Horse Safety Australia 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.
Horse Safety Australia qualifications are mentioned in the Safe Work Australia ‘Guide to managing risks when new and inexperienced persons interact with horses’ and in the documents linked to the Australian Horse Industry Council’s Code, as well as by the education departments in most states (in their guidelines to schools for horse programs involving students).
First Aid – A current first aid certificate (HLTAID011 Provide First Aid) must be held to obtain any Horse Safety Australia qualification.
Instructor Qualification Levels
- Assistant Instructor
- Introductory Instructor
- General Instructor
Assistant Instructor
Minimum age 16. Can assist in a lesson under the direct supervision of a qualified instructor. Includes the basics of Workplace Health and Safety, basic care and safe handling of horses (including the basics of horse transport), an understanding of the principles of minimal impact, and an ability to walk, trot/jog and canter/lope independently on a beginner level horse.
General Instructor
Minimum age 18.
Introductory Instructor: a person with limited horse experience but who is capable of teaching the basics and is safe and conscientious in their role. They are normally working in a business where everything is set up for them, and they work under the supervision of an experienced and skilled person, using known horses, regular procedures for teaching basic riding, and set lesson plans. Includes the abilities to supervise others around horses. These people are qualified to provide foundational instruction to beginners, with a strong emphasis on risk management, planning and communication.
General Instructor: Teaching and supervising riders in groups and/or individually in the areas of correct position and control at walk and trot/jog and canter/lope and generally teaching good horse skills including leg, rein and seat aids. This person has good experience and knowledge in the areas of applying first aid for horses assessing horses for their roles, matching horses to riders and managing herds of horses in a business.