Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for starting a horse under saddle and educating it to be ridden. The unit applies to all classes of horses and can be customised for other domestic equids.
The unit applies to individuals with considerable experience and skills in horse handling and riding who have responsibility for educating horses for a range of purposes. They work independently within organisational guidelines, deal with predictable and unpredictable situations, and apply problem-solving skills to achieve outcomes.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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 educate a horse to be ridden | 1.1 Assess current level of education, health status and behaviour of the horse 1.2 Confirm and document client needs and requirements, and develop education plan for individual horse 1.3 Prepare safe, secure and controlled facilities to conduct each stage of the education program 1.4 Conduct risk assessment, address identified hazards, and control potential risks to safety of handler/s and horse/s 1.5 Select and correctly fit personal protective equipment (PPE) 1.6 Determine if the assistance of another handler is required based on risk assessment |
2. Mouth the horse | 2.1 Select appropriate tack to suit horse, including bit, bridle, saddle cloth and saddle 2.2 Familiarise horse with tack in preparation to mount and ride 2.3 Apply selected tack correctly to ensure comfort and fit 2.4 Mouth the horse and educate to respond to aids and cues |
3. Start horse under saddle | 3.1 Prepare the horse to be mounted and introduce weight to the horse's back 3.2 Mount the horse and introduce leg pressure, aids and voice cues to influence forward movement, direction, flexion, bend and halt/stop 3.3 Build up time in saddle, emphasising changes in direction and transitions, in a controlled and safe environment 3.4 Recognise and respond appropriately to signs of stress and fatigue in horses undergoing education 3.5 Adjust individual horse's program according to level of fitness 3.6 Untack the horse and cool down at end of sessions and assess health condition |
4. Consolidate horse education | 4.1 Accustom the horse to be ridden at different paces, emphasising tempo and rhythm, and willingness to respond to cues 4.2 Expose and familiarise the horse to a range of appropriate environments after assessing potential risks to self, others and horse 4.3 Build horse confidence and reinforce education required for intended riding purpose 4.4 Accustom horse to be ridden with other horses in close proximity |
5. Apply reward-based horse education methodology | 5.1 Apply education techniques consistently to reinforce horse learning 5.2 Recognise and apply positive reinforcement to the horse for progress towards desired behaviours 5.3 Use appropriate techniques to manage behaviour and performance according to current equine learning theory and to ensure wellbeing of the horse 5.4 Assess horse acceptance of education for client's needs, and provide 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 |
Learning | Actively source current, evidence-based information on equine education and learning theory to determine own education practices |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for complying with regulatory and workplace requirements, including health and safety and animal welfare, within own role and area of work Follow safe, ethical and humane horse handling industry practices |
Interact with others | Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with others to plan programs and report on horse performance and progress |
Get the work done | Analyse problems and risks, devise solutions and reflect on approaches taken |
Sectors
Equine (EQU)