Note: All requirements should be completed in a safe environment with a gentle horse.[edit | edit source]
1. Label on an outline drawing of a horse, or point out on a live horse a minimum of 15 different parts of a horse.[edit | edit source]
Parts of a horse
2. Label on an outline drawing or point out on a real saddle and bridle: Western— minimum of 10 parts of the saddle and 6 parts of the bridle; English—minimum of 9 parts of the saddle and 7 parts of the bridle.[edit | edit source]
To do: Add parts of the bridle and find or create more images
English bridal
crown piece
brow band
throat latch
cheek pieces
nose band
chin strap
bit
reins
3. Demonstrate and explain the purpose of safety equipment while riding and working around horses—riding helmet and boots (or hard soled shoes with a heel).[edit | edit source]
Helmet
Protection of the head. If rider falls from horse, or struck by horse, a helmet will provide some protection if it properly worn. Rider must not be careless around the horse though.
Boot
Smooth bottom with heel. In the case the horse bolts and riders' foot slides forward in the stirrup, the heel of the boot will catch and reduce the chance his or her foot could be caught in the stirrup. If a rider falls and his or her foot catches in the stirrup, serious injury or death can result.
Long pants
It is also a good idea to wear long pants when riding. This protects the rider from chafing against the saddle, and from scrapes and scratches from trees and bushes along the trail.
4. Demonstrate and explain a minimum of 5 rules to safely approach and lead a horse.[edit | edit source]
Never approach a horse from the backside. A horse can not see you from straight behind and may startle and kick you. Approach from the side or front. Be sure it knows that you are there. If in a stall, knock on some wood softly or whistle, to let him know that you are there.
Stand to the left side of the horse's head when leading - at the shoulder is too far back. Keep an arms distance away so the horse doesn't step on you.
If the rope has a chain on the end, hold the rope below the chain. If you were to hold the chain and the horse pulls it through your hand, it can injure your hand. Hold the extra rope in the left hand, figure-eight style. Do not coil or loop the rope around your hand, you don't want to get tangled if the horse bolts.
When turning right, lean or push into the horse, so it can't step on you as easily. To stop, pull back.
Avoid excessively long lead ropes, you can become entangled in an emergency.
Use a quick release knot when tying the horse. Never tie below the horses' withers. Tie to objects that are strong enough to hold if the horse pulls back.
5. Demonstrate and explain a minimum of 5 safety rules for working around horses.[edit | edit source]
Never go around the back, unless you are at least 3 feet away, or you are very close with your hand on the horse's flank.
Don't ride when there's lightning, because some horses can be spooked easily.
Do not run around the horse.
Don't wrap the reins or lead rope around your hands because the horse may run and your hands can easily be hurt, or you could be dragged and seriously injured.
Never go under the neck of a horse.
Don't ride a horse in the barn.
Never sit or kneel while grooming, the horse could step on you.
If your horse bolts, pull hard on one rein to turn it in a circle until the circle is small and the horse stops.
Always use a quick release knot or a panic snap to tie your horse so you can release it quickly if needed.
Always wear shoes with a heel while riding. No flip flops, or open-toed shoes. Boots are recommended.
6. Demonstrate and explain safe grooming of a horse using the 4 basic tools—mane and tail comb, curry comb, stiff brush, and soft brush.[edit | edit source]
7. Demonstrate a safe mount (including tack check) and dismount.[edit | edit source]
8. Demonstrate a balanced seat while riding at a walk, including circles and reverses.[edit | edit source]
9. Demonstrate and explain start, stop, circles and reverses using the 4 natural aids—legs, hands, voice, and weight.[edit | edit source]
10. Demonstrate and explain 5 trail safety rules, including the following[edit | edit source]
a. Be attentive to leader and alert to danger.[edit | edit source]
when spacing, look between the horse's ears and you should be able to see the lower legs of the horse in front of you. If not, you are too close.
c. Do not let your horse eat along the trail.[edit | edit source]
Your horse will be distracted if you let him eat. He needs to pay attention to your signals, and under your control at all times. Also, the bit will get messy if you let him eat. You don't know what plants may be growing along the trail, they might make your horse sick.
d. Never move faster than a walk on paved surfaces.[edit | edit source]
Pavement can be very slippery, so your horse could fall if you let him trot or canter.
e. Always keep your horse at a walk when approaching or leaving a group of riders.[edit | edit source]
f. Use correct riding position for hills and obstacles.[edit | edit source]
11. Ride on a trail for a minimum of 3 cumulative hours following all safety rules and using correct position.[edit | edit source]
