Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:50 PM AWST
22/07/2026 1:50 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.
Guide trail rides in remote areas
Guide trail rides in remote areas
Unit of competency
National Code
SISOEQO413A
SISOEQO413A
State Code
D6374
D6374
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/10/2014
Field of Education
092101 - Sport And Recreation Activities
Original Release Date
13/10/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to guide or lead clients on day and or overnight rides in remote areas. This unit focuses on leading groups of riders on trail rides, including overnight rides and rides in extreme and or remote locations.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan ride to a remote area.
- 1.1. Establish participant's needs and characteristics and assist with participant's disclaimer where required
- 1.2. Select trail ride route suitable for participants and identify rest stop locations to minimise impact on the terrain and other trail users according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.3. Assess the capacity to acquire additional or new horses, as required according to organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.4. Access relevant sources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information to determine plan for the ride.
- 1.5. Identify potential hazards associated with the ride and. determine how they can be overcome or avoided.
- 1.6. Determine food and water requirements for participants according to principles of nutrition and contextual issues of the ride.
- 1.7. Develop a plan for the ride, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures, to meet participants' needs.
- 1.8. Identify and plan for corralling or tethering requirements for horses according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.9. Inform appropriate authorities of route and anticipated times before commencing the ride.
2. Select equipment for the ride.
- 2.1. Select horses of suitable size and temperament to suit individual rider's needs, abilities and attitude
- 2.2. Select and train suitable horses as pack horses according to organisational policies and procedures
- 2.3. Select and access equipment according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures.
- 2.4. Select and pack first aid supplies for horse and rider
- 2.5. Perform and document appropriate safety checks suitable for the ride, according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 2.6. Adjust and fit equipment to ensure personal comfort.
- 2.7. Pack saddle bags to ensure they are balanced and comfortable for the horse.
3. Brief participants.
- 3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information about the ride in a manner suitable to the participants.
- 3.2. Provide information to participants regarding horses and their behaviour patterns and characteristics
- 3.3. Demonstrate correct horse handling and riding techniques.
- 3.4. Check riders abilities to control their horses and follow instructions
- 3.5. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use during the ride.
- 3.6. Outline safety procedures and safe areas and or boundaries for the activity.
- 3.7. Check and confirm participants are properly equipped for the ride.
4. Lead a ride in a remote area.
- 4.1. Provide clear and concise direction and advice to group during the ride.
- 4.2. Monitor riding conditions, horse performance and riding techniques to ensure a safe environment for rider and horse and provide advice as appropriate.
- 4.3. Monitor participant and horse performance and identify signs of difficulty according to organisational policies and procedures.
- 4.4. Implement appropriate modifications to activity in response to all variable factors that are monitored.
- 4.5. Identify and respond to problems resulting from interaction between horses and riders or between horses quickly and appropriately to ensure client safety
- 4.6. Monitor equipment for signs of wear and breakage and take corrective action as required.
5. Select and maintain a temporary site.
- 5.1. Assess and select suitable sites for stops and overnight stays to minimise impact on the local environment
- 5.2. Explain relevant minimum impact practices to group and monitor their compliance according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 5.3. Return site to an equal or greater standard on departure
6. Complete post trip responsibilities.
- 6.1. Notify relevant authority of ride completion
- 6.2. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures
- 6.3. Check and deal with injuries or wear to horses according to organisational policies and procedures
- 6.4. Evaluate relevant aspects of riding activity.
- 6.5. Identify potential areas of improvement for future trail horse riding activities to remote areas
- 6.6. 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.
Participant's needs and characteristics
skill level
previous experience
fitness level and physical capabilities
age
injuries and illnesses
condition on the day of ride.
Trail ride route may include:
bushland
arid areas
alpine areas
rainforest
beaches.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
assessment procedures
selection of horses
time and budget constraints
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
confidentiality of participant information
guide and participant ratios
emergency and safety procedures
code of ethics.
Terrain may include:
steep ascents and or descents
dense vegetation
numerous obstacles and hazards
untracked areas
exposed areas with inherent dangers due to environmental extremes.
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.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Food and water requirements may include:
range of foods
perishability
storage.
Principles of nutrition may include:
essential nutrients
individual food requirements and allergies
hydration.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group activities
group size
Plan may include:
date, time and duration of ride
location, planned route and or destination
guide and participant ratios
group management
resources
equipment
food and water
weather details
safety requirements
contingency plan
permits.
Appropriate authorities may include:
authorities
supervisors.
Equipment may include:
horse equipment
maps and compass
watch
ropes
knife
communication equipment such as Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons
bedding.
food and water
First aid supplies may include:
gun
axe
knife
hoof pick
farrier equipment
first aid for personal use and for horse
torch.
Relevant information may include:
logistical details
safety procedures
symptoms, treatment and prevention of hypothermia, hyperthermia and dehydration
behaviour patterns and characteristics of horses
equipment requirements
preventative measures for risks
horse handling and riding techniques
rules and codes
responsible and safe behaviour.
