Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop riding skills for exercising well-educated horses on the flat and in negotiating set obstacles in controlled and open areas. It includes assessing hazards, protecting the welfare of people and horses; fitting gear and tack for specific horse needs and providing targeted post-exercise care of horses.
The unit applies to riders who have skills to control a calm, consistent and obedient horse at walk, trot and canter in controlled environments. Working environments cover a range of sectors and situations where horses are used under saddle, including in paddocks, stock or exercise yards, arenas, natural trails and in controlled open areas at training and competition venues and public areas.
No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, except for the racing industry, where requirements vary between states and territories.
Work health and safety and animal welfare legislation relevant to interacting with horses applies to workers in this industry. Requirements vary between industry sectors and state/territory jurisdictions. Users are advised to check with the relevant authority for specific 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 to ride | 1.1 Discuss horse suitability with supervisor to determine suitability for own riding skill level 1.2 Follow safe horse handling practices, WHS procedures, and riding etiquette associated with workplace, location and activity 1.3 Check and assess riding area for potential hazards and risks, and identify ways to control risks 1.4 Select and fit gear according to purpose, features of fit and workplace requirements 1.5 Present appropriately tacked-up horse to instructor for riding gear check, prior to mounting 1.6 Check and adjust girth and tension once horse has warmed up, and adjust tension as required for particular saddle rigging |
2. Ride and control horse safely while exercising | 2.1 Mount horse in a safe and balanced manner as instructed 2.2 Ride a horse safely in a controlled manner in walk, trot and canter in a suitable arena and safe open space 2.3 Maintain control of horse at walk, trot and canter whilst working around other horses 2.4 Ride at a safe distance of two horse lengths from other riders and horses in riding area 2.5 Identify the footfalls in all gaits from the saddle and the ground 2.6 Rise on the appropriate diagonal in trot 2.7 Maintain position during short periods of sitting trot 2.8 Strike-off to canter on the nominated lead 2.9 Establish and maintain position and nominated gaits as instructed 2.10 Report problems and carry out post-exercise care of horses and gear according to stable procedures |
3. Complete tasks whilst mounted | 3.1 Safely negotiate different surfaces and ground conditions 3.2 Apply safe riding skills to ride a horse past obstacles 3.3 Carry a whip or crop safely to reinforce riding aids 3.4 Control riding over poles as instructed 3.5 Carry out horse fitness exercise for nominated activity, including warm up, exercise and cool down |
4. Complete and report post-riding activities | 4.1 Assess and apply the cooling-down needs of the horse 4.2 Remove safely, clean and inspect gear before storage 4.3 Report condition of gear and horse post-exercise to riding instructor 4.4 Report own performance to instructor and obtain feedback |
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 | Use active listening and questioning to clarify and confirm supervisor instructions Use industry-standard terminology to describe and report horse riding related activities |
Interact with others | Follow workplace rules and etiquette using clear communication techniques to work safely with others while riding under saddle |
Get the work done | Assemble gear and tack for activity and follow clear, sequenced instructions to exercise horses |
Sectors
Equine (EQU)