Note: All requirements should be completed in a safe environment with a gentle horse.
1. Label on an outline drawing of a horse, or point out on a live horse a minimum of 15 different parts of a horse.
Parts of a horse
2. Label on an outline drawing or point out on a real saddle and bridle: Western— minimum of 10 parts of the saddle and 6 parts of the bridle; English—minimum of 9 parts of the saddle and 7 parts of the bridle.
3. Demonstrate and explain the purpose of safety equipment while riding and working around horses—riding helmet and boots (or hard soled shoes with a heel).
4. Demonstrate and explain a minimum of 5 rules to safely approach and lead a horse.
Come in on the left side. do not loop the lead rope, just in case the horse spooks and runs. When turning right, lean into the horse, so it can't step on you as easily or keep going straight. To stop, pull back.
To approach a horse, NEVER go from the backside. It could startle and kick you. Usually you'll be going on the left side of the horse. Be sure it knows that you are there. Let him do the next move. If in a stall, knock on some wood softly or whistle, to let him know that you are there.
5. Demonstrate and explain a minimum of 5 safety rules for working around horses.
6. Demonstrate and explain safe grooming of a horse using the 4 basic tools—mane and tail comb, curry comb, stiff brush, and soft brush.
7. Demonstrate a safe mount (including tack check) and dismount.
8. Demonstrate a balanced seat while riding at a walk, including circles and reverses.
9. Demonstrate and explain start, stop, circles and reverses using the 4 natural aids—legs, hands, voice, and weight.
10. Demonstrate and explain 5 trail safety rules, including the following:
a. Be attentive to leader and alert to danger.
b. Use correct spacing.
c. Do not let your horse eat along the trail.
d. Never move faster than a walk on paved surfaces.
e. Always walk your horse when approaching or leaving a group of riders.
f. Use correct position for hills and obstacles.
11. Ride on a trail for a minimum of 3 cumulative hours following all safety rules and using correct position.
