Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to achieve basic riding skills on a well-educated, compliant and manageable horse. It includes protecting the welfare of people and horses and providing pre-exercise and post-exercise care of horses.
The unit applies to individuals who are new or inexperienced in riding horses and who need to attain basic riding skills while working in workplace environments of racing stables, paddocks, yards, racecourses and public areas.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, in accordance with applicable state/territory animal welfare and workplace health and safety legislative requirements.
No occupational 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. Protect the safety and welfare of people and horses | 1.1 Confirm and follow supervisor instructions, including those relating to safety and venue-specific requirements 1.2 Identify potential hazards and minimise risks to self, others and horse 1.3 Select, correctly fit, and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment according to workplace policies and procedures 1.4 Check the fit, wear and suitability of horse gear according to workplace procedures |
2. Provide pre-exercise care of horses | 2.1 Identify, catch and secure horse following safe handling procedures and supervisor instructions 2.2 Carry out pre-exercise grooming according to workplace procedures |
3. Apply basic riding skills | 3.1 Saddle horse with designated gear, ensuring correct and comfortable fit 3.2 Mount the horse safely according to supervisor's instructions 3.3 Perform warm-up procedures according to instructions 3.4 Identify and use aids to control movement, speed and direction of a horse at walk, trot and canter 3.5 Follow basic riding instructions 3.6 Maintain a balanced riding position using appropriate saddle and stirrup length 3.7 Dismount horse safely |
4. Ride and control horse safely | 4.1 Follow instructions and procedures for safety of self, horse and other horses and riders in the vicinity 4.2 Ride alone and in pairs at varying paces using aids appropriate to the horse's training 4.3 Ride within safety zones when riding in company 4.4 Assess potential risks and take appropriate action to reduce impact 4.5 Report problems and seek feedback on riding skill progress |
5. Provide post-exercise care of horses | 5.1 Perform warm-down and remove riding gear from horse according to workplace procedures 5.2 Perform post-exercise grooming according to workplace procedures 5.3 Release horse safely following workplace practices 5.4 Clean equipment and check and report wear and/or breakage according to workplace policies and 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 key information in workplace instructions |
Oral communication | Use appropriate concepts and terminology when communicating with supervisor |
Navigate the world of work | Recognise organisational expectations and follow explicit protocols and procedures when riding |
Get the work done | Assemble resources and follow clearly defined instructions, seeking assistance when necessary Assess safety hazards and risks associated with riding horses; monitoring and responding to safety at all times |
Sectors
Performance services horse (PSH)