Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to control a horse under saddle that is suitably educated for a beginner rider. It focuses on walking, trotting and cantering calm, obedient and consistent horses that are suitable for the level of rider experience, during controlled, supervised horse riding activities.
It covers knowledge of potential risks when working with and around horses, and the application of industry guidelines and procedures to ensure the welfare and safety of the individual, other participants and horses.
The unit applies to individuals who have limited or no horse riding experience, and who are developing skills needed to ride horses for work tasks. They undertake defined routine activities under supervision with limited responsibility for their own work. Working environments may include exercise yards and fenced horse riding areas or arenas.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, except for the racing industry, where licensing or registration varies between states and territories. Users working in the racing industry are advised to contact the relevant Principal Racing Authority for advice on current 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. Prepare for horse riding activity | 1.1 Discuss current skill level, riding skill development goals and horse suitability with riding instructor 1.2 Identify potential hazards and risks associated with the specific location, environment and horse riding activity, and apply control measures as directed 1.3 Select and correctly fit personal protective equipment (PPE) required for preparing and riding the horse according to WHS requirements 1.4 Catch, groom and tack-up assigned horse as directed using tack appropriate for rider, horse and discipline 1.5 Present horse to instructor appropriately tacked up for riding for gear check prior to mounting |
2. Demonstrate controlled riding skills | 2.1 Mount horse in a safe and balanced manner as instructed 2.2 Ride horse through gaits in a balanced and controlled manner 2.3 Use recognised aids including legs, weight, hands and voice to control movement, speed and direction of horse at halt, walk, trot and canter 2.4 Cue horse through a range of movements and direction, maintaining control of horse 2.5 Control horse under saddle among other horse and rider combinations, maintaining safe group riding practices while performing a variety of required movements 2.6 Negotiate potential hazards appropriately to minimise risks 2.7 Dismount safely and lead horse in a controlled manner |
3. Complete and report post-riding activities | 3.1 Perform post-riding cool down of horse as directed 3.2 Remove tack safely and check condition 3.3 Report to riding instructor on condition of gear and horse post-exercise 3.4 Discuss with riding instructor, using objective and positive language, personal performance and goals for future riding skill development |
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 |
Oral communication | Active listening and questioning to clarify and confirm supervisor instructions Use industry standard terminology to describe horse riding-related activities |
Learning | Seek, reflect and respond to feedback from supervisor to improve own performance |
Navigate the world of work | Follow workplace procedures, including WHS and animal welfare requirements, relating to own role and work area Demonstrate a duty of care to self and others when working with horses |
Get the work done | Assemble resources and follow clear, sequenced instructions to ride horses at walk, trot and canter |
Sectors
Equine (EQU)