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Safety procedures may include:
serviceable equipment
correctly fitted equipment
communication systems
wearing of helmets
use of safety and rescue equipment.
Signs of difficulty may include:
riding technique
riding pace and space
fatigue
negotiation of hazards
use of equipment
horse stress
overheating.
Variable factors may include:
change of weather
equipment failure
participant's needs
horse's needs
riding conditions.
Minimum impact practices may include:
using single file
zig-zagging up and down hills
avoiding soft terrain
avoiding trampling or camping near waterways
preventing horses from eating tree bark
varying stopping areas
watering horses on rocky banks
using designated trails.
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
Participant's needs and characteristics
skill level
previous experience
fitness level and physical capabilities
age
injuries and illnesses
condition on the day of ride.
Trail ride route may include:
bushland
arid areas
alpine areas
rainforest
beaches.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety
assessment procedures
selection of horses
time and budget constraints
use and maintenance of equipment
communication protocols
confidentiality of participant information
guide and participant ratios
emergency and safety procedures
code of ethics.
Terrain may include:
steep ascents and or descents
dense vegetation
numerous obstacles and hazards
untracked areas
exposed areas with inherent dangers due to environmental extremes.
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.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Food and water requirements may include:
range of foods
perishability
storage.
Principles of nutrition may include:
essential nutrients
individual food requirements and allergies
hydration.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group activities
group size
Plan may include:
date, time and duration of ride
location, planned route and or destination
guide and participant ratios
group management
resources
equipment
food and water
weather details
safety requirements
contingency plan
permits.
Appropriate authorities may include:
authorities
supervisors.
Equipment may include:
horse equipment
maps and compass
watch
ropes
knife
communication equipment such as Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacons
bedding.
food and water
First aid supplies may include:
gun
axe
knife
hoof pick
farrier equipment
first aid for personal use and for horse
torch.
Relevant information may include:
logistical details
safety procedures
symptoms, treatment and prevention of hypothermia, hyperthermia and dehydration
behaviour patterns and characteristics of horses
equipment requirements
preventative measures for risks
horse handling and riding techniques
rules and codes
responsible and safe behaviour.
Communication system may include:
calls
radio
hand signals
whistles.
Safety procedures may include:
serviceable equipment
correctly fitted equipment
communication systems
wearing of helmets
use of safety and rescue equipment.
Signs of difficulty may include:
riding technique
riding pace and space
fatigue
negotiation of hazards
use of equipment
horse stress
overheating.
Variable factors may include:
change of weather
equipment failure
participant's needs
horse's needs
riding conditions.
Minimum impact practices may include:
using single file
zig-zagging up and down hills
avoiding soft terrain
avoiding trampling or camping near waterways
preventing horses from eating tree bark
varying stopping areas
watering horses on rocky banks
using designated trails.
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:
applies knowledge of horse riding and handling techniques to plan rides to remote areas with steep or difficult terrain within activity constraints
applies effective group management techniques to guide and monitor participants according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures
monitors the progress of the ride and applies effective contingency management techniques to make adjustments in response to changing conditions, such as negotiating hazards and changing weather conditions
encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure planning and leading a ride to a remote area with steep or difficult terrain that is of sufficient duration and breadth to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, guide and document a ride to a remote area with steep or difficult terrain for a variety of participants
suitable horses
a route or location with steep or difficult terrain suitable for the conduct of a horse trail ride
a suitable temporary site, if required
a group of participants to take part in the ride
horse riding equipment such as saddles, navigation equipment and first aid 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 planning and guiding processes and interaction with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of rides to remote areas with steep or difficult terrain
observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure
portfolio of riding plans
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
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
applies knowledge of horse riding and handling techniques to plan rides to remote areas with steep or difficult terrain within activity constraints
applies effective group management techniques to guide and monitor participants according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures
monitors the progress of the ride and applies effective contingency management techniques to make adjustments in response to changing conditions, such as negotiating hazards and changing weather conditions
encourages and responds to group feedback and evaluates and reflects on own performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure planning and leading a ride to a remote area with steep or difficult terrain that is of sufficient duration and breadth to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must also ensure access to:
resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, guide and document a ride to a remote area with steep or difficult terrain for a variety of participants
suitable horses
a route or location with steep or difficult terrain suitable for the conduct of a horse trail ride
a suitable temporary site, if required
a group of participants to take part in the ride
horse riding equipment such as saddles, navigation equipment and first aid 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 planning and guiding processes and interaction with a group of participants, including conveying information for safe participation
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures to enable safe conduct of rides to remote areas with steep or difficult terrain
observation of dealing with contingencies such as changing weather conditions and equipment failure
portfolio of riding plans
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBF53 | SISOEQU006 | Guide horse trail rides in untracked areas | 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 |