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Requirements
1. Do the following:
(a) Describe the safety precautions you should take when handling and caring for a horse. Resource: Safety Precautions When Handling Horses (video)
(b) Describe the fire safety precautions you should take in a barn and around horses. Resource: Barn Fire Safety (video)
2. Name 15 parts of a horse and discuss the function of each with your counselor. Resources: Parts of a Horse (video) Parts of a Horse (filled) (PDF) Parts of a Horse (blank) (PDF)
3. Name four breeds of horses. Explain the special features for which each breed is known. Resources: Ten Popular Horse Breeds (video) Six Popular Horse Breeds (video)
4. Describe the symptoms of colic. Name and describe four other horse health problems. Resource: Health Problems in Horses (video)
5. Explain what conformation is and why it is important. Explain the difference between lameness and unsoundness. Resources: Lameness vs. Unsoundness (video) Signs of Lameness (video)
6. Explain the importance of hoof care and why a horse might need to wear shoes. Resource: How to Clean Horse Hooves (video)
7. Demonstrate how to groom a horse, including picking hooves and caring for a horse after a ride. Resources: Caring for a Horse (video) How to Groom a Horse (video)
8. Explain how to determine what and how much to feed a horse and why the amount and kind of feed are changed according to the activity level and the breed of horse. Resource: What Do Horses Eat? (video)
9. Do the following:
(a) Name 10 parts of the saddle and bridle that you will use, and explain how to care for this equipment. Resource: Parts of a Saddle (video)
(b) Show how to properly saddle and bridle a horse. Resources: How to Saddle a Horse (video) How to Bridle a Horse (video)
(c) Demonstrate how to safely mount and dismount a horse. Resources: Using a Mounting Block and Adjusting Tack (video) Mounting and Dismounting a Horse (video) How to Mount a Horse (video) How to Ride a Horse (video)
10. Explain and demonstrate how to approach and lead a horse safely from a stall, corral, or field and how to tie the horse securely. Resource: How to Lead a Horse (video)
11. On level ground, continuously do the following movements after safely mounting the horse. Do them correctly, at ease, and in harmony with the horse. Resources: How to Steer Your Horse (video) How to Ride a Horse (video) Riding Despite Physical Challenges (video)
(a) Walk the horse in a straight line for 60 feet.
(b) Walk the horse in a half-circle of not more than 16 feet in radius.
(c) Trot or jog the horse in a straight line for 60 feet. Resource: How to Trot a Horse (video)
(d) Trot or jog the horse in a half-circle of not more than 30 feet in radius. Resource: Tips for Trotting (video)
(e) Halt straight. Resource: How to Stop Your Horse (video)
(f) Back up straight four paces. Resource: How to Back Up a Horse (video)
(g) Halt and dismount. Resource: Mount and Dismount a Horse (video)
