Canterbury Pony Club
C-2 Bookwork
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Conformation, and Lameness
Health Care and Veterinary Knowledge
Foot and Shoeing
Bandaging
Conditioning
Nutrition
Stable Management
Longeing
Travel Safety
Teaching Younger Pony Club Members
Turn-Out and Tack; Preparation for Rating
The C-3 Test Sheets may be found at http://ponyclub.org/forms.php#C.
You may also find studying the C Study Guide (Written Test) helpful as you prepare for your
rating. You may find it and print it out from http://ponyclub.org/forms.php#C.
USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level
Pages
3, 24
67-68
80-82
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156-164
164-171
245-249
164-165
167-170
243-245
234-237
201-202
316-324
324-331
206-207
209-210
210-211
216-217
215
D: 224-227
306-307
302, 307-309
278-287
287-295
256-257
267-270
270-272
270
Topic
Riding and Tack
Warm-up schedule for different activities
Reasons for adjusting stirrups
How to ride through various footing:
Water, mud, rock, ice, bog, hard ground, sand, pavement
Reasons for equipment used on own pony
Stable Management
Care of a pony (efficiently and economically)
Stabled: feed/water schedule, minerals, clothing, exercise, grooming
At grass: pasture safety check, fencing, water, minerals, shelter, feed,
grooming
Safety, preparation, and core of a pony and equipment on a day of
strenuous work
Feeding, pony’ condition, climate and terrain, cooling out, injury
treatment, comfort
Pasture safety and fencing
Toxic plants: name and appearance (5)
Conditioning and Nutrition
Conditioning schedule
Temperature, pulse, respiration
Feed rations for: developing and maintaining fitness, day off, sick,
roughed out
Conformation and Lameness
Conformation qualities desired in a horse (5)
Name and locate: ringbone, curb, bowed tendon, sidebone, spavins,
navicular, splints, thoroughpin, sprains
Horse Care and Veterinary Knowledge
Annual immunizations and health requirements
Internal parasites
Routine internal parasite prevention
Tetanus and strangles transmission
Regular care of teeth
Travel Safety, Teaching and Longeing
Procedures for loading and unloading a pony
Assist a D-1/D-2 in preparing for turn-out
Basic teaching skills
Methods, equipment, and safety preparations for longeing
Longe a pony for exercise
Foot and Shoeing and Bandaging
Good and bad shoeing
Apply a shipping bandage
Apply a stable bandage
Reasons for applying a stable bandage
Anatomical Nomenclature (Anatomical Lingo)
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
1
Lower Leg Anatomy
Bones of Lower Leg and Hoof: Lateral (Side) View
Anatomy of Lower Leg and Hoof: Lateral (Side) View
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
2
Lower Leg and Hoof Ligament and Tendon Structure: Palmar (Rear) View
Pastern Joint Ligaments and Tendons: Lateral (Side) View
Sole of Trimmed Hoof
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Hoof Regions
3
Forelimb Conformation
Forelimb Ideal Conformation: Lateral (Side) View
Dorsal (Front) View
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
4
Lateral (Side) View
Base Narrow Conformation Fault-Dorsal (Front) View
Base Wide Conformation Fault- Dorsal (Front) View
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
5
Forelimb Knee Conformation Faults: Dorsal (Front) View
Forelimb Knee Conformation Faults: Lateral (side) View
Forelimb Metacarpal Conformation Faults: Dorsal (Front) View
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
6
Pastern Conformation Faults: Lateral (Side) View
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
7
Hindlimb Conformation
Hindlimb Ideal Conformation: Lateral (Side) and Caudal (Rear) Views
Hindlimb Conformation Faults: Caudal (Rear) View
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
8
Hindlimb "Camped Out" Conformation Fault: Lateral (Side) View
Hindlimb "Post Legged" Conformation Fault: Lateral (Side) View
Hindlimb "Sickle Hocked" Conformation Fault: Lateral (Side) View
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
9
Hindlimb "Standing Under" Conformation Fault: Lateral (Side) View
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
10
The Hoof
Coon and Club Foot
Palmar (rear) View
Unbalanced Hoof
Balanced Hoof
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
11
Heel Crack
Quarter Crack
Toe Crack
Contracted Hoof
Sheared Heels: Palmar (Rear) View
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
12
Conformation of the Horse and How it Relates to Overall Soundness
Principles of Ideal Conformation
The horse should be well-proportioned overall with respect to its breed. Arabians will have shorter
backs compared the Thoroughbreds. Quarter Horses of some families will have shorter legs and a
heavier muscle mass than Thoroughbreds.
