Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:08 AM AWST
22/07/2026 6:08 AM AWST
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Demonstrate basic dressage, show jumping and cross-country riding
Demonstrate basic dressage, show jumping and cross-country riding
Unit of competency
National Code
SISSEQS301A
SISSEQS301A
State Code
D6584
D6584
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Transition (Deleted)
Transition (Deleted)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
15/10/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to participate in basic dressage, show jumping and cross-country riding activities.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for horse riding activity.
- 1.1. Determine suitable location in controlled conditions according to equestrian discipline being performed, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.2. Select, check and fit tack and personal equipment after consideration of contextual issues.
- 1.3. Assess and prepare horse safely and appropriately for the equestrian discipline being performed.
- 1.4. Identify possible hazards and risks associated with the activity and determine safety procedures.
2. Mount the horse and warm up.
- 2.1. Check and adjust tack before mounting horse in a balanced and controlled manner.
- 2.2. Adjust equipment as necessary to fit the horse and rider once mounted.
- 2.3. Warm up the horse at walk, trot and canter on both reins while demonstrating an independent upright seat with the horse quietly accepting the rider's hands.
- 2.4. Apply aids in an unobtrusive manner consistent with the training of the horse and check attitude and acceptance of the aids.
- 2.5. Ride the horse alone and in a group using safe zones, and maintain the same gait, rhythm and tempo while travelling away or towards the other horses.
- 2.6. Carry and use the whip or jumping crop correctly and interact with horse effectively.
3. Apply basic dressage skills.
- 3.1. Maintain control and an effective, centred, independent upright seat through all gaits and required movements.
- 3.2. Apply the appropriate aids to ride the required movements in dressage, and demonstrate an understanding of paces and transitions.
- 3.3. Ride all required shapes and movements accurately, and apply the principles of forwardness and frame, forward movement and straightness.
- 3.4. Recognise horse resistances and evasions and take appropriate measures to address these during dressage.
4. Apply basic show jumping skills.
- 4.1. Maintain an effective, centred, independent jumping seat through all required movements.
- 4.2. Keep the horse under control and accepting of the rider's hand whilst jumping.
- 4.3. Determine the requirements of the five phases of the jump.
- 4.4. Ride at speeds up to 350 metres per minute and consider horse's length of stride at trot and canter.
- 4.5. Control gait, rhythm, tempo, line and required movements of show jumping.
- 4.6. Recognise horse resistances and evasions and take appropriate measures to address these during jumping.
5. Apply basic cross-country skills.
- 5.1. Devise cross-country riding plans.
- 5.2. Fit and use protective cross-country gear for both the horse and rider.
- 5.3. Maintain control and an effective, centred, independent seat through all required movements in cross-country.
- 5.4. Ride effectively at designated speeds of 400 metres per minute.
- 5.5. Recognise horse resistances and evasions and take appropriate measures to address these during cross-country.
6. Dismount and release horse.
- 6.1. Dismount in a balanced manner and complete post-activity responsibilities
- 6.2. Lead horse safely and cool down as necessary.
- 6.3. Check horse for injury, remove equipment and release appropriately.
7. Evaluate activity.
- 7.1. Evaluate relevant aspects of the riding activity.
- 7.2. Review performance and identify strengths and areas requiring improvement.
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.
Controlled conditions may include:
minimal environmental hazards and obstacles
good weather conditions
quiet horses trained to perform to preliminary level for dressage and to jump show jumps and cross-country fences
reasonably level terrain for dressage and undulating ground for cross-country, show jumps and cross-country fences up to 30 cm.
Equestrian discipline may include:
dressage
show jumping
cross-country.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits from authorities
harassment-free sports policies
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
code of ethics.
Tack may include:
halters
ropes
reins
bits.
Personal equipment may include:
clothing
boots
helmet
gloves
back or body protector.
Contextual issues may include:
size of horse
size of rider
weather conditions
experience and riding discipline of rider
training and behaviour of horse
environment in which activity will take place.
Hazards may include:
horses too close together
aggressive horse
horse misbehaving
environmental hazards.
Risks may include:
injuries to horse or rider
exhaustion
falls
illness.
Safety procedures may include:
horse management in hazardous situations
symptoms, treatment and prevention of common horse riding injuries and risks
safe distance from other horses
releasing horse to paddock or stall
riding at appropriate speed on uneven and sloping ground
appropriate speeds to approach a jump, jump show fences and cross-country fences.
Balanced and controlled manner may include:
sitting in balance with the horse, at walk, trot and canter on the flat and when jumping
communicating with the horse with smooth instructions
controlling the speed and direction of the horse.
Adjust equipment may include:
tightening girth
lengthening or shortening stirrups.
Aids may include:
legs
weights
hands
voice
training whips
spurs.
Attitude and acceptance of the aids may include:
acceptance of the bit
contact
submission
forward from the leg
between lag, seat and hand
half-halt.
Safe zones may include:
space allowances for:
stallions
rigs
mares in season
known kickers
timid or beginner riders.
Gait may include:
walk
trot
canter.
Required movements in dressage may include:
turns and corners
halts
20 metre and 15 metre circles
serpentines
figures of eight.
Forwardness and frame may include:
rhythm
tempo
straightness
balanced
cadence.
Straightness may include:
longitudinal
lateral work
suppleness
flexion
tilting.
Resistances and evasion may include:
hollow
above the bit
behind the bit
broken necked
overbent.
