Horse riding and equestrian

Supervision

Principals, in consultation with the qualified adults, make final supervision decisions for the activity that considers the local context.

Appropriate adult supervision must be provided to manage the activity safely (i.e. prevent an incident from occurring and manage an incident if one were to occur, including managing emergency situations). The principal must give active consideration to the minimum standards set in the CARA guideline for the activity, the CARA planner and the risk assessment when determining the appropriate level of supervision.

See number of adult supervisors below.

Participants must adhere to all rules and advice communicated by the facility operator/owner and any safety signage at the facility/location.

Before the activity, all adult supervisors:

• must be familiar with the contents of the CARA record, including the emergency and supervision plans.

During the activity, all adult supervisors:

• must provide active and direct supervision—be constantly vigilant, attentive and rescue ready
• must comply with control measures from the CARA record and adapt as hazards arise
• must not rely on students to recover a person in difficulty at any time
• must ensure inexperienced children are led 1 rider at a time by a qualified supervisor on a lead rope (either riding a horse or on foot). This adult supervisor cannot be included in the ratios for the supervision of the ride.

The activity must be suspended if the conditions become unfavourable (e.g. poor visibility, extreme temperatures, thunderstorms).

Number of adult supervisors

Principals, in consultation with the qualified adults of the activity, determine the final number of supervisors to fulfil instructional, emergency and supervision roles for the local context that consider horse trail riding Australian adventure activity good practice guide (PDF, 577KB) and Safe Work Australia guide to managing risks when new and inexperienced persons interact with horses, the nature of the activity, students' ages, abilities and specialised learning, access and/or health needs. In some instances, the final supervision ratio may be 1:1.

If the minimum safety standard cannot be met, modify the activity (or elements of it) and use the hierarchy of controls to implement alternative control measures to meet or exceed the minimum safety standard (e.g. reduce the number of students participating at any one time).

See frequently asked questions (FAQs) for further support.

Supervisor qualifications

Qualifications support the minimum safety standard for this activity. Principals make final decisions* in determining supervisor capability (competence, relevance and currency) and whether the activity leader meets an appropriate teaching standard.

*See FAQs for further support.

All adult supervisors must comply with the working with children authority—blue cards procedure.

Qualified adults for the activity

Recovery/emergency—CPR, first aid, rescue

An adult with current emergency qualifications is required to be quickly accessible to the activity area.

Supervisors must have CPR and first aid qualifications relevant to the activity. Emergency qualifications may include:

• HLTAID009—provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• HLTAID010—provide basic emergency life support
• HLTAID011—provide first aid
• HLTAID013—provide first aid in remote situations.

An adult with concussion management knowledge or training is required. Consult concussion in sport resources.

High risk activities

At least 1 adult supervisor is:

• a registered teacher, or an adult supervisor working under the direct supervision of a registered teacher, with demonstrated competence (knowledge and skills) either in
  • teaching horse riding activities and the potential hazards with a statement of attainment covering relevant horse riding activities from the Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package or similar. Refer to the competencies outlined in the horse trail riding Australian adventure activity good practice guide (PDF, 577KB) for guidance
  • implementing the Safe Work Australia Guide to managing risks when new and inexperienced persons interact with horses (PDF, 2.9MB) and have demonstrated experience in horse riding instruction to an appropriate and adequate standard.

See FAQs for further support.

Facilities and equipment

The qualified adult supervisor of the activity, in consultation with the principal, determines the requirements for facilities and equipment appropriate to the local context.

Location must be suitable for the activity being undertaken to ensure safe participation and that safety rules and procedures can be followed. Ensure environments are suited to the experience of all riders (e.g. arena riding surface is level and well drained and trail riding terrain is suitable). Consider the rider ability, resources, services and facilities when choosing a trail (e.g. campsites, drinking water, toilets and shelter from extreme weather). Undertake a reconnaissance of new or infrequently used locations to ascertain suitability.

All horses must be inspected by a competent adult supervisor before commencing the activity. The adult supervisor must be satisfied the horse complies with Safe Work Australia—guide to managing risks when new and inexperienced persons interact with horses (fit for purpose horse) (PDF, 2.9MB).

Participants must wear personal protective equipment as relevant (e.g. enclosed footwear that stops the foot sliding forward through the stirrup iron and allows easy removal in case of emergency, for example, a solid raised heel with smooth soles or only lightly indented tread; helmets; full-length trousers; sleeved shirts; and back protection, if relevant).

All equipment (e.g. helmets, footwear) must comply with the current Australian Standard (or an equivalent American, British or European standard) and be properly secured and fitted.

A process for checking for damage for all equipment used in the activity must be established and employed (e.g. no cracks, splits or worn stitching on saddles/bridles, appropriately sized breakaway stirrup irons).

A maintenance schedule (e.g. checking for damage, repairing) must be established and enacted for all equipment used in the activity (e.g. helmets, reins, saddles).

A retirement schedule must be developed to replace equipment by manufacturers' nominated expiry date or when significant wear causes a hazard.

Ensure separate, designated areas for spectators and horses are available.

Access must be available for emergency vehicles.

Common hazards and controls

Further to those listed, include any additional hazards and control measures considering the local context of the activity.

Additional links

• Pony Club Queensland
• Equestrian Australia
• Equestrian Queensland