Instructors

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).

Contents

Requirements

Instructor Qualifications

Requirements

First Aid

A current first aid certificate must be held to qualify for any level of Horse Safety Australia qualifications. This is commonly delivered across Australia as the unit : HLTAIDS003 Provide first aid.

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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 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.

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Instructor

Minimum age 18.

There are two levels in this section:
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: includes 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 horse transport, applying first aid for horses (including giving injections) assessing horses for their roles, matching horses to riders  and managing herds of horses in a business.

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Senior Instructor

Minimum age is 25.

As above plus an ability to develop riders’ skills with a greater emphasis on  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. This level involves effective teaching techniques which include the use of building blocks and making allowances for different learning styles in groups of riders, a  good understanding herd management, and an understanding of horse conformation and how this relates to performance.

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Clinic Assessor (Arena)

BY INVITATION ONLY
These people must first complete a clinic themselves so that they understand the process and have proved their commitment to safety around horses. Candidates must be widely experienced in a variety of teaching and management situations. A clinic assessor (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 outcomes from clinics. They must also be familiar with the Codes and Guides, Standards and other documents which guide safety in equine activities in Australia.

The clinic assessor role includes the following requirements:

ALL:

  • Horse Safety Australia senior instructor, trail guide and clinic assessor qualifications
  • current HLTAID011 Provide first aid qualifications
  • working with children clearance
  • extensive knowledge about and currency in the horse industry
  • be undertaking ongoing professional development relevant to their HSA Assessor role
  • compassion towards people and  horses, good communication and organization skills, and a commitment to safety in horses in all their actions at a clinic as well as in their own horse involvements

For those involved in assessing units of competency:

  • Trainer and Assessor qualifications: TAE40116 ( or equivalent with the extra units required for currency)
  • an understanding of the VET system including the HSA processes
  • either the units of competency being delivered at the clinic, or the previous units of competency linked to the current ones, and evidence of experience and knowledge to cover the gap between the different versions.

In addition to these prerequisites, to become qualified as a Clinic Assessor a candidate must first be recommended/invited to be an Assistant Clinic Assessor, assist at a number of Horse Safety Australia clinics, then be recommended as a full HSA Assessor.

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Insurance

HSA recommends (APRA approved) Insurance  which is available through Affinity Insurance Brokers (AON)  for those holding  HSA certification,  working singly (at home or at other sites) and for businesses with staff who are Horse Safety Australia instructors and/or Trail Guides.

Call  1300 130 535

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