 Short-backed horses with relatively long legs may be predisposed to forging and overreaching.
 Long-backed horses may have trouble with weakness or soreness in their back muscles.
1. Forelimbs bear 60-65% of a horse’s weight compared to the hind legs. This results in more
frequent injuries involving trauma and concussion to the forelegs. The horse should bear weight
equally on each of his front legs. Horses which consistently rest one leg, or point a foot, may
indicate soreness in that leg.
a. Ideal Conformation of the Forelegs when Viewed from the Front of the Horse
i) A line drawn from the point of the shoulder should bisect the knee, ankle, and hoof.
ii) The hooves should point straight forward.
iii) The hooves should be the same distance apart at the ground as the forearms are apart at
the chest.
iv) The cannon bone should be centered below the carpus (knee) and point straight ahead
along with the carpus and ankle.
b. Conformation Faults of the Forelegs when Viewed from the Front of the Horse
i)
Base-Narrow
(1) Feet are closer together at the ground than forearms are at the chest, and cause
weight to be borne on the outside of the hoof wall
(a) Articular windpuffs of fetlock
(b) Lateral ringbone
(c) Lateral sidebone
ii) Base-Wide
(1) Most common in narrow-chested horses, such as American Saddlebreds, and
Tennessee Waling Horses. Often associated with toe-out conformation and causes
winging and more weight to be borne on the inside of the hoof (inside “break-over”).
(a) Medical ringbone
(b) Medial sidebone
iii) Toe-In
Pigeon-toed. Usually congenital. Causes paddling. Horse breaks over on the outside of
the hoof and lands on the outside wall.
iv) Toe-Out
Splay-footed. Usually congenital. Limbs are crooked from origin down. May cause
winging with interference with the opposite limb.
v) Bench Knees
Considered a weak conformation. When viewed from the front, the cannon bone is offset
laterally to the knee. More direct weight-bearing on the medial splint may result in
repeat episodes of training delays due to splints, especially in event horses, or horses
training on hard ground.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
13
c. Ideal Conformation of the Forelegs when Viewed from the Side of the Horse
i)
The shoulder should have a good slope and generally approximate the angle in the foot
and pastern axis, about 45-50º.
ii) The limb should form a straight column from the elbow point to the fetlock.
iii) Generally, the shorter and more upright the pasterns, the greater the concussive forces
that are distributed to the foot.
d. Common Conformation Faults of the Forelimb when Viewed from the Side of the Horse
i)
Calf Knees
Weak conformation. Backward deviation of the carpal joints. Limbs seldom stay sound
under heavy work. Prone to check ligament injury and chip fractures of the carpal bone.
Very bad for race horses.
ii) Bucked Knees
“Over at the knees.” Forward deviation of carpal joints due to contraction of carpal
flexors (muscles) which places extra strain on suspensory ligaments, superficial flexor
tendon, and sesamoid bones. This is especially troublesome in event horses and is made
worse by being tied in at the knees.
iii) Tied in at the Knees
Poor conformation; prohibits free movement. When viewed from the side, the flexor
tendons appear too close to the cannon bone.
iv) Short, Upright Pasterns
Increase the effect of concussion on the fetlock, pastern joints, and the navicular bone.
(a) Navicular disease
(b) Osselets
(c) Ringbone
v) Long, Sloping Pasterns
Pasterns too long for the limb; less than a 45º angle.
