Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards
Level 6
Examiner:________________________ County:___________ Date:___________
KEY: ES = Exceeds Standard MS = Meets Standard DNMS = Does not Meet Standard
Purpose
To determine if examiner can:
1. Accurately assess horse/rider strengths and weaknesses.
2. Set‐up appropriate and safe courses, patterns, and area for required movements.
3. Communicate effectively to the candidate the expectations of the standards.
4. Organize testing in logical, progressive manner.
5. Maintain safety at all times during the testing.
Shows concern and knowledge of safety of candidates and horses

Performs thorough safety checks before the rider(s) mount (tack, helmet,
clothing, etc.)

Ensures the riders are in control of their mounts and riding safely at all times

Ensures candidates perform safe lunging practices and have control of horse
at all times

Ensures riders are never unsupervised when mounted

Requests background history on the horses and riders and is prepared for
potential problems
ES _____
MS_____
DNMS_____
Comments:
Correct assessment of candidates

Presents a rational and clear explanation to the review committee for
ES/MS/DNMS of candidate

Properly evaluates candidate’s lounging, warm-up, riding, and horse
management skills based on testing level

Appropriately passes or recommends retesting based on candidate’s
performance
Comments:
ES _____
MS_____
DNMS_____
Ability to identify and assess problems of the horse and rider

Establishes a rapport with the rider and horse

Discusses any concerns effectively with the rider

Demonstrates a solid theory of proper riding and horsemanship

Addresses concerns quickly and effectively
Comments:
Appropriate exercises in relation to standards expectations

Does not include restricted obstacles in course work

Includes all required movements

Properly sets up cones/letters for patterns/dressage tests

If testing for jumping: properly sets-up grids and courses, including: proper
heights, correct distances, and appropriateness of grid and course for test
level
Comments:
Site preparation and management

Is aware of surroundings, and considers that in preparation of site

Maintains control of the site at all times

Organize and pays attention to safety in movements and patterns executed by
candidates, including: location for patterns/courses to be executed and
interaction of riders in a group
Comments:
Rapport, Professional Demeanor, Presentation

Is positive and friendly towards candidates

Maintains poise and professionalism throughout evaluation

Has presence in the ring ( loud enough to hear, clear at all times)

Eases candidates’ testing anxiety
Comments:
ES _____
MS_____
DNMS_____
ES _____
MS_____
DNMS_____
ES _____
MS_____
DNMS_____
ES _____
MS_____
DNMS_____
Organization and Focus

Enters the testing situation with a plan of action

Is not distracted by problems that may arise

Completes the entire testing with all candidates unless there are unforeseen
problems (lameness, safety concerns, etc…)

Divides attention among all candidates and does not focus on any single rider
for too long
Comments:
ES _____
MS_____
DNMS_____
Written comments on score sheet appropriate for testing

Professional comments, not personal

Clearly worded and easy to understand

Constructive criticism as necessary
ES _____

Encouragement and praise as appropriate (find something positive about each
candidate regardless of evaluation)
MS_____
Comments:
DNMS_____
Lunging

Examiner properly lunges a horse showing they have control of the horse

Examiner performs safe lunging practices

Demonstrates a solid theory of lunging theory and practices
ES _____
Comments:
MS_____
DNMS_____
Body Condition Scoring

Examiner thoroughly discusses the importance of Body Condition Scoring
with the Review Committee

