Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:54 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Conduct horse riding sessions in an arena

Conduct horse riding sessions in an arena

Unit of competency
National Code
SISOEQO303A
State Code
D6364
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
45
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to conduct a horse riding session on the flat in an arena. This unit focuses on safely conducting and monitoring horse riding sessions for participants with little or no experience in horse riding.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan riding session or sessions
  • 1.1. Establish participant's needs and characteristics and assist with participant's disclaimer where required.
  • 1.2. Perform and document appropriate safety checks suitable for the session, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.3. Identify possible hazards and risks associated with riding activities and determine safety procedures and contingency plans according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 1.4. Assess horses and match to participant characteristics.
  • 1.5. Prepare horses safely and appropriately for the activities being performed.
2. Brief participants.
  • 2.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information about the riding session in a manner appropriate to the participants.
  • 2.2. Encourage participants to seek clarification, information and feedback as required during the session.
  • 2.3. Inform participants of known and anticipated risks, safety procedures, appropriate behaviour and rules and regulations of riding.
  • 2.4. Establish a suitable communication system to use while participating in activities.
3. Conduct riding session or sessions.
  • 3.1. Provide clear and accurate instructions and demonstrations during the session.
  • 3.2. Supervise participants and maintain effective communication during horse riding activities.
  • 3.3. Observe participants during riding activities and provide individual and or group correction as required according to rules and regulations and accepted best practice principles of horse riding activities.
  • 3.4. Facilitate group dynamics to maintain group and horse safety, control and engagement.
  • 3.5. Bring participants to a halt safely, supervise dismount and client safe departure at the end of the session.
4. Complete post session responsibilities.
  • 4.1. Encourage participants to identify their satisfaction with the session, and give feedback as required.
  • 4.2. Check and release horses and store tack and equipment according to organisational policies and procedures and rules and regulations of riding.
  • 4.3. Identify potential areas of improvement for future riding sessions.
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
previous experience
fitness level and physical capabilities
injuries and illnesses
reasons for participating.
Safety checks may include:
arena surface and fencing
temperament of horses
condition of tack
personal equipment.
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
maintenance of records
code of ethics.
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 to horse and or participant
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment failure.
Safety procedures may include:
horse management in hazardous situations
equipment checking and usage
appropriate dress
adequate warm up and cool down
saddling, bridling and tethering
mounting and dismounting
keeping distance from other horses
unsaddling and unbridling
riding at appropriate speed
the 'emergency stop'.
Relevant information may include:
equipment, clothing and resource requirements
arena boundaries
safety procedures
emergency procedures
communication systems
rules and regulations of riding
responsible and safe behaviour.
Rules and regulations of riding may include:
Equestrian Australia regulations and guidelines
State Equestrian Association and Local Equestrian Association Codes of Conduct
Australian Sports Commission's Harassment free Sport policy
Australian Horse Industry Council code of practice.
Horse riding activities may include:
mounting
start
stop
turning
riding different paces, patterns and movements
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 session or 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 session or sessions compatible with individual needs
monitors participants and provides constructive feedback and intervention and modifies riding activities to facilitate participation in the riding 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 include access to:
suitable arenas with controlled conditions
suitable horses for the riding session or sessions
access to a group of participants for the riding session or sessions
access to tack and personal equipment such as halters, ropes, saddles, bridles, helmets, suitable attire.
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:
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures, rules and regulations of riding and best practice principles to enable safe conduct of all riding activities during sessions
observation of safe conduct of the session or sessions, and monitoring and adjusting of 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.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BBF51 SISOEQU008 Instruct fundamental horse riding skills Unit of competency