Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards Knowledge Levels 1- 2

1. Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards Knowledge Levels 1- 2 Dr. Amy Burk University of Maryland Extension Horse Specialist Kristen M. Wilson University of Maryland Extension Horse Specialist Rev. 7/29/11

2. Knowledge Testing Schedule • Written Test • Copies from County Extension Office • Allow 45 minutes • Oral Practicum • Cover information on the knowledge testing sheet for each level • Everything else covered on the written test

3. Knowledge Level Sections • Handling • Breeds, Conformation, Movement • Grooming and Bandaging • Health Care and Veterinary Knowledge • Nutrition • Stable Management and Safety • Tack and Equipment • Transportation and Travel Safety

4. Horse Handling • Levels 1 and 2 • Know where a horse’s blind spots are located • Be able to explain how to safely approach a horse • Level 2 Only • Explain how to safely tie a horse up • Explain how to safely lead a horse

5. Horse Handling • Which is the most correct way to approach a horse? • Which knot should be used? A B C

6. Horse ID/Breeds • Parts of Horse • Horse Colors and Markings • Horse Gender Descriptions (Level 1) • Filly, Colt, Mare, Stallion, and Gelding • Major Horse and Pony Breeds (Level 2)

7. Parts of Horse

8. Colors – Level 1

9. Colors – Level 2

10. Facial Markings – Level 2

11. A: Heel B. Coronet C. Half-Pastern D. Pastern E. Ankle F. Half Stocking G. Stocking Leg Markings- Level 2

12. Measurement- Level 2 • 1 Hand = 4 inches • Horse = Taller than 14.2 hands • Pony = 14.2 hands and under

13. Conformation and Movement • Identify Gaits (Level 2 Only) • Know how many beats are in a walk and trot/ jog

14. Grooming • Level 1: • Reasons for daily grooming • Items that should be included in a grooming kit and their use • How to pick out a hoof and explain it’s importance • Level 2: • Be able to explain the proper procedure for daily grooming

15. Grooming • Important for health, hygiene and appearance • Stimulates blood circulation & helps maintain muscle tone • Basic equipment: • Curry Comb • Brush (Dandy & Body) • Hoof pick • Mane & tail comb

16. Grooming Tools and Technique

17. Bandaging • Level 1: • Reasons for bandaging legs • Level 2: • Types of boots/bandages • Reasons for using boots/bandages

18. Reasons for Bandaging • Protection of the legs, particularly while riding or trailering the horse • Prevention of swelling after the horse works • For treatment and protection of injuries

19. Stable Bandage

20. Shipping Bandages/Boots

21. Boots Bell Boots Splint Boots Ankle Boots

22. Health/Veterinary Care • Levels 1 & 2: • Recognition of basic signs of illness and injury – applied to when and why you would call a vet • Level 2 : • Recognition of a horse that’s properly cooled out after work • Importance of daily hoof care and importance of regular farrier visits

23. Signs of Illness • Loss of appetite • Depression • Lack of gut sounds • Lameness • Elevated vital signs • Abnormal behaviors

24. Recognizing Problems Learn to Recognize Abnormal Behavior

25. Proper Cool Down after Exercise

26. Hoof Care

27. Hoof Care • Recommended every 6 to 8 weeks • Costs depends on what is done • Types of services: • Hoof Trim • Front Shoes Only • Four Shoes • Specialized Care

28. Nutrition • Level 1: • Items you’d feed a horse daily • Level 2: • Recognition of feed/hay that is safe to feed • Proper storage methods for feed/hay

29. Types of Diets Forage Concentrate

30. Forage • Very important for proper digestion • Types of hay: • Legume • Grass • Mixed • Horse will consume 1 ½ to 2% of body weight per day

31. Concentrate • Used to: • Supplement and balance nutrients in forages • Supplement higher caloric needs of working and lactating horses

32. Grain/Hay Storage • Must be protected from: • Moisture • Insects • Rodents • Hay should be stored off the ground or in loft • Grain should be stored in tubs in a temperature controlled area

33. Stable Management and Safety • Level 1: • Things that are not safe to do or have in a barn • Types of appropriate beddings • Level 2: • Unsafe types of fencing • Common stable vices

34. Beddings- What is Appropriate? Newspaper Wood Shavings Straw

35. Safe Fencing Types

37. Unsafe Fencing Types Barbed Wire High Tensile Wire Chain Link

38. Common Stable Vices • Pawing • Cribbing / Wind Sucking • Weaving • Kicking • Wood Chewing

39. Tack & Equipment • Level 1: • Reasons for cleaning tack • Level 2: • Major parts of the saddle and bridle • Products and equipment used to clean tack

40. Reasons for Cleaning Tack • If tack is not cleaned, it makes the leather rough which encourages girth galls and other rubs on the horse • Unclean tack can break more easily, posing a dangerous situation for both horse and rider

41. English Bridle Parts

42. Western Bridles

43. English Saddle

44. Western Saddle

45. Tack Cleaning Equipment

46. Transportation and Travel • Level 1: • Describe how to make a horse safer or more comfortable while trailering • Level 2: • Know purpose of head bumper, break away halter, blanket, tail wrap, and shipping boots/bandages in reference to shipping

47. Preparation for Transport (Hill, 2000)

48. References and Resources • Approved resources for state contests • USPC Manual of Horsemanship: The Basics for Beginners through D Level, by S. E. Harris • USPC Manual of Horsemanship: The Intermediate Horsemanship through C Level, by S. E. Harris • USPC Manual of Horsemanship: The Advanced Horsemanship Through A Level, by S. E. Harris