Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to exercise educated performance horses under saddle in a suitable arena. It includes preparing the horse for exercise, carrying out a prescribed exercise session, cooling the horse down following exercise, and addressing potential risks associated with working with and around horses.
The unit applies to individuals who work in performance horse industry sectors and have experience riding horses. They undertake defined routine activities under supervision and take responsibility for their own work. They may be required to exercise and take responsibility for highly valuable animals within their area of work.
No occupational licensing 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 ride and consider safety of others | 1.1 Confirm and clarify work program for selected horse with supervisor 1.2 Identify hazards and safety risks and make adjustments to work program in line with workplace procedures 1.3 Select and maintain suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) 1.4 Identify and implement safety requirements for riders, horses and others in the general vicinity, including general rules, regulations and venue-specific requirements 1.5 Identify individual horse behaviour and take into consideration when undertaking work program |
2. Warm up a horse using ridden exercises | 2.1 Prepare horse for riding according to supervisor instructions 2.2 Mount horse in a safe, balanced and controlled manner, using accepted industry procedures 2.3 Maintain correct riding position 2.4 Warm up horse according to discipline requirements and supervisor instructions |
3. Exercise a horse in the arena | 3.1 Ride horse in an appropriate outline, rhythm and tempo 3.2 Maintain horse balance and control 3.3 Conduct upward and downward transitions according to work program 3.4 Apply aids correctly, and use artificial aids in line with workplace practices 3.5 Maintain an effective upright and forward seat in all gaits 3.6 Maintain control of horse being ridden in all gaits 3.7 Implement safe practices for riding in groups 3.8 Safely dismount horse according to supervisor instructions and safe work practices |
4. Care for horse after work | 4.1 Assess and apply the cooling down needs of the horse 4.2 Undertake the removal, cleaning and inspection of working gear before storage 4.3 Report work performance according to workplace procedures |
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 |
Reading | Interpret textual information in work instructions, work program and workplace forms for riding performance horses for exercise |
Navigate the world of work | Recognise and follow workplace requirements, including work health and safety and animal welfare, associated with own role and area of responsibility Take responsibility for safe horse handling and riding, relating to self and others, during exercise in an arena |
Interact with others | Follow accepted practices and protocols for reporting performance to supervisor using accurate industry terminology |
Get the work done | Follow clearly defined instructions, taking responsibility for routine decisions Assess and control risks within limit of responsibility at all stages when riding performance horses in an arena |
Sectors
Performance Horse (PHR)