Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards

Knowledge Level 3

Dr. Amy BurkUniversity of Maryland

Extension Horse Specialist

Rev. 8/16/11

Kristen M. WilsonUniversity of Maryland

Extension Horse Specialist

Knowledge Testing Schedule

1. Written Test Copies from County Extension Office Allow 45 minutes

2. Oral Practicum Cover information on the knowledge

testing sheet for each level Everything else covered on the written

test

Knowledge Level Sections

Breeds, Conformation, Movement Grooming and Bandaging Health Care and Veterinary Knowledge Nutrition Stable Management and Safety Tack and Equipment Transportation and Travel Safety

Parts of Horse

Breed Types

Light Breed

Know different characteristics that

define breed type Draft Breed

Coat Colors

Variations of the gray coat color- i.e. rose gray, steel gray, dapple gray, flea bitten gray etc.

(Horses, 2000)

Front Leg Conformation

(Horses, 2000)

Hind Leg Conformation

Conformation Faults

Grooming

Give reasons for clipping a horse, and

name and describe at least 3 types of

body clips that can be used

Describe safety precautions for bathing

Trimming/Clipping for Show

Face hair

Ears

Bridle path

Fetlock

Coronet band

Body Clipping

Body

Trace

Hunter

Blanket

Bathing a Horse

Never stand directly in front or behind a horse when bathing them

Have the horse securely and safely tied or have someone hold them

Keep the hose out from under the horse’s feet

Go slowly… don’t surprise them!

Reasons for Bandaging Protection of the

legs, particularly while riding or trailering the horse

Prevention of swelling after the horse works

For treatment and protection of injuries

Protective Boots

Bell Boots Splint Boots

Ankle Boots

Health/Veterinary Care Name and describe 1 type of wound and

how to treat it, especially those that need veterinary attention

Explain why a regular vaccination plan is necessary and identify 3 diseases you would vaccinate your horse against each year

Know signs that a hoof needs to be trimmed

Locate parts of the hoof

Equine Wounds

Lacerations tearing of the skin, often require stitches

Abrasions usually caused by rubbing, and will remove

the epidermis, not as serious Punctures

deep, narrow wounds that are usually caused by nails or splinters

Vaccinations

(Hill, 1997. Horse Health Care)

Vaccination Schedules

Hoof Care

Parts of the Hoof

Nutrition Basic rules for feeding Know how feeds are measured

(including units) Explain feeding schedule to include

amounts of roughage and concentrates for a particular horse or pony

Basic Feeding Rules

1. Feeding horse’s properly takes knowledge of

their digestive anatomy and physiology

2. Feed small forage-based meals frequently

3. Avoid abrupt changes in feed

4. Avoid poor quality feeds and forages

5. Offer fresh clean water and trace mineral

salts at all times

Weighing Feeds

Important to measure by weight, not volume!!

Types of Diets

ForageConcentrate

Forage Very important for proper

digestion

Types of hay: Legume

Grass

Mixed

Horse will consume 1 ½ to 2% of body weight per day

Common Hay SpeciesTimothy Orchardgrass

Alfalfa

Concentrate Used to:

Supplement and balance nutrients in forages

Supplement higher caloric needs of working and lactating horses

Stable Management and Safety

Appropriate care of a horse after strenuous work including: cooling out, inspection of legs, watering and feeding

Proper stall sizes for a horse and pony Management practices to prevent the

spread of disease Safety concerns to consider when

attaching a hay net/bag

Care After Strenuous Exercise

• Horse should be walked until all vital signs are back to normal

• Inspect legs for any injuries

• Limit access to feed and water

Stall Dimensions and Designs

Horse: 12x12 feet

Pony : 10x10 feet

The stall should be free of any sharp objects, the doors should shut securely, and no electrical wiring should be exposed

How to Tie a Hay Net

The most important thing to emphasize is that it stays out of the way of the horse’s feet

It is run through a mounted ring, and then the excess tied up in a quick release knot

Equine Disease Control Program

1. Optimize health and nutrition plans for animals

2. Use rodent, parasite and vector control programs throughout the year

3. Do not allow horse access to streams and waterways

4. Contract with a veterinarian and clearly post their contact information

Equine Disease Control Program

5. Communication is key

6. Limit human access to barns if they are not clientele or workers

7. Clean and disinfect barns, stalls and equipment regularly

8. Discard all manure and bedding from stalls that house sick horses

Equine Disease Control Program

Become familiar with common diseases that affect horses

Identify symptoms with the onset of a disease

Vaccination Plan

Deworming Plan

Tack and Equipment 2 areas on tack that should be

checked for safety Types of bits Identify a tie-down, breast strap,

martingale, and breastplate Types of blankets and their purposes

Unsafe Tack

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

Horse Bits

Other Equipment

MartingaleBreast Plate

Tie-Down

Breast Strap

Horse Blankets

Proper Loading/Unloading

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