Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards Knowledge Levels 1- 2 Dr. Amy Burk University of Maryland Extension Horse Specialist Rev. 7/29/11 Kristen M. Wilson University 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? AB 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: Heel B. Coronet C. Half-Pastern D. Pastern E. Ankle F. Half Stocking G. 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 BootsSplint 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

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 ForageConcentrate

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