(a) Bowed tendons (flexor tendons)
(b) Fracture of sesamoid bones
(c) Sesamoiditis
(d) Suspensory ligament sprain
2. Hindlimb lameness is less frequent than foreleg lameness.
a. Ideal Conformation of the Hindlimb when Viewed from the Side of the Horse
i)
ii)
A line dropped from the tuber ischii (point of hip) should hit the point of the hock and
continue down the back of the cannon and strike the ground 3-4 inches behind the heel.
Angle between stifle and hock is neither too straight nor too angular.
b. Common Conformation Faults of the Hindlimb when Viewed from the Side
i)
ii)
Sickle Hocks
Hocks which are too angulated. The horse stands under from the hock down. Causes
increased strain on the plantar ligament.
(a) Curb (thickening of the plantar ligament)
(b) Bog spavin
(c) Bone spavin
Hocks which are too straight
(a) Bog spavin
(b) Upward fixation of patella (knee cap caught, stifled)
c. Ideal Conformation of the Hindlimb when Viewed from Behind the Horse
i)
A line dropped from the point of the tuber ischii should divide the limb into two equal
parts.
ii) The limb should have a well-balanced appearance with even blending of muscle from thigh
into gaskin.
iii) Muscles over the top of the hips should be the same.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
14
d. Common Conformation Faults of the Hindleg when Viewed from Behind the Horse
Any abnormality of the hind leg gives spavin
i) Base-Narrow
Causes excessive strain on outside of bones, ligaments, and joints. Most common in
heavily muscled horses.
ii) Cow Hocks
Base-narrow to hocks, base-wide from hocks to ground. One of the worst hindleg
conformations; causes excessive strain on the inside of the bock
(a) Bone spavin
3. Hooves
Good conformation of the hoof is essential to normal activity. No matter how good the
conformation of other areas, if the foot is weak, the horse may not be a useful animal. Ninety
percent of front leg lamenesses are in the hoof.
a. Ideal Conformation of the Hoof
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
Hoof wall should be thick and pliable and resistant to cracking and losing shoes.
Sole should be concave and thick enough to resist bruising and should shed normally.
Frog should be large, strong, and divide the sole evenly.
Bars should be well-developed.
Front feet should have normal angle/axis of 45-50º. They are slightly wider and more
round in shape than hind feet
vi) Hind feet have normal angle/axis of 50-50º. They may be more pointed at the toe then
the front feet and more oval in shape.
vii) Both front and hind feet should show even wear on the inside and outside of hoof wall.
viii) Hoof should “break over” at the center of the toe, usually in line with the apex of the
frog.
b. Common Conformation faults of the Hoof.
i)
Flat Feet
Foot lacks natural concavity in the sole. Sole bruising is common; requires corrective
shoeing with pads or wide webb shoes.
ii) Contracted Foot/Contracted Heels
Foot or heel is narrower than normal. More common in front than hind feet. May result
from lameness from another source or from improper shoeing.
iii) Thin Wall and Thin Sole
Easily bruised sole, lameness common following trimming. May require shoeing with pads.
iv) Coon Foot
Broken angles
v) Contracted Heels
vi) Club Foot
Foot axis is 60º or more. When bilateral, it may be inherited or due to nutritional
deficiency. Deformity associated with deformity of deep digital flexor tendon.
Generally not suitable for serious eventing.
4. Methods of Examination
a. Visual – at rest and in motion
b. Palpation (touching, pressing with fingers)
c. Hoof test
d. Radiography (x-rays)
e. Ultrasound
f. Fluoroscopy
g. Scintigraphy
h. Thermography
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
15
Commonly Seen Problems
Sprains: caused by moving a joint beyond its normal range of motion. At times, one can see
an actual increase in size of the joint, but can be slight and only discernable by diagnostic
methods. Clinical signs can vary with the joint involved and the severity of the injury.
Ringbone: An arthritic change involving the P3 and P2 (low) or P2 and P3 (high). Seen as a
bony increased in the joint, decreased flexion, and decreased in stride. Can result in fusion.
