Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Participant's needs and characteristics may include:
age
cultural factors
fitness level and physical capabilities
knowledge of riding skills
horse handling skills
injuries and illnesses.
Participant readiness may include:
dress
motor performance factors
compatibility between participant and horse.
Session's aims and objectives may include:
developing horse riding and handling skills
education
development
therapy
fitness targets
recreation.
Session plan may include:
session's aims and objectives
date, time and duration
location and space
instructor and participant ratios
equipment, resources and horse
activities
evaluation
weather details
safety requirements.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permissions for access
environmental regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety:
conflict resolution
communication protocols
use, care and maintenance of horse, tack and personal equipment
training and scheduling commitments
maintenance of records
code of ethics.
Safety checks may include:
riding/horse handling areas
condition of tack
horses
personal equipment
resources.
Hazards and risks may include:
horse behaviour or injury
equipment malfunctions:
participant falls
environmental hazards
participant behaviour
jump cups left in jump wings
unsuitable jumps
spectators
other riders or facility users.
Riding or horse handling exercises and activities may include:
jumping
gaits
western riding
natural horsemanship
mounting
dismounting
riding positions
saddle posture
halting
voice commands
transitions between gaits
turning
working with horses from the ground.
Relevant information may include:
skill or skills focus
equipment, clothing and resource requirements, selection and use
activity boundaries and instruction area
safety and emergency procedures
communication systems
aims and objectives
rules and regulations of riding
rules and regulations for horse handling on the ground
responsible and safe behaviour.
Teaching techniques may include:
self mounted or unmounted demonstration and explanation
using correct terminology and commands
focussing on a single skill or tactic
breaking down skills into components
progressing through, linking and sequencing skills
questioning
monitoring and observing progress
adjusting, refining or correcting individual or group skills
assessment and evaluation.
Safe horse handling techniques may include:
approaching horses
position near a horse
leading horses
tying up horses
releasing horses
distance from other riders.
Participant's performance may include:
use of appropriate communication systems
performance and accuracy of riding/handling skills
attitude and behaviour.
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:
conveys information to participants for riding/horse handing sessions to ensure activities are conducted safely, according to participant's needs, relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures, rules and regulations and best practice codes
assesses participant's needs and applies relevant processes to safely prepare suitable horses for the sessions compatible with individual needs
monitors participants and provides constructive feedback and intervention and modifies riding/handling activities to facilitate participation in the riding/handling session
evaluates and reflects on own performance to identify areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure conduct of safe sessions that reflect the needs and characteristics of a range of participants to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
locations appropriate for horse riding/horse handling sessions
suitable horses
a group of participants
tack and personal equipment such as halters, ropes, saddles, bridles, helmets and suitable attire
safety equipment.
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 consultation processes with participants to determine their needs and characteristics
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures, rules and regulations of riding/horse handling and best practice principles to enable safe conduct of all riding activities during the session or sessions
observation of safe conduct of session or sessions, and monitoring and adjusting session or sessions according to participant's needs, characteristics and responses
portfolio of self evaluations and safety checks for sessions
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.