Trail Guides

Horse Safety Australia (formerly AHSE)  clinics are run throughout Australia to accredit and
qualify those involved with running trail rides for groups (including
tourists and school students). Our main areas of interest include communication,
group and horse management, risk assessment and safety. These 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 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) and the Adventure Activity
Standards for trail riding in Victoria -currently under review in other
states for their adoption throughout Australia.

Contents

Trail Guide Qualifications

Insurance

Trail Guide Qualifications

Assistant Trail Guide

Minimum age 16. Can assist in a trail ride, under the direct supervision
of a qualified trail guide. 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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Trail Guide (Day Rides)

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. PLUS trail riding skills (short rides only) including an
awareness of the added responsibilities and risks of trail riding, allowing
for changing weather conditions, use of roads and tracks, track maintenance,
planning for contingencies and management of groups of riders outside
of the confines of an arena.

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Trail Guide (Multi-Day Rides)

Includes Trail Guide (day rides) plus basic hoof management (removing
and replacing a shoe in an emergency); transport of livestock in large numbers; use of maps and compass;
use of overnight sites: environmental needs; choice of site; management
of groups of riders and horses in camping environments; hobbling/yards/tethering
horses overnight, planning for contingencies, etc.

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Trail Boss

(As for Horse Program Manager)
At least Trail Guide (day rides) level, plus knowledge of herd management
(health and nutrition, group dynamics, conditioning etc.) Includes OHS
policies, leadership and management skills, coordination of emergencies,
production of sound policies and procedures in the form of an operations
manual for the business.

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Trail Boss (Multi-Day Rides)

Trail Boss PLUS experience in riding in remote areas, managing horses’
injuries/illness in remote areas, euthanasia, planning outdoor activities
in extreme situations, psychology of riders under stress, theory of risk.

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Clinic Instructor (Trails)

Minimum level Trail Boss (Multi Day Rides). Widely experienced in a variety
of riding and management situations; minimum age 25; A clinic instructor
(trails) must have an extensive understanding of trail riding, horse behaviour,
knowledge of safety and equipment, knowledge and understanding of risk
theory and the psychology of fear, ability to demonstrate and communicate
effectively, and skills to interpret and correct horse behaviour and performance.
They require time management and people skills to facilitate a group and
ensure positive outcome from clinics.

General (Clinic Instructor)

To become qualified as a Clinic Instructor , a candidate must first
be recommended as an Assistant Clinic Instructor, assist at a number of
Horse Safety Australia clinics, then be recommended as a Clinic Instructor. This
includes the prerequisite of Workplace Trainer and Assessor qualifications: TAA40104 .

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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