Bowed Tendon: Tendon damage which, in the healing process, forms scar tissue and
contracts the tendon. The contraction causes the tendon to bow outward. Prognosis for
recovery depends upon the affected tendon, severity of the initial injury, the therapy
administered.
Bucked Shin: Insult or injury to the metacarpal or metatarsal bone which results in callus
formation. Freezing and firing attempts to “short cycle” the process.
Splint: Separation and/or fracture of the splint bones (metacarpal/tarsal II or IV) from
the cannon bone (MCIII or MTIII). Can also be a tearing of the interosseous ligament.
Relates to knee and foot conformation.
Navicular Disease: A disease process involving the navicular bone and the coffin bone (P3)
with its related joints and tendons.
Laminitis: Separation of the sensitive and insensitive laminae of the hoof wall. Can result in
dropping or rotation. Causes vary.
Sidebone: Ossification of the collateral cartilage.
Curb: Inflammation of the plantar ligament of the hock. Horse is lame in acute stage, but
may resolve with a blemish after time. Horses with sickle hock and cow hock conformation
are predisposed.
Spavin: Bog spavin is a filling of the joint capsule of the tarsus (usually medial). Bone
spavin is a bony change occurring with the distal intertarsal tarso-metatarsal, and
occasionally, the proximal intertarsal joints. Ankylosis (fusion) occurs. Depending upon the
location, can limit the usability of the horse.
Thoroughpin: Swelling of the deep digital tendon sheath. Generally caused by low grade
trauma. No inflammation, pain, or lameness present.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
16
Unsoundnessess and Lameness
Frank K. Lochner, Bs, DVM, MS; Associate Dean for Equestrian Studies
Lake Erie College, Painesville, Ohio 44077
Navicular Disease: A complex, progressive inflammation, and then degeneration, of the navicular
bursa with subsequent degeneration of the navicular bone (distal sesamoid) bone
Etiology: Poor conformation is undoubtedly the greatest predisposing factor in navicular disease. But
poor conformation alone is not always enough to cause severe manifestations of the disease. Heredity,
which passes on the conformational traits of steep, upright conformation, is an important factor.
Next, the level of exercise and work must be considered. A horse with poor conformation, which
predisposes to navicular disease, but who stands in a stall or pasture all day will probably never
develop navicular disease. On the other hand, the horse with fairly good conformation, but who is
improperly trimmed and works very hard may develop a severe case. Improper shoeing plans an
important role in the development of this condition.
Signs: Navicular disease is a condition of adult (usually 4 years and older) horses, with a slow, almost
unnoticeable onset. The question has been asked, “If navicular disease is related to hard work, whey
don’t we see the condition in race horses that work so hard?” The answer is that we don’t see it in
race horses because they usually don’t last long enough on the track to see manifestations of the
problem. But that doesn’t mean that navicular disease isn’t there, quietly working its way toward onset
of visible signs in the horse. In fact, early manifestations are the reason many horses don’t remain on
the track; the horse isn’t fast enough to win even though everything about the horse indicates it
should be a winner. When the horse does not win, it gets sold, and often becomes a hunter/jumper
prospect that has to wear pads on its feet and work on the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug,
phenylbutazone (“Bute”). The horse doesn’t have to be fast to jump, but as time goes on, it becomes
more and more ‘off’ in the front and finally a diagnosis of navicular disease is made, even thought he
condition probably started back on the race track.
The navicular horse exhibits a shifting leg lameness such that one day you feel the horse off and are
certain that it is in the left front. The day you schedule to take the horse to the veterinarian, you
ride it to make sure it is still lame, and you find that it is lame on the right front. The anterior phase
of the stride is shortened, sometimes very much so, giving the horse a terribly choppy gait at the
trot. The horse may point or rest one leg in front of the other, and then switch legs after a while.
