Maryland 4 H Horsemanship Standards Riding Levels 1

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

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

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

Horse Handling Correct

Safety Release Knot

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,

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

Rider Safety Checking Helmet Fit Jumping Vest Optional

Horse Turnout Does Not Meet Expectations Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations

Definitely Does Not Meet Expectations

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

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 “Dream. Fields. com” http: //www. dreamfields. ca/Hymers%20 Horse%20 Show. gif

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)

Tack Fit

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

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

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

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

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

Common Western Bits Western Curb Bit Snaffle Training Bit

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Adjusting Stirrups Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

English Riding Pattern #1

Western Riding Pattern #1

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.

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)

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

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

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

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

Western Position

Two. Point Position Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

English Riding Pattern #2

Western Riding Pattern #2

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

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

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