Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides details of how this competency standard can be used to gain the skills of basic riding or basic driving of "well educated " horses. These skills can be exercised in a controlled environment of stables, yards, and training tracks and at moderate gaits under supervision of qualified instructors.

What factors govern safety of people and animals?
Approved rider or driver safety apparel [approved Australian Standard helmet, clothing and footwear]
Approved gear for horse
Approved riding aids

What are the basic riding or driving skills?
Horses ridden or driven singly under direct supervision
Horses must be well educated with a docile temperament

What characteristics do the horses have?
Well-educated thoroughbred or harness horse with docile temperament

Critical Aspects of Evidence
Critical Aspects of Evidence relate to particular knowledge, understanding and skills that are essential to performance when working with a well-educated horse with docile temperament.
Evidence gathered should relate to harness

Evidence to demonstrate consistent achievement of the unit's outcomes includes:


Demonstration of:
Consistently applying safe handling and work practices when dealing with horses
Identifying and correctly using different items of riding/driving apparel
Identifying and correctly using different items of gear and assessing its condition in terms of safe use and the need for repair
Applying natural and artificial aids to control the speed and direction of a horse at walk and trot
Identifying the gait at which a horse is working

Knowledge and Understanding of:
Principles of animal welfare
Basic industry terminology related to riding/driving horses
Communication procedures within the stable and the wider racing industry
Purpose of using appropriate safety apparel
Natural and artificial aids use to control the speed and direction of a horse

Context of Assessment
This unit is largely practical in nature. Assessment of the practical components of this unit will be by observation of relevant skills. All practical assessment must be conducted with a well-educated horse that has a docile temperament.

Method of Assessment

Assessment may include:

Observation of riding
Questioning of underpinning knowledge
Practical tests
Written examination or assignments.

Resource Implications
Adequate assessment may require access to an appropriate practical environment with a variety of well-educated harness
It may be necessary to assess in a suitable environment on a number of separate occasions to complete the range of assessment tasks required
Qualified Industry Assessors will be required for this unit.

Pre-requisite Assessment of Units

This unit should be assessed after competency has been established in the following units:

RGRH101A Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety Procedures
RGRH102A Catch, groom, and control horses safely under supervision
Or
RGRH206A Apply Occupational Health and Safety Procedures
RGRH207A Handle horses safely

Processes to be applied to this competency standard
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout life that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. The numbers in brackets indicate the level to which the competency needs to be demonstrated.

0 Not required
1 Perform the process
2 Perform and administer the process
3 Perform administer and design the process
Communicating ideas and information
By reporting to supervisors on matters occurring in the workplace such as condition and behaviour of animals when ridden or driven, condition of riding and driving gear, and by conversing with other workers to obtain and impart information on horses' characteristics. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By reference to textbooks and training material, and instructors and trainers for advice and information. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Daily work routine is studied, equipment and gear is checked and organised, horses identified and prepared, clothing and riding aids appropriate to tasks organised. (1)

Working with others and in teams
By liaison with employers, supervisors and work colleagues to plan and distribute work and tasks and report on completion of work. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Not applicable to this unit. (0)

Solving problems
By observing and reporting illness, unusual behaviour or changes in conditions of animals when ridden or driven. (1)

Using technology
Through use of mobile phones and facsimile to communicate. (1)