Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards

Knowledge Levels 1- 2

Dr. Amy BurkUniversity of Maryland

Extension Horse Specialist

Rev. 7/29/11

Kristen M. WilsonUniversity of Maryland

Extension Horse Specialist

Knowledge Testing Schedule

1. Written Test Copies from County Extension Office Allow 45 minutes

2. Oral Practicum Cover information on the knowledge testing

sheet for each level Everything else covered on the written test

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

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

Horse Handling

Which is the most correct way to approach a horse?

Which knot should be used?

A B C

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)

Parts of Horse

Colors – Level 1

Colors – Level 2

Facial Markings – Level 2

Leg Markings- Level 2

A: HeelB. CoronetC. Half-PasternD. Pastern

E. AnkleF. Half StockingG. Stocking

Measurement- Level 2

1 Hand = 4 inches

Horse = Taller than 14.2 hands

Pony = 14.2 hands and under

Conformation and Movement

Identify Gaits (Level 2 Only)

Know how many beats are in a walk and trot/

jog

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

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

Grooming Tools and Technique

Bandaging

Level 1: Reasons for bandaging legs

Level 2: Types of boots/bandages Reasons for using boots/bandages

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

Stable Bandage

Shipping Bandages/Boots

Boots

Bell Boots Splint Boots

Ankle Boots

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

Signs of Illness

Loss of appetite

Depression

Lack of gut sounds

Lameness

Elevated vital signs

Abnormal behaviors

Recognizing Problems

Learn to Recognize Abnormal Behavior

Proper Cool Down after Exercise

Hoof Care

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

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

Types of Diets

Forage Concentrate

Forage

Very important for proper digestion

Types of hay: Legume

Grass

Mixed

Horse will consume 1 ½ to 2% of body weight per day

Concentrate

Used to:

Supplement and balance nutrients in forages

Supplement higher caloric needs of working and lactating horses

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

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

Beddings- What is Appropriate?

Newspaper

Wood Shavings

Straw

Safe Fencing Types

Unsafe Fencing Types

Barbed Wire

Chain Link High Tensile Wire

Common Stable Vices

Pawing

Cribbing / Wind Sucking

Weaving

Kicking

Wood Chewing

Tack & Equipment

Level 1: Reasons for cleaning

tack

Level 2: Major parts of the saddle

and bridle

Products and equipment

used to clean tack

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

English Bridle Parts

Western Bridles

English Saddle

Western Saddle

Tack Cleaning Equipment

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

Preparation for Transport

(Hill, 2000)

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