PCA Gear Checker Accreditation Practical Assessment

Candidate Name*

First NameLast Name

Phone Number*

Email*

example@example.com

State*

Candidate's PCA Membership Number*

Candidate's Club/Centre Name*

Date enrolled in Gear Checker accreditation*

Date

You must be at least 16yrs of age to participate in the practical Gear Checker Accreditation assessment

You must conduct a practical gear check assessment on a minimum of 3 riders, this assessment can be completed at a rally or muster. Or your assessor may wish to have a separate assessment day.

The practical assessment is for you to demonstrate your competency as a PCA Gear Checker, ensuring you are knowledgeable and able to follow the correct procedures during gear check.

You are required to check gear for safety and compliance with the PCA National gear rules.

You should bring your own equipment relevant to your assessment, such as a tool to measure gaps in irons etc. You can also print out a check list from the workbook to bring along with you.

Although subject to the discretion of the assessor, you should have no more than one assessment of NYC (Not Yet Competent) per section on the assessment sheet.

Practical Gear Checker Assessment sheets

For the candidate’s information. The gear checker assessment sheets used by assessors are reproduced here.

C = Competent NYC = Not Yet Competent

Assessor's Contact Details*

First NameLast Name

Assessor's Email*

example@example.com

Venue*

Assessor's PCA Membership Number*

Assessment start time*

Practical Gear Checker Assessment

Assessor guideline – One NYC allowable in each section at assessor’s discretion

Section 1 – Introduction*

	C/NYC	Comments
Presentation of candidate
Introduce self, ask rider's name
Explain what you will be doing
Preparation – equipment

Section 2 - Safety*

	C/NYC	Comments
Suitability of candidate's footwear
Suitability of candidate's clothing
Candidate's approach
Did the Candidate ensure the rider was first checked unmounted?

Section 3 – Checking Bridle*

	C/NYC	Comments
Check Fit of browband
Check fit of noseband
Check type of noseband is permitted
Check fit of throat lash
Check ear covers/bonnets/ear hoods
Check fit of cheekpiece & bridle as a whole
Check entire bridle - checking stitching, worn leather or cracks

Section 4 – Checking Bit*

	C/NYC	Comments
Check bit being used is permitted
Check diameter of bit
Check for cleanliness, signs of wear, sharp edges
Check for fit of bit in horse's mouth

Section 5 – Checking reins*

	C/NYC	Comments
Check reins for stitching, wear, cracks
Check reins are attached correctly to the bit
Check length of rein
Check reins are joined

Section 6 – Checking Saddle/saddle cloth*

	C/NYC	Comments
Check fit of saddle (not pushing on horse's spine)
Check all stitching on saddle , girth points, girth buckles
Check girth for firmness without being overtight
Check for correct girth
Check saddle cloth / riser pad
Check stirrup bars

Section 7 – Checking Stirrups irons/leathers*

	C/NYC	Comments
Check size of irons
Check type of irons
Check leathers

Section 8 – Checking other gear e.g., martingales, breastplates, whip etc.*

	C/NYC	Comments
Check other gear for soundness and correct fit
Check whips -size, handles, permitted
Check spurs - size, permitted
Check horse boots - permitted, fit
Check bandages - permitted, fit, padding, stitched
Check extras - Grass rein, butterfly lead, crupper etc.
Check hooves

Section 9 – Checking rider.*

	C/NYC	Comments
Check Helmet - approved, fit, damages
Check for Jewellery
Check Uniform
Check Boots - correct sole, type
Check Body protector if worn

Section 10 – Overall check*

	C/NYC	Comments
Candidate was able to identify unsafe gear
Candidate was able to identify incorrect fit of gear
Candidate was able identify permitted/ not permitted gear
Candidate was able explain to the rider /parent/team manager if an adjustment was required or explain if a piece of equipment needed to be removed.

Final evaluation of candidate For Gear Check Accreditation*

CompetentNot Yet Competent

PCA Gear Checker Accreditation Practical Assessment

Practical Assessment

Assessor sign off form