Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:01 PM AWST

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Ride horses in remote areas

Ride horses in remote areas

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOEQO411A
State Code
D6372
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
28/11/2011
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 describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to participate in horse trail riding activities in remote areas in an uncontrolled environment with steep or difficult terrain, a variety of obstacles and or environmental extremes.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan the ride.
  • 1.1. Access maps to confirm intended route and become familiar with route environment for the intended ride according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.2. Identify possible hazards and risks associated with the ride according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.3. Access relevant sources to interpret weather and environmental information and ascertain possible impact on the ride.
  • 1.4. Identify and plan food and water requirements according to principles of nutrition and the duration of the ride.
2. Select equipment for the ride.
  • 2.1. Select and check equipment according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 2.2. Adjust and fit equipment to ensure comfort and safety for rider and horse.
  • 2.3. Select and pack first aid supplies for horse and rider.
  • 2.4. Pack saddle bags to ensure even distribution and comfort for the horse.
  • 2.5. Select personal clothing and footwear that are appropriate for the ride.
3. Demonstrate horse riding skills in a remote area.
  • 3.1. Adopt appropriate posture for horse riding and handle the horse in a safe and effective manner according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 3.2. Approach and negotiate obstacles and hazards in a safe manner and minimise risks to self and group where possible.
  • 3.3. Initiate a gait appropriate to the terrain.
  • 3.4. Establish and maintain an appropriate rhythm according to conditions.
  • 3.5. Negotiate ascending and descending inclines on steep slopes.
  • 3.6. Demonstrate appropriate navigation skills to follow planned route.
  • 3.7. Apply minimum environmental impact procedures according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
4. Manage horse overnight in remote environment.
  • 4.1. Select a suitable site for tethering or corralling horses according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 4.2. Set up corrals and picket lines using appropriate knots.
  • 4.3. Tether horse and supply with needs for overnight stop.
  • 4.4. Ensure safety of other horses and riders during stop over's according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 4.5. Store equipment for overnight stop in a safe manner according to organisational policies and procedures.
5. Evaluate the ride.
  • 5.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the ride.
  • 5.2. Identify improvements for future rides.
  • 5.3. 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.
Route environment may include:
bushland
arid areas
alpine areas
rainforest
beaches.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
use, maintenance and storage of equipment
communication protocols
emergency procedures
duty of care
code of ethics
industry standards for maximum workload for horses
codes of practice.
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.
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.
Principles of nutrition may include:
food groups
dietary guidelines
essential nutrients
food preparation
hydration.
Duration of the ride may include:
one day
overnight.
Equipment may include:
water
dry clothing
first aid supplies
communication devices
bedding
shelter.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
First aid supplies may include:
gun
axe
knife
hoof pick
farrier equipment
personal first aid supplies
horse first aid supplies
torch.
Obstacles may include:
rivers
low boughs on trees
logs
rocks and loose debris
steep gullies
exposed areas
unstable or sloping terrain.
Terrain may include:
steep ascents and or descents
dense vegetation
numerous obstacles
untracked areas
exposed areas with inherent dangers due to environmental extremes.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Knots may include:
quick release
bowline
clove hitch
Dutchman.
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 participation in rides in remote areas within own area of responsibility by accessing appropriate information impacting on the ride
identifies, accesses and uses appropriate equipment and resources for the ride according to conditions and departure time frames
utilises knowledge of horse behaviour and horse riding and handling techniques to control and handle the horse to ensure the safety of self and others and develops a trusting relationship with the horse
safely manages and monitors the needs of the horse during stopovers and overnight taking into consideration the safety of other horses and riders
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 safe participation in a horse riding activity in a remote area that includes an overnight stay to allow the participant to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also enable access to:
a suitable remote location for the ride
suitable horses
equipment such as halters, ropes, saddles, bridles, helmets, suitable clothing and boots
safety equipment such as first aid kit
navigation and overnight equipment such as communications equipment and sleeping bag or swag
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 and or written questioning to assess knowledge of safety aspects and horse handling techniques for remote areas
observation of safe participation and demonstration of correct technique while maintaining control of the horse at all times in steep or difficult terrain
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISOEQO412A Manage horse illness and injuries in remote areas.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BBF44 SISOEQU004 Ride horses on untracked trail rides Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
J768 SIS40313 Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation Qualification
AC270 SISSS00104 Trail Boss - Overnight Rides Skill set