Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards Riding Levels 1 - 2

1. Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards Riding Levels 1 - 2 Kristen M. Wilson University of Maryland Extension Horse Specialist Prepared by: Dr. Amy Burk University of Maryland Extension Horse Specialist Rev. 7/29/11

2. Riding Testing Schedule • Horse Management • Horse and Rider Turnout • Tack • Riding • English – on the flat • English – over fences • Western

3. Horse Management • Level 1: • Approach horse and halter safely • Lead and turn a horse in hand • Demonstrate proper grooming techniques (including picking hooves) • 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

4. Correct Horse Handling

5. Safety Release Knot

6. Horse and Rider Turnout • Recognize clean and safe attire and tack with ASTM/SEI approved helmet • Have 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.

7. Rider Turnout http://www.wiseways.com/images/bareback.jpg http://www.horseshowsbythebay.com Does Not Meet Expectations Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations

8. Rider Safety Checking Helmet Fit Jumping Vest Optional

9. Horse Turnout Does Not Meet Expectations Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations

10. Definitely Does Not Meet Expectations

11. Riding Courtesy Level 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 group

12. Riding Rules and Etiquette • Riding alone is discouraged • Enclosed ring preferred • One horse length between horses • Passing is done left shoulder to left shoulder • Jumps to be jumped are called out Deborah Poole “DreamFields.com” http://www.dreamfields.ca/Hymers%20Horse%20Show.gif

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

14. Tack Fit

15. Unsafe Tack http://www.newrider.com/Library/Misc_Tips/tack_safety.html

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

17. Common English Bits Plain D-Ring Snaffle French Link Snaffle Full Cheek Snaffle Kimberwick

18. Western Bridles • Non-jointed reins • Usually held in one hand • No noseband

19. Types of Western Bridles 1-ear Western Pleasure All Round Western Western Bosal

20. Common Western Bits Western Curb Bit Snaffle Training Bit

21. English Saddles • English saddle should be worn in English Riding tests Close Contact All Purpose Dressage Jumping

22. Western Saddles should be used in Western Riding tests Horses should not be jumped in a Western Saddle Western Saddles Barrel Racer All Purpose Work Saddle

23. Check Safety and Fit of Accessories • Saddle pads • Girth • Stirrups and leathers • Breast plates • Martingales

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

31. English Riding Pattern #1

32. Western Riding Pattern #1

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

34. Riding Level 2 (English/Western) • Mount and dismount independently • Shorten and lengthen reins at the walk and halt • Adjust stirrups and girth while mounted at the halt • Ride 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) • Demonstrate a halt from a trot on a straightaway • Back safely 3 to 4 steps • Complete English Riding Pattern 2

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

36. 20 m Circle – Small Dressage Arena K E H 20 m A C X F B M 40 m

37. Figure Eight – Small Dressage Arena K E H 20 m A C X F B M 40 m

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

39. Western Position

40. Two- Point Position Susan E. Harris, The United StatesPony Club Manual of Horsemanship

41. English Riding Pattern #2

42. Western Riding Pattern #2

43. English Jumping Level 1 • Two-point • Spaced 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 position Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

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

45. 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