Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Select and prepare tack, horse and personal equipment.
   • Confirm activity safety and emergency response procedures to ensure compliance during horse handling and riding activities.
   • Assess horse and select to match own skill level and riding conditions.
   • Check condition of horse, confirm soundness and groom before fitting tack.
   • Select tack and personal equipment to match riding conditions for difficult untracked terrain, and check it is in safe working condition.
   • Fit and adjust tack and personal equipment to self and horse to ensure comfort and safety.
2. Ride horses in untracked trail ride environments.
   • Mount and dismount horse safely in untracked trail environments without assistance according to organisational safety procedures.
   • Interpret behavioural signals, use positive body language and aids to direct, communicate with and control horse.
   • Use appropriate posture for horse riding in difficult terrain and safely and effectively handle the horse in a range of movements.
   • Instigate a gait appropriate to the terrain, establish and maintain an appropriate rhythm and adjust according to conditions and terrain.
   • Maintain safe zones according to the terrain and environmental hazards.
   • Maintain communication protocols during group riding activities.
   • Use practices to minimise impact of horse riding on the environment according to organisational policies and procedures.
3. Negotiate environmental obstacles and steep inclines.
   • Consistently control horse to safely approach and negotiate constant and unpredictable environmental hazards and obstacles.
   • Choose appropriate gait, and control horse resistance, line of direction and pace to ride over uneven and unstable ground, to ride through water, and to negotiate ascending and descending steep inclines.
   • Monitor horse behaviour towards obstacles and use techniques to maintain horse confidence and calmness.
4. Manage horses overnight.
   • Assess prevailing conditions and select suitable site for containing or tethering horses.
   • Set up temporary horse containment area or tethering systems to ensure security and welfare overnight.
   • Check condition and health of horses and treat as required.
   • Monitor safety and security of horses through the night.
   • Store equipment securely to avoid damage and exposure to weather conditions.
   • Return site to equal or greater standard on departure to minimise impact on environment.