Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards Riding Levels Kristen M. Wilson University of Maryland Extension Horse Specialist Rev. 7/29/11 Dr. Amy Burk University of Maryland Extension Horse Specialist Prepared by:

Riding Testing Schedule Horse ManagementHorse Management Horse and Rider TurnoutHorse and Rider Turnout TackTack RidingRiding –English – on the flat –English – over fences –Western

Horse Management Level 1:Level 1: –Approach horse and halter safely –Lead and turn a horse in hand –Demonstrate proper grooming techniques (including picking hooves) Level 2:Level 2: –Lead horse in and out of a stall safely –Tie a horse with a proper quick release knot –Perform walk/trot transitions in hand

Horse Handling Correct

Safety Release Knot

Horse and Rider Turnout Recognize clean and safe attire and tack with ASTM/SEI approved helmetRecognize clean and safe attire and tack with ASTM/SEI approved helmet Have horse properly groomedHave horse properly groomed –Level 1: Mount to be neatly brushed, feet picked out, and showing regular farrier care –Level 2: Mount to be clean and well brushed, with feet picked out and showing regular farrier care. Eyes, nose, and dock wiped off. Mane and tail combed and free of debris.

Rider Turnout Does Not Meet Expectations Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations

Rider Safety Checking Helmet Fit Jumping Vest Optional

Horse Turnout Does Not Meet Expectations Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations

Definitely Does Not Meet Expectations

Riding Courtesy Level 1: Must be able to discuss with examiner precautions that must be taken when approaching another horse and rider when mountedLevel 1: Must be able to discuss with examiner precautions that must be taken when approaching another horse and rider when mounted Level 2: Must discuss safety precautions to be taken when riding in a groupLevel 2: Must discuss safety precautions to be taken when riding in a group

Riding Rules and Etiquette Riding alone is discouragedRiding alone is discouraged Enclosed ring preferredEnclosed ring preferred One horse length between horsesOne horse length between horses Passing is done left shoulder to left shoulderPassing is done left shoulder to left shoulder Jumps to be jumped are called outJumps to be jumped are called out Deborah Poole “DreamFields.com”

Tack Safe, neat, and properly adjusted tackSafe, neat, and properly adjusted tack Demonstrate how to properly fit a girth (Level 1)Demonstrate how to properly fit a girth (Level 1) Demonstrate how to check for proper length of stirrups mounted and unmounted (Level 2)Demonstrate how to check for proper length of stirrups mounted and unmounted (Level 2)

Tack Fit

Unsafe Tack

Types of English Bridles Snaffle Bridle Double Bridle Bitless Bridle (hackamore)

Common English Bits Plain D-Ring SnaffleFrench Link Snaffle Full Cheek SnaffleKimberwick

Western Bridles Non-jointed reinsNon-jointed reins Usually held in one handUsually held in one hand No nosebandNo noseband

Types of Western Bridles 1-ear Western PleasureAll Round WesternWestern Bosal

Common Western Bits Western Curb Bit Snaffle Training Bit

English Saddles English saddle should be worn in English Riding testsEnglish saddle should be worn in English Riding tests All Purpose Dressage Close Contact Jumping

Western Saddles Western Saddles should be used in Western Riding testsWestern Saddles should be used in Western Riding tests Horses should not be jumped in a Western SaddleHorses should not be jumped in a Western Saddle All PurposeWork Saddle Barrel Racer

Check Safety and Fit of Accessories Saddle padsSaddle pads GirthGirth Stirrups and leathersStirrups and leathers Breast platesBreast plates MartingalesMartingales

Gaits Review for Riding Tests Levels 1 & 2Levels 1 & 2 –Walk and Trot/Jog Levels 3 & 4Levels 3 & 4 –Walk, Trot, Canter/Lope Leaping and Galloping not included…

Riding Level 1 (English/Western) RIDING EXPECTATIONS:RIDING EXPECTATIONS: Throughout the entire testing, candidate demonstrates control while maintaining a safe, basic balance position at the walk and trot in both directions. Throughout the entire testing, candidate demonstrates control while maintaining a safe, basic balance position at the walk and trot in both directions.

Riding Level 1 (English/Western) Riding Level 1 (English/Western) Mounting and dismounting (with aid if necessary)Mounting and dismounting (with aid if necessary) Holding reins correctly at halt, walk, and trotHolding reins correctly at halt, walk, and trot Shortening and lengthening of reins at haltShortening and lengthening of reins at halt Drop and regain stirrups at the haltDrop and regain stirrups at the halt Gradual transitions from walk to trot and walk to haltGradual transitions from walk to trot and walk to halt Basic changes of directionBasic changes of direction Walk over evenly spaced ground polesWalk over evenly spaced ground poles Complete English Riding Pattern 1 OR Western Riding Pattern 1 according to discipline testing forComplete English Riding Pattern 1 OR Western Riding Pattern 1 according to discipline testing for

Mounting Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

English Riding Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

Western Riding Rider adjusting her Romal reins Young horse going in two hands Proper way to hold reins one handed

Adjusting Stirrups Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

English Riding Pattern #1

Western Riding Pattern #1

Riding Level 2 (English/Western) RIDING EXPECTATIONS:RIDING EXPECTATIONS: Throughout the entire testing, candidate demonstrates control while maintaining a safe, basic balanced position at the walk and trot in both directions. Throughout the entire testing, candidate demonstrates control while maintaining a safe, basic balanced position at the walk and trot in both directions.

Riding Level 2 (English/Western) Riding Level 2 (English/Western) Mount and dismount independentlyMount and dismount independently Shorten and lengthen reins at the walk and haltShorten and lengthen reins at the walk and halt Adjust stirrups and girth while mounted at the haltAdjust stirrups and girth while mounted at the halt Ride without stirrups at the walk, and regain themRide without stirrups at the walk, and regain them Perform simple circles and figure 8’s at the walk and trot/jog (posting on the correct diagonal for English)Perform simple circles and figure 8’s at the walk and trot/jog (posting on the correct diagonal for English) Demonstrate a halt from a trot on a straightawayDemonstrate a halt from a trot on a straightaway Back safely 3 to 4 stepsBack safely 3 to 4 steps Complete English Riding Pattern 2Complete English Riding Pattern 2

Backing Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

20 m Circle – Small Dressage Arena A KEH C MBF X 20 m 40 m

Figure Eight – Small Dressage Arena A KEH C MBF X 20 m 40 m

Basic Secure Position Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

Western Position

Two- Point Position Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

English Riding Pattern #2

Western Riding Pattern #2

English Jumping Level 1 Two-pointTwo-point Spaced 3-5 feet depending on horse’s strideSpaced 3-5 feet depending on horse’s stride The horse can hit the poles but the important thing is the riders response and ability to hold positionThe horse can hit the poles but the important thing is the riders response and ability to hold position Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

English Jumping Level 2 Trot over evenly spaced poles followed by a simple 2’ cross rail maintaining control and even rhythm.Trot over evenly spaced poles followed by a simple 2’ cross rail maintaining control and even rhythm.

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