But, if the horse is standing square, with both front legs together, you will notice that the feet are
behind a line, perpendicular to the ground, dropped from a point mid-way between the front of the
forearm and the point of the elbow, as viewed from the side. This line represents the net vector
force of weight bearing for the horse as seen from the side. The result is that the horse is bearing
most of its weight on the toe region of the foot, rather than distributing the weight evenly between
toe and heel. This uneven weight distribution is because the heel region (where the navicular bone is
located) is sore, or at least uncomfortable, and the horse is standing so the weight is off its heel. You
will note that if you don’t ride the horse for several days, and rest it in a stall or pasture, it will at
first appear sound when ridden again. Within a few days, the horse will again feel off or male when
ridden regularly. It is said that the horse “warms into the lameness” as it is worked, rather than
“warms out of the lameness” when worked; the latter circumstance carries a more favorable prognosis.
Eventually, the horse becomes so lame that it cannot be ridden without the use of pain-killing
medications such as phenylbutazone.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis of navicular disease must be made by an equine veterinarian. Physical
examination, lameness exam, including diagnostic nerve blocks and radiographs (x-rays) will be
necessary to confirm the condition. Good quality radiographs are necessary; in the absence of lesions
(erosions or loss of bone and mineral density and other changes in the navicular seen on x-ray), a
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
17
diagnosis of clinical ‘naviculitis’ will be made. This condition, which may share exactly the same
symptoms as navicular disease, may be easier to deal with since it means the condition has not
progressed into the bone. Older literature unequivocally states that navicular disease is an incurable
condition. There is probably a fair measure of truth in this in advanced cases. Yet, some recent
literature reports treatment methods which have, in effect, ‘cured’ some horses. Our current
understanding of the disease has enable veterinarians to make great strides in its treatment.
Treatment: Classis literature says to “Use a bar shoe, wedge the heels and roll the toe.” The bar
protected the navicular area of the sole from concussion from a direct blow, the elevated heel raised
the navicular area higher off the ground and the rolled toe caused the foot to break over faster,
thereby allowing the foot to remain on the ground less time and hence, less pressure on the foot. The
preferred foot treatment today has not changed much from those classic treatments because what
was being done then is essentially very good. Today, we achieve the same, or better, results in a
slightly different manner. We have substituted the full pad (usually a wedge pad) for the barred
shoe. We now know that only a little of the disease is contributed to by concussion, but the wedge
pad elevates the heels and is lighter for the horse to carry. Elevation of the heel is critical in the
treatment. Recent research has shown that as the heel is lowered, compression of the navicular bursa
(a fluid filled, friction-reducing sac positioned between the tendon of the deep digital flexor muscle
and the navicular bone – this sac prevents the tendon from rubbing directly on the bone) by the deep
digital flexor tendon is greatly increased. As the heel is elevated with the wedge pad, the
compression is lessened, thereby giving relief first to the navicular bursa, and then progressively
spreading to the bone. The generation of the disease is greatly contributed to by improper trimming,
which removes the heel of the foot, causing increased compression of the bursa and bone by the
tendon. This is the reason why early cases can be ‘cured’ with proper foot therapy. Unfortunately, in
advanced cases where the navicular bone is severely degenerated, therapy may only be palliative at
best. Depending on the severity of lameness, rest from 30 days to 6 months with the use of NSAIDs
in the first 2 to 4 weeks of treatment is indicated. Proper trimming must be initiated before any
further work is performed and is even beneficial during the rest period. Trimming the foot in strict
adherence to the straight line foot/pastern axis principle is critical to the continued convalescence of
the horse. ‘Eyeball’ determinations of what looks good what the trimming/shoeing is completed is not
satisfactory. Strict measurements must be made because the most frequent error in trimming is for
the heel not to have been raised sufficiently high by the wedge pad to achieve a straight line
foot/pastern axis.
Reduction of the work load is prudent in all cases, and particularly important in moderate to advanced
cases. Some medications, in addition to NSAIDs, have become popular but have not stood the test of
time. It is very important to recognize that a disease entity created by less than ideal conformation
and enhanced by the biomechanics of improper shoeing, cannot be erased by injections or tablets
crushed and sprinkled in the feed once or twice a day.
