ACCREDITATION

ATHRA recognises that even though it is a national association of volunteers, there is a definitive need for the uniformity of process and rules when conducting a Trail Ride.

The Association also acknowledges its duty of care and with this in mind it jointly developed with its insurance partners “Affinity Risk Partners” an Accreditation programme based on its operational Code of Conduct.

The accreditation is internal to ATHRA and is self managed.

Currently there are three recognised accredited positions, Trail Boss, Ride Coordinator and Ride Steward.  Each position hold clears responsibilities and elements.

The following information has been developed to assist clubs and their members in relation to the ATHRA Accreditation process:

The ATHRA Accreditation is not a daunting process and the aim is to educate individuals and to focus on risk management and safety for all.

• All participants are taken through a training curriculum that addresses the inherent risks associated to Trail Riding and how to effectively manage them. The ATHRA Code of Conduct is used extensively as a source of reference.
• All participants who are actively involved throughout the duration of the course will receive either of the following certificates, Trail Boss, Ride Coordinator, Ride Steward.
• In order to obtain the Trail Boss certificate the following practical exercises must be undertaken and passed.

o Ride and control a horse at a walk, trot and canter
o Open and close a gate either mounted or dismounted
o Mount and dismount a horse unassisted
o Lead a horse whilst mounted
o Lead a horse from the ground
o Correct and functional fit of tack and or equipment
o Actively participate mounted in a simulated Trail Ride

• ATHRA strongly recommends that those seeking full Trail Boss certification bring a horse that is suitable for the practical components. A badly behaved or uncontrollable horse may affect your ability to pass aspects of the practical test.
• Participants who do not pass all components of the practical assessments are not eligible for the Trail Boss classification, however they will still be eligible for Ride Coordinator and Ride Steward classifications

Clubs should ensure that those who are nominated to attend the accreditation course are aware of the above and are capable of managing the practical components.

Additional information can be obtained from your State Executives.

9th November 2007

Message to ALL ATHRA Clubs

Following a meeting of National and Branch executives plus delegates on the weekend of 27th/28th October 2007, the Accreditation process was reviewed and further refined. This is a general broadcast to all clubs and will be supported with further detail from your respective Branches.

Key changes are:

• The National Accreditation Coordinator (previously known as the National Trainer) will be appointed to manage a team of Instructors.
• The Instructors will be endorsed by their respective Branch and appointed by the National Executive.
• The Instructors will not be “State Based”; they can and will be sent to any state to conduct courses.
• The course will now include practical components that become mandatory for “Trail Boss” accreditation assessment. This component is not a daunting one, and anyone with reasonable horsemanship skills will find this a simple exercise. This component of the course will be included in courses being conducted from 1st January 2008.
• It was decided that starting from 1st January 2010, ALL ATHRA rides must come under the control of an ATHRA accredited Trail Boss. The level of accreditation and their rules listed below applies from this date onwards. 

ATHRA recognises that this imposes additional requirements on its clubs and members. ATHRA is responding to its “Duty of Care” plus installing an infrastructure that will meet not just existing insurance requirements but any future ones should they arrive.

In summary ATHRA rules are:

• From 1st January, 2008 through to 31st December, 2009 only all Special Events and Charity Rides must come under the control and management of an accredited Trail Boss and Ride Coordinator.
• From 1st January, 2010 all ATHRA Rides and Special Events must come under the control and management of an Accredited Trail Boss and comply with the rules above in regards to rider participation numbers.

The National Executive wishes to acknowledge the involvement and contribution of the entire branch executives. Special mention to Terry Gibson, Derek Readman and Max Milliner for their experience and development of the practical component of the new course.

Tony Hart
ATHRA National President on behalf of the National Executive team