ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCECRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for safe riding activities.

1.1. Assess, with instructor, horse behaviour and suitability for riding activity and own skill level.

1.2. Assess, with instructor, level of horse education and suitability for riding activity and own skill level.

1.3. Discuss and identify, with instructor, potential hazards and associated risks for riding environment, weather, horse and riding activity.

1.4. Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during horse handling and riding activities.

2. Select and prepare tack, horse and personal equipment.

2.1. Check condition of assigned horse, report any signs of illness or injury, select grooming equipment and groom before fitting tack.

2.2. Select tack and personal equipment to match riding conditions, and check it is in safe working condition.

2.3. Fit and adjust tack and personal equipment to self and horse to ensure comfort and safety.

2.4. Present horse and self to instructor for check prior to mounting.

3. Mount and ride horses.

3.1. Follow all instructions and safety directions to control horse throughout riding activities.

3.2. Mount horse safely and to ensure balance; check and adjust equipment as required.

3.3. Interpret behavioural signals, use positive body language and aids to direct, communicate with and control horse.

3.4. Use upright seat to walk, trot and canter horse calmly and maintain rider balance throughout.

3.5. Control horse line of direction and speed at halt, walk, trot and canter.

3.6. Ride horse under control in a group and alone, through a range of movements.

3.7. Control horse line of direction and speed to safely approach and avoid hazards.

3.8. Maintain safe zones and communication protocols during group riding activities.

4. Dismount, cool down and release horse.

4.1. Dismount horse safely to ensure balance, lead horse, ensuring safety of horse and self.

4.2. Remove equipment from horse according to organisational safety procedures.

4.3. Cool horse down as necessary.

4.4. Release horse to enclosure according to organisational safety procedures.

4.5. Check equipment for wear or breakage, and report any faults.

5. Evaluate riding techniques.

5.1. Evaluate riding skills after each ride and discuss techniques and adherence to safety requirements with instructor.

5.2. Identify improvements for future activities.

Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement.

SKILLS

DESCRIPTION

Reading skills to:

interpret detailed and familiar organisational safety and emergency response procedures.

Oral communication skills to:

ask open and closed probe questions and actively listen to clarify and confirm riding conditions, instructions, directions and feedback

clearly interact verbally and non-verbally with other riders to maintain a positive and safe riding environment.

Learning skills to:

modify and use new techniques according to riding conditions and horse behaviour.