Prognosis: In early cases of naviculitis, the prognosis is often favorable because degenerative changes
have not progressed within the bone. Where radiographs document moderate to severe changes in the
navicular bone, the prognosis is guarded to poor. Regardless of the radiographic findings, therapy by
competent equine veterinarians should be undertaken because a number of these horses will respond
to corrective trimming and do well. Return to the incorrect method of trimming with the heel of the
foot removed and the long toe will immediately bring a return of the lameness. Therefore, strict
attention to trimming and shoeing details is essential to ensure the usefulness of the horse.
Sidebone: Ossification of the lateral cartilage of the coffin bone (third phalanx), especially in the
forefeet. Seen most often in heavy horses and jumpers, but is a natural process of ageing unless
trauma causes an early onset.
Etiology: Repeated concussion, poor conformation, improper shoeing.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
18
Signs: Loss of flexibility of one of both lateral cartilages, enlarged area over the cartilage, the horse
may or may not be lame, but usually no lameness is associated with this condition. If lameness is
present, the horse shows a short stride and pain, especially as he walks horizontally on an inclined
surface.
Treatment: Counterirritants and firing were old treatments and are not used today. Minerals and
vitamin D supplementation have been proposed as an old remedy. The hoof may be grooved ¾ inch
below the hair line from the heel to 1 inch anterior to the anterior border of the lateral cartilage, and
then thin the wall above and below until the wall is pliable. Also, thin the bars and sole with a hoof
knife. Shoe with a bar shoe and a full pad under which suitable hoof packing has been added, i.e., pine
tar and oakum or silicone rubber caulk.
Roll the toe and heel of the shoe on the affected side; raise the heels, especially if working on soft
ground where the heel would sink into the soil.
Neurectomy is an option in painful cases, but is not recommended by this veterinarian except as a
salvage procedure.
Ringbone: Phalangeal exostosis of the first or second phalanx.
High Ringbone: found in the pastern region
Low Ringbone: not visible because it is located at the level of the corono-pedal joint (coffin joint).
Most frequent in the forelimb.
Etiology: heredity? Heredity causes conformation blemishes which predispose to the condition; faulty
conformation (short, upright conformation); improper shoeing (broken foot/pastern axis); trauma,
rickets osteomalacia, wire cut wounds
Signs: Lameness due to inflammation of the periosteum, even before the lameness is evident, enlarged
firm area on the anterior lost mid-pastern region, not severely lame in the early stages unless the
articular (joint) surfaces are involved. Low ringbone lameness will be more severe. In high ringbone, if
the joint becomes ankylosed (fused), the lameness will disappear. In low ringbone, the coffin joint will
not fuse, so lameness will be continuous.
Diagnosis: Enlargement of the anterior pastern and radiographic (x-ray) examination
Treatment: Rest and proper trimming with a straight line foot/pastern axis, non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. In acute (newly painful) cases, cold packs and astringents may be used until the
heat is done. Immobilization with a cast is helpful in some cases.
Prognosis: Poor in all low ringbone cases, and guarded in high ringbone unless, or until, fusion of the
joint occurs.
Osselets: Traumatic arthritis of the metacarpo-phalangeal (fetlock) joint. May be a periostitis of the
distal metacarpus or proximal first phalanx.
Green osselets: an early stage of the condition when only serous arthritis (joint capsule irritation with
fluid accumulation) with no bone growth noted.
Etiology: seen in young horses, especially running and Standardbreds, due to strain and trauma
associated with hard work in young horses. Mineral deficiency may predispose to this condition.
Steep, upright conformation definitely predisposes to the onset.
Signs: Initially, soft mushy swelling in the fetlock area, especially on the front side and extending
medial and lateral half-way around the fetlock regions. The horse will move with a short, choppy gait.