Required movements of show jumping may include:
two point seat
three point seat
forward seat riding
single poles
trotting poles.
Required movements in cross- country may include:
undulating country in trot or canter
riding at different speeds
single cross-country fences with trot approach up to 40 cm
single cross-country fences up to 40 cm with canter approach.
Post-activity responsibilities may include:
running up stirrups
loosening girth
hosing and scraping horse when appropriate
checking equipment for wear or breakage
storing equipment in an appropriate manner.
Relevant aspects may include:
preparation and warm-up
performance in dressage, show jumping and cross-country
riding techniques
safety aspects
cool-down and post-activity completion
evaluation and review.
Controlled conditions may include:
minimal environmental hazards and obstacles
good weather conditions
quiet horses trained to perform to preliminary level for dressage and to jump show jumps and cross-country fences
reasonably level terrain for dressage and undulating ground for cross-country, show jumps and cross-country fences up to 30 cm.
Equestrian discipline may include:
dressage
show jumping
cross-country.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits from authorities
harassment-free sports policies
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
code of ethics.
Tack may include:
halters
ropes
reins
bits.
Personal equipment may include:
clothing
boots
helmet
gloves
back or body protector.
Contextual issues may include:
size of horse
size of rider
weather conditions
experience and riding discipline of rider
training and behaviour of horse
environment in which activity will take place.
Hazards may include:
horses too close together
aggressive horse
horse misbehaving
environmental hazards.
Risks may include:
injuries to horse or rider
exhaustion
falls
illness.
Safety procedures may include:
horse management in hazardous situations
symptoms, treatment and prevention of common horse riding injuries and risks
safe distance from other horses
releasing horse to paddock or stall
riding at appropriate speed on uneven and sloping ground
appropriate speeds to approach a jump, jump show fences and cross-country fences.
Balanced and controlled manner may include:
sitting in balance with the horse, at walk, trot and canter on the flat and when jumping
communicating with the horse with smooth instructions
controlling the speed and direction of the horse.
Adjust equipment may include:
tightening girth
lengthening or shortening stirrups.
Aids may include:
legs
weights
hands
voice
training whips
spurs.
Attitude and acceptance of the aids may include:
acceptance of the bit
contact
submission
forward from the leg
between lag, seat and hand
half-halt.
Safe zones may include:
space allowances for:
stallions
rigs
mares in season
known kickers
timid or beginner riders.
Gait may include:
walk
trot
canter.
Required movements in dressage may include:
turns and corners
halts
20 metre and 15 metre circles
serpentines
figures of eight.
Forwardness and frame may include:
rhythm
tempo
straightness
balanced
cadence.
Straightness may include:
longitudinal
lateral work
suppleness
flexion
tilting.
Resistances and evasion may include:
hollow
above the bit
behind the bit
broken necked
overbent.
Required movements of show jumping may include:
two point seat
three point seat
forward seat riding
single poles
trotting poles.
Required movements in cross- country may include:
undulating country in trot or canter
riding at different speeds
single cross-country fences with trot approach up to 40 cm
single cross-country fences up to 40 cm with canter approach.
Post-activity responsibilities may include:
running up stirrups
loosening girth
hosing and scraping horse when appropriate
checking equipment for wear or breakage
storing equipment in an appropriate manner.
Relevant aspects may include:
preparation and warm-up
performance in dressage, show jumping and cross-country
riding techniques
safety aspects
cool-down and post-activity completion
evaluation and review.
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:
applies relevant process to safely prepare self and horse for basic dressage, show jumping and cross-country riding in controlled conditions
follows instructions from the coach to accurately apply knowledge and demonstrate required movements, techniques and control over the horse in each discipline
modifies technique according to equestrian discipline being performed, and applies knowledge of horse behaviour patterns and safe handling techniques to avoid hazards where possible
evaluates and reflects on own riding in each discipline to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that require improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in basic dressage, show jumping and cross-country riding activities that are of a sufficient duration to allow the rider to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
suitable locations with controlled conditions for basic dressage, show jumping and cross-country riding
quiet and reasonably tractable horses in a recreational or training program
tack and personal equipment such as halters, ropes, saddles, bridles, helmets, suitable attire and boots.
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 safe horse handling and performance of required movements in basic dressage, show jumping and cross-country riding in controlled conditions
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the hazards, risks and safety procedures associated with the equestrian disciplines
self-evaluation and third-party reports from coach detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISOEQO201A Handle horses.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
applies relevant process to safely prepare self and horse for basic dressage, show jumping and cross-country riding in controlled conditions
follows instructions from the coach to accurately apply knowledge and demonstrate required movements, techniques and control over the horse in each discipline
modifies technique according to equestrian discipline being performed, and applies knowledge of horse behaviour patterns and safe handling techniques to avoid hazards where possible
evaluates and reflects on own riding in each discipline to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that require improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure participation in basic dressage, show jumping and cross-country riding activities that are of a sufficient duration to allow the rider to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
suitable locations with controlled conditions for basic dressage, show jumping and cross-country riding
quiet and reasonably tractable horses in a recreational or training program
tack and personal equipment such as halters, ropes, saddles, bridles, helmets, suitable attire and boots.
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 safe horse handling and performance of required movements in basic dressage, show jumping and cross-country riding in controlled conditions
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the hazards, risks and safety procedures associated with the equestrian disciplines
self-evaluation and third-party reports from coach detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISOEQO201A Handle horses.
No information
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