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, and dock wiped off.
Mane and tail combed and free of debris.
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 “DreamFields.com”
http://www.dreamfields.ca/Hymers%20Horse%20Show.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
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)
•
Demonstrate a halt from a trot on a straightaway
•
Back safely 3 to 4 steps
•
Complete English Riding Pattern 2
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
TwoPoint
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