Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:53 AM AWST

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Ride horses in tracked areas

Ride horses in tracked areas

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOEQO305A
State Code
D6366
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/10/2014
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
13/10/2014
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit covers the knowledge and skill required to participate in horse riding activities of up to a day's duration in a controlled environment along tracked areas with reasonable level terrain with no steep ascents, descents or gullies and containing some predictable terrain hazards.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for the riding activity.
  • 1.1. Identify possible hazards and risks associated with the ride according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.2. Access and confirm intended route and become familiar with route environment for the intended ride according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.3. Prepare and pack navigation equipment and other safety resources according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.4. Access relevant sources to interpret weather and environmental information and ascertain possible impact on the ride.
2. Select and prepare horse and equipment.
  • 2.1. Assess and select horse for safety and suitability for the ride according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 2.2. Select suitable riding equipment after consideration of contextual issues, and check that it is in good working condition according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 2.3. Plan and pack personal equipment and food and water resources for the duration of the ride.
  • 2.4. Catch and lead horse tether, and tack up in a safe and appropriate manner.
  • 2.5. Fit and correctly adjust tack and personal equipment, suitable for the rider and horse.
3. Demonstrate horse riding skills in a trail ride situation.
  • 3.1. Mount and dismount in a safe manner in an open trail ride environment without assistance according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 3.2. Adopt appropriate posture for horse riding and handle the horse in a safe and effective manner.
  • 3.3. Establish and maintain an appropriate rhythm and pace.
  • 3.4. Negotiate obstacles safely according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 3.5. Negotiate ascending and descending inclines safely.
  • 3.6. Demonstrate appropriate navigation skills to follow planned route.
  • 3.7. Apply minimum impact procedures according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
4. Evaluate the ride.
  • 4.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the ride.
  • 4.2. Identify improvements for future rides.
  • 4.3. Review own performance and identify potential improvements.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment and course failure.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
emergency procedures
duty of care
code of ethics
industry standards for maximum workload for horses
codes of practice.
Route environment may include:
bushland
arid areas
alpine areas
rainforest
beaches
tracks and roads.
Navigation equipment may include:
compass
map.
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
weather warnings
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts
high and low tide predictions.
Riding equipment may include:
halters
ropes
towels
brushes
hoof picks
saddles
saddle cloths
bridles
stirrups
martingales
cruppers
breastplates
markers.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Personal equipment may include:
clothing
boots
helmet.
Mount may include:
from the ground
using a mounting block.
Rhythm may include:
few stops and starts
changes of pace
maintaining steady group pace.
Obstacles may include:
rivers
low boughs on trees
logs
rocks
exposed areas.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
food selection
instructional content
instructional technique
assessment technique
group feedback
directing techniques
rescue techniques employed.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
plans for the ride within own area of responsibility by accessing appropriate information impacting on the ride
identifies, accesses and uses appropriate equipment and resources for the ride within departure time frames
utilises knowledge of horse behaviour and horse riding and handling techniques to control and handle horses to ensure the safety of self and others and develops a trusting relationship with horses
applies effective contingency management techniques to make adjustments in response to changing conditions, such as negotiating hazards and changing weather conditions
evaluates and reflects on own riding to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in a horse riding activity that is up to a day's duration to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources, such as information on horse riding equipment, possible horse behaviour and riding techniques and weather and environmental information
a suitable location for the ride with controlled conditions
suitable horses
equipment such as halters, ropes, saddles, bridles, helmets, suitable clothing and boots
organisational policies and procedures.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of equipment selection and preparation, to ensure proper fit and usage
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of safety aspects and horse handling techniques
observation of safe participation and demonstration of correct technique while maintaining control of the horse at all times
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BBF52 SISOEQU003 Ride horses on tracked trail rides Unit of competency