Heat, pain, swelling/pain, especially on palpation and flexion. Lameness increases with exercise. If
only one limb is involved, the horse will “point” the affected limb. If radiographic (x-ray) examination
is made, soft tissue swelling pattern can be seen on the film; periostitis and new bone growth (bone
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
19
spurs) may be present. In advanced case, complete osteoarthritis (sever degenerative joint disease)
is present.
Treatment: early rest (six months). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, cold
hydrotherapy. Rest is important to prevent permanent enlargement of arthritis. Corrective trimming
and shoeing to align the foot/pastern axis is critical to maintain future soundness.
Prognosis: good if only a serous arthritis is present, and rest and corrective measure are immediately
taken. If early new bone growth is present but not involving the joint surface, the prognosis is good
with early treatment. If bone growth involves the joint, the prognosis is poor. If the horse has very
steep, upright pastern conformation, the prognosis is also poor.
Splints: Periostitis and exostosis of the 2nd and 4th metacarpal and metatarsal bones. One or more
firm enlargements along the bone.
Blind splints: inflammation of the interosseus ligament which attaches the splint bone to the cannon
bone
Etiology: most often caused by trauma to the area, such as a direct blow from a passing foot in flight;
concussion, mineral deficiency or imbalance, such as metabolic bone disease in young horses; strain of
excess training in young horses; conformation – prevention of true traveling which causes interference
and trauma; suspensory ligament “whipping action” in Standardbreds
Signs: seen most often in young horses such as 2-year olds in heavy training. Most often seen on the
medial forelimb, and then the lateral splint on the rear. Early signs are heat, swelling, and pain with
lameness. Lameness is especially evident at the trot because of the increased concussion. If the
splint is large and is neglected, it may involve the suspensory ligament and magnify the lameness. As
the inflammation subsides and interosseus ossifies, fusion of the splint to the cannon bone will
eliminate the lameness. Acute swelling may persist for several weeks or months; chronic swelling
shrinks some with time, but may persist.
Diagnosis: Based on location and appearance; radiographic examination will confirm the condition. If
lameness persists, radiographic exam is required to determine if a fracture of the splint bone is
present.
Treatment: Rest for one month. Initially, cold packs and cold hydrotherapy. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and pain. Once the heat is gone from the area,
rubrifascients (liniments and sweats) and rubbing will often help reduce the swelling.
Prognosis: Good except if a fracture is present or the bony swelling is so large as to impinge on the
suspensory ligament.
Splint Bone Fracture: most frequently involves medial splint.
Etiology: Trauma. May fracture anywhere, but most commonly the distal 1/3 is involved.
Signs: Lameness evident, especially at the trot. Swelling and pain over the splint bone area.
Diagnosis: Clinical signs of swelling heat and pain; confirmed by radiographic (x-ray) examination.
Treatment: Rest for healing; a slow process and not always effective. Surgical removal of the distal
fracture fragment is usually required. If the fracture involves more that the bottom ½ to 2/3 of the
splint, a bone screw must be inserted in the proximal (upper) fragment attaching it to the cannon bone
or lameness will persist due to movement of the remaining part of the splint bone.
Bog Spavin: Fluid distention of the tibiotarsal joint, primarily on the dorsomedial aspect of the hock
joint. Smaller tarsal and fibular tarsal bones (lower than for thoroughpin). Bog spavin is really a
symptom of an underlying disease process rather than a specific condition.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
20
Etiology: Infection, articular fracture, joint injury and joint capsule injury, and osteochondritis
dessicans (OCD) are some predisposing factors. Also seen in some apparently normal horses less than
2 years of age, but usually seen in straight legged, heavy-bodied, and fast-growing horses.
Signs: Characteristic fluid enlargement of the hock. Lameness may/may not be present.
Diagnosis: Based on classic clinical appearance. Radiographs and joint aspiration after a complete
work-up may be necessary to define why the condition occurred.
