Instructors
Horse Safety Australia (perviously called Association for Horsemanship Safety and Education) qualifications
may be attained in English, Stock or Western disciplines. The system is
adaptable to ‘natural horsemanship’ instructors, and those
involved in other areas of teaching horsemanship.
Our clinics are especially directed towards those who have worked in
the industry and have experience, but who may not have a ‘piece of paper’
to prove they are good operators. Our qualifications are linked to the
national Outdoor Recreation training package (as used by TAFEs)
and are delivered by a registered training organisation in conjunction
with Horse Safety Australia.
Horse Safety Australia (formerly AHSE) qualifications are recognised by the Australian Horse Industry
Council and the education departments in all states (in their guidelines to schools for horse programs involving students).
Contents
Requirements
Instructor Qualifications
Insurance
Requirements
First Aid
A current first aid certificate must be held to qualify for any level
of certification with Horse Safety Australia.
This may be Level I (basic course) for Assistants but must be Level II
(senior first aid: now called Apply First Aid) for all other Horse Safety Australia qualifications. (This can be attained up to 6 months after the clinic).
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Instructor Qualifications
Assistant Instructor
Minimum age 16. Can assist in a lesson under the direct supervision of
a qualified instructor. Includes the basics of Occupational Health and
Safety, basic care and safe handling of horses, an understanding of the
principles of minimal impact, and an ability to walk, trot/jog and canter/lope
independently on a beginners’ horse.
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Instructor
Minimum age 18, qualified to provide foundational instruction to beginners,
with a strong emphasis on risk management, planning and communication.
The instruction at this level includes teaching and supervising riders
in groups and/or individually in the areas of mounting, correct position
and control at walk and trot/jog and first canter/lope. Includes the abilities
to supervise others around horses, transport horses in floats, apply first
aid for horses (including giving injections) and manage herds in a structured
environment.
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Senior Instructor
Instructor (as above) plus: an ability to develop riders’ skills
with a greater emphasis on horsemanship theory including balance of horse
and rider, form and style, schooling figures, and may include basic jumping through to
jumping courses, dressage movements; Western: reining, and other performance
events. Involves advanced horse management, skills development in groups
of riders, and horse theory, including basic anatomy, physiology and conformation.
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Horse Program Manager
At least Instructor level, plus knowledge of herd management (health
and nutrition, group dynamics, conditioning etc.) Includes development
and implementation of site OHS policies and procedures, leadership and
management skills, coordination of emergencies, production of operations
manual for the sound functioning of a horse business.
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Clinic Instructor (Arena)
Includes attainment of Horse Program manager PLUS Senior Instructor.
Candidate must be widely experienced in a variety of teaching and management
situations; minimum age 25. A clinic instructor (arena) must have an understanding
of horse behaviour, exercises and activities to teach riding skills, knowledge
of safety and equipment, knowledge and understanding of risk theory and
the psychology of fear, ability to demonstrate and communicate effectively
and assessment /communication skills to assist the rider develop skills
and correct horse behaviour and performance. They must have riding experience
at a high level and have the ability to demonstrate skills both on and
off a horse. They require time management and people skills to facilitate
a group and ensure positive outcome from clinics.
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Insurance
APRA Approved Insurance
( APRA approved) Insurance is available through Affinity Risk Partners
for those holding these qualifications working singly (at home or at other
sites) and for businesses with staff who are AHSE instructors. Call Rachel on 03 8587 7777.
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