Examiner correctly scores an unfamiliar horse, showing knowledge of the
Henneke Body Condition Scoring System
Comments:
ES:______
MS:______
DNMS:______
ES _____
MS_____
DNMS_____
Overall comments/suggestions:
______________________________
_________________________
__________________
Review Committee Names
Sections Requiring Retesting:
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
A candidate may be retested as follows:
 Retest to cover not more than 1 or 2 sections of the
test. Retest must take place within 1 year but no
sooner than 6 months.
 Not meeting standards of any section on that day
will require retaking entire test.
ES_________MS________DNMS________
Signature_____________________________
Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards Examiner Testing Sheet
ENGLISH JUMPING LEVEL 6
Purpose
To determine if examiner can:
1. Accurately assess horse/rider strengths and weaknesses.
2. Set-up courses, patterns, and area for required movements appropriately and safely.
3. Communicate effectively to candidate in relation to the standards.
4. Organize testing in logical, progressive manner.
5. Maintain safety at all times during the testing.
*Please see Examiner Assessment Score sheet for more details
Testing Format:
Introduction with Candidates
(5-10 minutes)
During this time examiners should:
 Introduce candidates to each other as well as introduce yourself and background.
 Get a basic history of rider and horse.
 Go over the schedule and expectations for the testing.
 Discuss with candidates whether they would like to lunge their horses before they ride or
afterwards.
At this time the review committee will be looking for the following from the examiner:
 Positive interaction with the candidates.
 Easing of testing anxiety.
 Answering candidate’s questions.
 Organization.
 Knowledge of longing considerations with a focus of control and safety.
Horse Management
(15-20 minutes)
During this time examiners should:
 Discuss with each candidate how to take horse’s vitals, and to discuss whether the horse’s
temperature, pulse, and respiration are within the normal range.
 Discuss and witness the demonstration of a stable bandage, a shipping bandage, and a tail
wrap with each candidate (suggested that candidates come to the Turn-out inspection with
bandages applied)
At this time the review committee will be looking for the following from the examiner:
 Knowledge of bandaging application
 Knowledge of importance of horse’s vitals.
Lunging
During this time examiners should:
 Ensure candidates have control of horse and are showing safe practices.
 Discuss with candidates “proper fit of equipment.”
(15-20 minutes)
At this time the review committee will be looking for the following from the examiner:
 Knowledge of lunging practices and theory.
 Consideration of lunging location, size of circle, time horse is lunged, rider attire, mount attire,
and lunging theory.
 Knowledge of lunging equipment and fit.
Tack and Safety Check
(15-20 minutes)
During this time examiners should:
 Check that tack and clothing are appropriate and safe for discipline.
 Make or suggest any necessary changes. (Changes must be made with the parent’s approval.)
 Make sure the rider wears an ASTM/SEI approved helmet.
 “Horse and Rider Turnout” section of standards.
 Ensure the cleanliness and care of tack in preparation of show.
At this time the review committee will be looking for the following from the examiner:
 Knowledge of proper fitting of tack.
 Knowledge of safety standards for attire and tack.
 Knowledge of tack maintenance.
Warm-up
(10-20 minutes)
During this time examiners should:
 Allow candidates to warm-up.
 Ensure that candidates properly warm-up.
 Discuss with candidates evaluation of their own warm-up performance.
 Discuss with candidates the difference between lengthening stride and increasing speed (*have
candidates execute once they are completely warmed up, i.e. transition into riding phase).
At this time the review committee will be looking for the following from the examiner:
 Knowledge of warm up routines and theory.
 Judgment of candidate’s warm-up, to include: time needed for rider to relax, time needed for
horse to become supple, and consideration of weather and footing.
 Knowledge of lengthening versus speed.
Riding – flatwork
(30-40 minutes)
During this time examiners should:
 Assess candidates for remaining flatwork movements in riding section:
o Demonstrate the difference between lengthening stride and increasing speed at each gait.
o Demonstrate the ability to perform circles, half-circles and straight lines with and without
stirrups at each gait.
o Demonstrate moving the horse away from the rider’s leg at the trot and canter.
o Demonstrate turns on the forehand and hindquarters in each direction.
At this time the review committee will be looking for the following from the examiner:
 Knowledge of proper execution of required movements.
 Organization and safety consideration of movements and patterns, to include: location for
patterns to be executed, interactions of riders in a group, and inclusion of all required
movements.
Riding – Jumping
(30-40 minutes)
During this time examiners should:
 Assess candidates for jumping exercises in riding section:
o Perform gymnastic exercises at the trot and canter over a grid with minimum heights of 2’6”
and maximum heights of 2’9”.
o Ride over a course of 6-8 obstacles set at a height of 3’, demonstrating flying changes of lead
as necessary while maintaining rhythm and control throughout the course.
o Ride over a grid at a maximum height of 2’6” without stirrups.
 Ensure the candidates properly cool down their horses when all riding movements are complete.
At this time the review committee will be looking for the following from the examiner:
 Knowledge of grid and course work set-up and theory.
 Proper set-up of grids and courses, to include: proper heights, correct distances, appropriateness
of grid and course for level, location for grid and course, and focus on safety and control.
 Judgment of candidate’s cool-down, to include: time needed for horse to return to near normal
breathing rate and temperature, and consideration of weather.
Final Assessment
(10-15 minutes)
During this time examiners should:
 Meet with the review committee and have a final discussion.
 Examiner should give an evaluation for each candidate to the review committee.
 Examiner should provide an analysis of whether the candidate passed the level of testing and
reasons as to why or why not.
 After examiner meets with the review panel, examiner should meet with candidate and give them
a pass/retest report on their testing.
At this time the review committee will be looking for the following from the examiner:
 Organization of thoughts.
 Theory of proper riding and horsemanship.
 Valid reasoning for judgment of riders.

Positive interaction and final report to candidate.