SISOEQO411A
Ride horses in remote areas

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to participate in horse trail riding activities in remote areas in an uncontrolled environment with steep or difficult terrain, a variety of obstacles and or environmental extremes.No licensing, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

This unit applies to those working as horse riding guides or assistant guides who guide day rides in remote areas. This may include those working for private horse riding companies or group leaders in school outdoor education programs.



Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan the ride.

1.1. Access maps to confirm intended route and become familiar with route environment for the intended ride according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.2. Identify possible hazards and risks associated with the ride according to organisational policies and procedures.

1.3. Access relevant sources to interpret weather and environmental information and ascertain possible impact on the ride.

1.4. Identify and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the duration of the ride.

2. Select equipment for the ride.

2.1. Select and check equipment according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures.

2.2. Adjust and fit equipment to ensure comfort and safety for rider and horse.

2.3. Select and pack first aid supplies for horse and rider.

2.4. Pack saddle bags to ensure even distribution and comfort for the horse.

2.5. Select personal clothing and footwear that are appropriate for the ride.

3. Demonstrate horse riding skills in a remote area.

3.1. Adopt appropriate posture for horse riding and handle the horse in a safe and effective manner according to organisational policies and procedures.

3.2. Approach and negotiate obstacles and hazards in a safe manner and minimise risks to self and group where possible.

3.3. Initiate a gait appropriate to the terrain.

3.4. Establish and maintain an appropriate rhythm according to conditions.

3.5. Negotiate ascending and descending inclines on steep slopes.

3.6. Demonstrate appropriate navigation skills to follow planned route.

3.7. Apply minimum environmental impact procedures according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

4. Manage horse overnight in remote environment.

4.1. Select a suitable site for tethering or corralling horses according to organisational policies and procedures.

4.2. Set up corrals and picket lines using appropriate knots.

4.3. Tether horse and supply with needs for overnight stop.

4.4. Ensure safety of other horses and riders during stop over's according to organisational policies and procedures.

4.5. Store equipment for overnight stop in a safe manner according to organisational policies and procedures.

5. Evaluate the ride.

5.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the ride.

5.2. Identify improvements for future rides.

5.3. Review own performance and identify potential improvements.

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to interact with group leader and other participants to maintain a positive and safe environment while on the ride

planning and organising skills to plan relevant food, water, clothing and riding equipment for the ride

literacy skills to read and interpret route maps and analyse weather and environmental information

self-management skills to:

recognise and act within boundaries of role and responsibilities

review and evaluate personal performance

first aid and emergency response skills appropriate to the location or degree of remoteness to enable initial response to emergencies and personal health care

navigation skills and techniques in remote areas to enable safe participation in the ride

river crossing skills to cross rivers safely and select a suitable crossing location

Required knowledge

relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable the safe participation in riding activity and legal access to remote areas

selection, use and set up of horse riding tack and equipment, such as bridles and saddles, to enable safe riding

social behaviour, psychology and vices of horses to recognise and manage individual temperaments and behaviours

gaits of horses appropriate to remote and difficult terrain

horse handling techniques and movements for horse riding in remote and difficult terrain, such as turns, halts and reverses, mounting and dismounting and ascending and descending techniques

basic weather and environmental information to ascertain possible conditions and their effect on the ride

emergency and first aid procedures appropriate to the level and location to ensure risk minimisation to self and group

minimum impact code and practices applicable to horse riding to ensure protection of the environment

fluid and nutritional requirements for the ride including an overnight stay for both self and horse

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

basic horse first aid techniques to manage injuries sustained by horses during the ride.

Evidence Required

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:

plans for participation in rides in remote areas within own area of responsibility by accessing appropriate information impacting on the ride

identifies, accesses and uses appropriate equipment and resources for the ride according to conditions and departure time frames

utilises knowledge of horse behaviour and horse riding and handling techniques to control and handle the horse to ensure the safety of self and others and develops a trusting relationship with the horse

safely manages and monitors the needs of the horse during stopovers and overnight taking into consideration the safety of other horses and riders

applies effective contingency management techniques to make adjustments in response to changing conditions, such as negotiating hazards and changing weather conditions

evaluates and reflects on own riding to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure safe participation in a horse riding activity in a remote area that includes an overnight stay to allow the participant to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also enable access to:

a suitable remote location for the ride

suitable horses

equipment such as halters, ropes, saddles, bridles, helmets, suitable clothing and boots

safety equipment such as first aid kit

navigation and overnight equipment such as communications equipment and sleeping bag or swag

organisational policies and procedures.

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 equipment selection and preparation, to ensure proper fit and usage

oral and or written questioning to assess knowledge of safety aspects and horse handling techniques for remote areas

observation of safe participation and demonstration of correct technique while maintaining control of the horse at all times in steep or difficult terrain

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:

SISOEQO412A Manage horse illness and injuries in remote areas.

Guidance information for assessment


Range Statement

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.

Route environment may include:

bushland

arid areas

alpine areas

rainforest

beaches.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

use, maintenance and storage of equipment

communication protocols

emergency procedures

duty of care

code of ethics

industry standards for maximum workload for horses

codes of practice.

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 and course 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.

Principles of nutrition may include:

food groups

dietary guidelines

essential nutrients

food preparation

hydration.

Duration of the ride may include:

one day

overnight.

Equipment may include:

water

dry clothing

first aid supplies

communication devices

bedding

shelter.

Contextual issues may include:

weather conditions, including times

season

transport

location

trip distance and duration

group objectives

group size.

First aid supplies may include:

gun

axe

knife

hoof pick

farrier equipment

personal first aid supplies

horse first aid supplies

torch.

Obstacles may include:

rivers

low boughs on trees

logs

rocks and loose debris

steep gullies

exposed areas

unstable or sloping terrain.

Terrain may include:

steep ascents and or descents

dense vegetation

numerous obstacles

untracked areas

exposed areas with inherent dangers due to environmental extremes.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

permits or permission for access

environmental regulations.

Knots may include:

quick release

bowline

clove hitch

Dutchman.

Relevant aspects may include:

objectives

planning process

activity site

weather

equipment selection

clothing selection

food selection

instructional content

instructional technique

assessment technique

group feedback

directing techniques

rescue techniques employed.


Sectors

Unit sector

Outdoor Recreation


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor