Equi-Skills
EFA (NSW) Equi-Skills Programme and EFA Education Programme
The most exciting thing to happen to interschool riding is the introduction by the EFA of NSW of the Equi-Skills Programme in which riders work towards nationally recognised achievement certificates.
The National EFA, as part of its member education services, has provided school based riders with access to their Introductory-Level 1 Riding and Introductory Horse Management workbooks at a discounted price for use in the programme.
On enrolment, riders receive the workbooks, an Equi-Skills saddle patch for their school saddlecloth.
Enrolment in the programme is highly recommended for all secondary students, especially if entering the State Championships as it can be used as a means of skill testing which will be a requirement of entry.
The theory components of EFA training are delivered in a flexible home-study manner using comprehensive workbooks and recommended reading which can be supplemented using your own coach or through “group training”.
Practical study may be done through the Equi-Skills group training programme or individually with coaches, coach educators or other industry experts.
Regular reports on their riders will be provided to affiliated schools. It is hoped that equestrian sport will eventually be more widely recognised in schools with training taking place during sports afternoons.
Equi-Skills Group Training
Equi-Skills group training is provided once a month by NCAS coaches who have been nominated as providers in the programme. There may be six to ten riders enrolled in any one group which will meet at a venue convenient to it and to the coach. The coaching session will be of three hours’ duration during which time one hour will be devoted to horse management theory and two hours to riding. Riding may be conducted in two smaller groups, with one group mounted and the other as spectators.
The cost to each rider involved in group training will be capped at $30 per rider inclusive of venue hire. Where one on one instruction is taken there is no fee cap and no time commitment.
Riders 18 years and over can progress toward becoming an Introductory NCAS Coach with the purchase of the appropriate resource ($77).
Once the Introductory Horse Management module has been completed, the Level I Horse Management module provides an opportunity for further study and this may also be purchased direct from the National Office ($110).
Fill in the enrolment form and send it with your fee to the EFA (NSW) Equi-Skills Coordinator, If you already receive training, discuss the programme with your coach.
If you already have regular lessons with a private coach, your coach can provide the training on a one-to-one basis or in a smaller group but the fee for such training is not capped.
If the coach is already a provider of group training registered with the Equi-Skills programme you may be able to arrange to join an existing group.
If your coach is not a provider but wishes to join in the scheme, then he/she should fill in a coach enrolment form and send it to the Equi-Skills Coordinator and proceed to establishing an appropriate group(s).
If you do not own a horse but would like to take part in the programme, we hope to expand by encouraging riding schools to adopt the programme, please contact the Equi-Skills coordinator for more information.
For non-riding horse owners, parents of riders and others
Is this for me?
Maybe you aspire to work within the horse industry when you finish school or maybe your the mum or dad that wants to be a bit more "in tune" with your horse mad kids or you just want a bit more structure to your regular riding lessons. Inter-school
School riders may enrol in the programme at any time for a cost of $60.00 and adult persons for $140. This includes enrolment, training workbooks, registration saddle badge and eligibility to join a group if required. When you have completed one of the courses, you will receive a certificate and another saddlepatch noting your achievement.
Groups may be arranged by schools, riders or coaches.
How do I get assessed?
What’s Next?
If you wish to be a part of the scheme, you are welcome. The EFA is keen to educate people who can join the ever diminishing group of volunteer officials. Participating in the scheme will enable you to learn more about the sport and its disciplines. The only charge for non-riding participants is the cost of the Introductory Horse Management workbook ($77).
