equipment are identified and documented

1.6 All identified requirements are documented and checked against original customer requirements, and any orders required are placed

2 Prepare to fit and assemble saddle

2.1 Assembly tasks are identified

2.2 Personal protective equipment is applied

2.3 Saddle tree is obtained, modified or constructed

2.4 Materials and equipment for saddle assembly are prepared

2.5 Saddle components are correctly identified and prepared

2.6 Work area is set up in accordance with task requirements, workplace procedures, and OHS practices

3 Fit and assemble saddle

3.1 Saddle tree is checked for quality and against horse dimensions, and further fitting consultation is undertaken with client or supervisor if required

3.2 Saddle pieces and padding are applied onto tree

3.3 Padding is fixed into position and saddle pieces are joined

3.4 Attachments and additional features are fixed into position

3.5 Shaped saddle is dried

4 Complete saddle assembly

4.1 Assembly of saddle is checked to ensure requirements are met, and further consultation with client or supervisor is undertaken if required

4.2 Saddle is checked for quality and correct assembly, and any defects are addressed and modifications made if possible

4.3 Saddle assembly is reviewed with customer or supervisor to ensure requirements are met

4.4 Assembly is finalised, and housekeeping and required documentation completed

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of:

features and purposes of different types of saddles

fitting and shaping requirements for different horse breeds and riding requirements

meaning of terms used in the fitting and shaping of saddles

horse anatomy, as relevant to saddle fitting

saddle components, attachments and common additional features

saddle trees, their materials and how they are made and adjusted

work area set up for saddle assembly

leather performance and handling requirements

methods for examining saddles for faults and quality

quality standards of the enterprise and the industry

tools and equipment for making saddlery products

stitching techniques and equipment

personal protective equipment required in saddlery

attachments used in saddlery

padding materials and procedures for applying

quality standards and handling procedures

safety and environmental aspects of relevant processes

workplace operations and reporting procedures

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

access workplace and customer information

identify customer requirements

communicate with client to review requirements

identify quality requirements

identify assembly procedures, materials and resources

obtain or modify appropriate mould for shaping

identify additional skill or knowledge requirements

apply personal protective equipment

identify faults and quality of leather

check saddle for strength, quality and accuracy

assemble saddle according to industry and professional standards

use assembly tools and equipment effectively to produce desired outcome

analyse finished products to ensure requirements are met

read, interpret, and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material

maintain accurate records

sequence operations

clarify and check task-related information

carry out work according to OHS practices

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

interpret and apply saddle specifications

use saddlery tools and equipment

conduct assembly techniques

check work against specifications

apply workplace health and safety policies in work operations

maintain accurate records

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

organising work

completing tasks

identifying improvements

using workplace practices

using OHS practices

recording and reporting accidents and incidents

assessing operational readiness of equipment used and work processes

recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions

completing work systematically with attention to detail without damage to goods and equipment

Context and specific resources for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment and requires access to work areas, materials and equipment and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

Information about customer requirements includes:

breed and size of horse for saddle

physical characteristics of horse, eg high-withered, short-backed, flat-backed

horse riding tasks, eg cutting, racing, working

weight requirements

padding requirements

Attachments include:

plates

rings

ties

stirrups

Additional features include:

desired leather stain

decorative elements

accessories

dyeing

stamping

lacing

Assembly tasks include:

obtaining, making and adjusting the saddle tree

marking

stitching

adding attachments

padding

shaping

fitting of saddle horn, bridle, rings

polishing

creasing

staining

finishing

Personal protective equipment includes:

gloves

apron and other protective clothing

masks used for applying polishes and stains

Materials and equipment includes:

mould or stand

drying or curing equipment

wetting agents

stitching tools

threads

padding

measuring tape

assembly instructions or specifications

Prepared includes:

cleaned

checked for foreign objects

sharpened (tools)

checked for faults or damage

Saddle tree is checked includes:

making sure the gullet is clear of the horse's backbone

checking the tree is soundly constructed

checking the tree is of suitable composition and weight for the intended purpose

checking the tree is aligned to specified swell and canter

OHS practices

OHS practices must include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit, and may include:

manual handling techniques

standard operating procedures

personal protective equipment

safe materials handling

taking of rest breaks

ergonomic arrangement of workplaces

following marked walkways

safe storage of equipment

housekeeping

reporting accidents and incidents

other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise

Required documentation includes:

shaping procedure/modifications applied

adjustments

customer order information

Sector

Leather Production

This unit contains employability skills.