Stage 3 Riding Out Syllabus | The British Horse Society

Stage 3 Riding Out

Learning Outcome Assessment

Learning Outcome	Assessment Criteria	Assessment Requirement	Assessment Method
1. Know the roles and responsibilities of a Stage 3 Trail Leader	1.1 Identify the risk management procedure for mounting and preparing a large group to leave the yard	Group of more than six riders Identify potential hazards or situations Order of horses to mount Positioning of horses pre and post mounting Organising the order once all group have mounted Leaving the yard	Discussion
	1.2 Identify different methods for booking clients and allocating horses	Workload Weight carrying ability Telephone bookings Email In person Regular customers Horse hours Use of horse profiles Review the allocation of horses to riders and take corrective action where necessary	Discussion
	1.3 Describe strategies for dealing with customer concerns	Customer complaint procedures How to diffuse situations How and where to record incidents and complaints	Discussion
	1.4 Identify payment methods and methods of recording	Payment methods – BACS, cash, cheque, cards, vouchers Recording payments – ledger control, cash book, online services	Discussion
	1.5 Summarise ways to support staff	Identify the need for daily yard routines and staff allocation of horses Communicate to staff the importance of dealing positively with clients Staff training and development opportunities	Discussion
	1.6 Discuss the importance of effective communication skills	Clients and staff Landowners, public, others	Discussion
2. Be able to plan an extended ride with a duration of more than four hours	2.1 Complete a risk assessment	Template provided on the day	Observation, Discussion
	2.2 Prepare a route using a map	Ordnance Survey map Due consideration for footpaths, roads, terrain Variation of routes for different rider ability levels	Observation, Discussion
	2.3 Explain how to organise breaks	Short breaks, lunch and overnight stop; could include reference to: Proximity of facilities Shelter Water/feed for horses Weather considerations Securing horses	Discussion
	2.4 Describe how to manage a horse that becomes ill or lame on a ride	Contact relevant professional as required Methods of contact (mobile/radio) Kit to carry (first aid kit horse and human) Apply relevant first aid procedure	Discussion
	2.5 Describe how to manage a rider who becomes unfit to continue	Contact relevant professional as required Apply relevant first aid procedure Looking after the rest of the ride	Discussion
	2.6 Outline how the varying terrain and conditions may affect the horses	Heat Cold Rain Deep going Hills Rider level	Discussion
3. Lead a ride with a dismounted break	3.1 Follow a designated route	Determine suitable paces for riders, horses, conditions and terrain Advise riders how to deal with the environment, terrain and hazards as appropriate Correct application of Highway Code and Countryside Code Awareness of others and surroundings Changing position in ride appropriately Manage other staff appropriately	Coach Endorsement
3. Lead a ride with a dismounted break	3.2 Manage a dismounted break	Suitability of chosen location and timing of break within the ride Dismounting of riders Securing of horses Care of horses (water/feed) Care of riders Care of staff Suitable length of break for horses and riders Mounting of riders	Coach Endorsement
4. Be able to prepare a group of riders for an extended ride	4.1 Advise riders how to maintain balance, control and confidence whilst riding	A group of three riders: Walk Trot Canter Faster work Negotiating obstacles Managing a whip if required Control of horse	Observation, Discussion
	4.2 Communicate areas for improvement	Length of stirrups Rider position (sitting in the saddle and adopting a forward position) Bridging the reins Rider aids Improving reactions of the horse to the rider aids	Observation
	4.3 Demonstrate appropriate technical knowledge	Risk assessment Assessing the riders Riding position Influence over the horse Handling the horse Progression of session Make corrections/adaptations as appropriate Correct use of terms and explanations Brief riders on route and plans for breaks	Observation, Discussion
5. Be able to train an escort to ride and lead another rider	5.1 Produce a session plan	Risk assessment Introduction Warm up Main session content Cool down Debrief	Observation, Discussion
	5.2 Deliver a session	Demonstrate appropriate technical skills and knowledge Describe common issues when riding and leading (potential hazards, varying terrain, environment, horse pairing) Rider position Rider confidence Progression of lesson Make corrections/suggestions as appropriate Riding with reins in one hand Positioning when mounting Positioning when leading How to lead another horse and rider Transitions and turns Application of training to riding out Positioning when dismounting	Observation
	5.3 Demonstrate regard for safety	Suitable session for needs of horse and rider Session adapted if required to maintain safety of rider and horse	Observation, Discussion
	5.4 Demonstrate training skills	Communication Check the learning process Feedback to trainee	Observation
6. Be able to train others to escort a ride	6.1 Produce a session plan	Risk assessment Introduction Warm up Main session content Cool down Debrief	Coach Endorsement
	6.2 Deliver a session during a ride out	Training session in any of the below topics: Checking tack and rider attire Mounting riders Assessing riders Horse suitability Environment on ride Rider confidence Riding with the reins in one hand Positioning when escorting a ride Negotiating hazards Dismount riders Aftercare of horses and riders	Coach Endorsement
	6.3 Demonstrate training skills	Communication Check the learning process Feedback to trainee	Coach Endorsement
7. Be able to assess a horse’s suitability for trekking	7.1 Ride a horse to assess its suitability	Environment Horse conformation and composition Temperament and sex of horse Paces Rhythm Response to leg aids (forward and to the side) Response to hand aids and control Neck-reining Comfort and suppleness Working the horse in all three paces in company Lengthen and shorten horse’s stride Transitions between paces	Observation, Discussion
8. Evaluate own performance	8.1 Carry out a self-evaluation of performance	Strengths Areas for improvement Planning Communication skills Self-management skills Feedback and instruction provided to riders	Discussion