EQUESTRIAN         

1. Explain the characteristics of each of the three distinct American riding styles.

2. For your preferred style (one of three styles in 1), explain the equipment you would use, including parts of the saddle and bridle.

3. Explain the difference in natural versus artificial aids used in communicating with your horse, such as use of hands, legs, weight, voice, whips, crops, martingales, bits, and auxiliary reins.

4. (a) Present yourself properly attired for the riding style you prefer.

(b) Explain the clothing and safety equipment a rider must have for your preferred style of riding.

5. (a) Demonstrate how to properly catch, bridle, and saddle a horse.

(b) Demonstrate and explain at least three steps in proper mounting and two ways of dismounting.

6. (a) Show how to test your correct stirrup length while you are dismounted and when you are mounted.

(b) Explain short stirrup length, medium stirrup length, long stirrup length, and why stirrup length is important.

7. (a) Explain and demonstrate the correct position of your body, feet, hands, arms, and legs while mounted.

(b) Demonstrate how all parts of your body should be positioned on your horse during a trot, a canter, and a gallop and explain why this is important.

8. Demonstrate by using a pattern that you have control of your horse. On command, be able to slow down, speed up, stop, back up and be able to move your horse through its gaits.

9. (a) Properly remove tack from your horse and store it.

(b) Demonstrate proper care of your tack after riding.

(c) Demonstrate proper care for your horse after a ride, including cool down, brushing, and watering and feeding, and explain why each of these steps is important.

10. Make a tabletop display or presentation on what you have learned about horsemanship for your crew, another crew, a Cub Scout or Boy Scout group, or another group.

Resources

Harris, Susan, Horse Gaits, Balance and Movement, Howell Book House, 1993

Morris, George 11, Hunter Seat Equitation, Doubleday, 1990

For More Information

Harness Horse Youth Foundation
14950 Grayhound Court, No. 210
Carmel, IN 46032

US Combined Training Association
P.O. Box 2247
Leesburg, VA 22075