GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism
PRLS 122: Introduction to Horsemanship (1)
Spring 2010
River Chase Farm, Aldie,
VA
info@riverchasefarm.com
DAY/TIME:
F 1:30-4:30pm
LOCATION:
PROFESSOR:
Tom Navarro
EMAIL:
OFFICE
LOCATION:
N/A
ADDRESS:
40332 Courtland Farm LN
Aldie, VA 20105
OFFICE HOURS:
As needed
PHONE
NUMBER:
703-777-1899
COURSE FEE
$200 – Make checks payable to GMU Acct. # 141805.
PREREQUISITES: None
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will introduce the basics of horseback riding and horsemanship. Class emphasis will be on learning
how to care for a horse, tack a horse up for lessons and basic riding skills. Students will learn about different
horses, basic first aid, how to safely interact with horses, and properly care for them. In addition, students will
learn how to walk and trot and begin jumping small obstacles.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this course, students should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Demonstrate proper tacking and ground control
Demonstrate proper grooming and stretching exercises for the horse and rider
Identify basic parts of the tack as well as basic care of the tack
Mount, dismount and adjust stirrups before riding
Demonstrate a 2-point position at halt, walk and trot
State basic safety riding principles and ride safely in a group situation
Complete figures including circles, half circles and lines at walk and trot at least one time
Trot over small rails (no more than 6”) at least one time
Classify the horses’ gaits by rhythm and beats
Display willingness to assist other students during instruction
REQUIRED TEXT/READINGS
Equestrian Curriculum Packet – to be distributed in class
OPTIONAL READING
Hayes, Karen E.N. DVM, MS (2000) Hands On Horse Care, North Pomfret, VT: Trafalgar Square Publishing.
Harris, S.E. (1996) USPC Manual of horsemanship: Basics for beginners/D Level, New York: Howell
Book House.
Irwin, C. (1998) Horses don’t lie, New York: Avalon Publishing Group.
COURSE INFORMATION
1. Students with injuries or pre-existing conditions that may affect performance must inform the instructor.
2. All communication will be through GMU e-mail.
3. Students MUST wear appropriate attire as follows in order to participate:
a. Helmets should be purchased for health considerations, but can be borrowed from the barn.
b. Long pants must be worn (jeans, chaps, britches are all optional).
c. ½” minimum heel must be worn.
d. No tank tops or short shirts may be worn
e. Shirts MUST be neatly tucked in and hair pulled back for riding.
4. Liability release forms must be signed before riding.
5. Practical riding exercises will be graded on completion, attention to detail and consideration of animal care
and general safety. Specific athletic or technical horsemanship skills are not a prerequisite
REQUIREMENTS
Participation (20%) – attendance and daily interaction with instructor, class members, and horses
Homework (5%)
Ring Exercises (40%) – listening, attempting, asking questions
1 Mid-Term Test (15%) –Written (5%) and Practical (10%)
Final Exam (20%) – Written (5%) and Practical (15%)
Grading Scale
A
90-100
B
80-89
C
70-79
D
60-69
F
<60
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE
WEEK
1
(3/19)
TOPICS
Introduction to horses, safe ground
control, proper stable etiquette, tacking
and grooming
READINGS/ASSIGNMENT DUE
o
Handouts Given
o
o
Groom/tack description
“Basic Riding Position”, “Basic Horse
Psychology”; “Riding Aids”
2
(3/26)
Review grooming, tacking, basic
positions. Riding Instruction. Lecture.
3
(4/02)
Quick Review and Study discussion.
Riding Instruction. Lecture.
Mid Term Review
o
o
o
Basic riding description
“How Horses Learn 1”;
Optional: “Household Items”
4
(4/09)
Mid-Term Exam
Riding Instruction
Lecture
o
o
Mid Term Exam
“How Horses Learn (2)”
5
(4/16)
Quick Review and Study discussion.
Riding Instruction. Lecture.
o
o
Special Assignment
“How Horses Learn (3)”
6
(4/23)
Quick Review and Study discussion.
Riding Instruction. Lecture.
o
“How Horses Learn Summary Sheet”
TOPICS
WEEK
7
(4/30)
Final exam.
READINGS/ASSIGNMENT DUE
o
FINAL EXAM
Riding Instruction to include; Review grooming, tacking, basic positions. Proper use of basic aids. 2-point
position at walk, begin trot. Basic figures: circles, half circles, lines, spreading out. Learn to trot. 2-point position
at trot. Posting trot. Figures without stirrups at walk. Poles at walk. Posting trot. Sitting trot. Steering at trot –
basic figures. Trot poles. Canter. Discuss different riding disciplines.
Lectures to Include the following topics; Basic First Aid, Basic Nutrition and Dental Needs, Basic Anatomy
and Function, Jumping Demo and Discussion, Grooming Tips and Tricks.
Note: Faculty reserves the right to alter the schedule as necessary.
Directions to River Chase Farm
We are located on Route 15 between Haymarket and Leesburg. From Haymarket, we are three
miles north of Route 50 (Gilberts Corner). From Leesburg, we are 7 miles south of Route 7.
703-777-1899
 All students are held to the standards of the George Mason University Honor Code
[See http://www.gmu.edu/catalog/apolicies/#Anchor12]
 University policy states that all sound emitting devices shall be turned off during
class unless otherwise authorized by the professor
 Students with disabilities who seek accommodations in a course must be registered
with the Office of Disability Services (ODS) and inform the instructor , in writing,
at the beginning of the semester [See www.gmu.edu/student/drc]
 For additional School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism information, please visit
the website at http://rht.gmu.edu