Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to simulate riding skills to avoid falls and introduce basic skills and techniques for reducing the impact of potential falls from a horse. The unit is undertaken in supervised, simulated conditions.
The unit applies to individuals who participate in a range of activities that involve riding horses.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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 for simulated riding and fall activities | 1.1 Follow coach or instructor briefing and confirm and clarify instructions for simulated riding and falling activities 1.2 Participate in an assessment of personal fitness and skills before joining activities 1.3 Complete warm-up activities according to instructions 1.4 Select and correctly fit appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for specific activities |
2. Demonstrate riding skills to reduce risk of falls | 2.1 Practise safe mounting and dismounting, including feet-first landing technique, on simulated horse equipment, according to instructions 2.2 Demonstrate how to slow and stop horses in different scenarios on simulated horse equipment, according to instructions 2.3 Demonstrate techniques for maintaining and recovering balance and control for various scenarios, on simulated horse equipment and according to instructions |
3. Practise basic skills to reduce the impact of falls from a horse | 3.1 Demonstrate basic positions used in falls skills training 3.2 Practise basic rolling and tumbling skills, including backwards and rolling in different directions, from standstill 3.3 Demonstrate dive roll skills and basic aerial skills, involving jumping, landing and rolling |
4. Simulate techniques to use in potential falls scenarios | 4.1 Demonstrate letting go of the reins and preparing for an involuntary or emergency dismount 4.2 Demonstrate techniques to use for an emergency dismount from a horse simulator suitable for the purpose 4.3 Practise landing, tucking and rolling in various fall scenarios from a horse simulator suitable for the purpose 4.4 Simulate recovering from a fall, including checking for injuries |
5. Plan future skills needs | 5.1 Reflect on own riding and safe falling practice outcomes and discuss future skills development with instructor 5.2 Plan own physical conditioning and pre-ride practice or warm-up program |
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 instructions Raise issues of concern clearly and confidently with instructor |
Sectors
Equine (EQU)