Treatment: Difficult at best. Bog spavin is usually a more cosmetic problem than a real lameness
problem unless it is associated with some lameness causing arthritis. Swelling may decrease in size
with age, but generally not. Controlled exercise and a maintenance ration only, may be of value.
Injections, bandaging, and similar topical therapies are usually unrewarding.
Bucked Shins: Microfractures of the periosteum of the 3rd phalanx. This results in a periostitis of
the dorsal surface of the 3rd metatarsal or metacarpal bone. Seen most frequently in young horses in
race training or off the track.
Etiology: Concussion in immature horses. Predisposed to be steep upright conformation but is
frequently brought on by improper trimming, i.e., heels cut off and toe too long. The extensor tendon
crossing the involved area aggravates the condition during exercise.
Signs: painful swelling on the anterior surface of the 3rd metacarpal or 3rd metatarsal bones.
Lameness increases with exercise. Shortened anterior phase of the stride. If the condition is
present only in one limb, it will be rested, but if bilateral, the horse will shift its weight back and
forth.
Treatment: Rest for 30 days. Initially, cold packs and cold hydrotherapy. Once the area is cool,
liniments or rubrifascients may be applied. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications in the early
stages to decrease inflammation and pain. Six weeks of therapy takes care of most cases. Proper
trimming to achieve correct foot/pastern axis alignment, which decreases concussion, is critical for
continued soundness. Otherwise, the condition will return as soon as the horse returns to hard
training.
Prognosis: Good with rest and proper trimming. If the condition is neglected, permanent thickening of
the cortex of the cannon bone will occur and cause a permanent blemish.
Cracks: Linear breaks in the hoof wall. May occur in the toe, quarter or heel regions. Seen commonly
in the quarter region of the forefoot and the toe of the hind foot.
Etiology: Trauma to the coronet, overgrowth of the hoof wall due to neglected trimming. Dry hoof
walls and work on hard surfaces.
Signs: Linear, vertical cracks in the hoof all. Lameness may be present if the crack extends deep
enough to involve the sensitive laminae of the hoof or high enough to extend into the coronary band.
May be infected and discharge pus and/or blood.
Treatment: Rasp deep “V” groves across the crack and at the leading edge if the crack has not yet
progressed into the coronary band. Thin the hoof wall over the crack so it is more flexible. Metal
straps which bind the crack from opening up when weight is borne on the foot. Metal bands, like
radiator hose clamps, keep the crack from separating. This will cause contracted heels if left in place
for extended periods. Large V-shaped notch rasped into the groove at the ground surface of the hoof
wall removes the wall where it contacts the ground and lessens the forces which push the crack apart
when the horse is weight-bearing. Bar shoe. Undermine the crack along its length using a motorized
burr, drill holes along the sides of the undermined crack and lace up the crack just like a shoe. Once
the crack is laced, the groove and lacing are filled with acrylic filler which hardens into a new
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
21
synthetic hoof wall and stops the crack from enlarging while the new hoof grows down from the
coronary band.
Corns: Scar tissue build-up due to trauma which occurs in circumscribed areas in the posterior half of
the sole of the hoof. Usually occur at the angle of the bar and wall. May be dry, moist, or suppurating
(weeping serum and/or pus).
Etiology: Predisposed by conformation, i.e., straight walls which turn in at quarters or contracted
heels. Excess trimming of the sole making it sensitive and more subject to trauma. Shoes left on too
long with wall overgrowth. Shoes too narrow at the heel and quarter.
Signs: Supporting leg lameness. Discolored red or yellowish area of the sole between the bars and
wall. Pain on pressure with hoof tester or hammer; may discharge pus when pressure is applied.
Diagnosis: Lameness with pain on pressure and characteristic discoloration.
Treatment: Relieve pressure over the area and shoe with a ¾ bar shoe. Drain area or trim out; then
apply antiseptic dressing and protect with an Easy Boot. Hot foot baths/soaks, antibiotic, local and/or
systemic if indicated.
Prognosis: Favorable.
Suspensory Ligament Desmitis: Especially common in the forelimbs.
Etiology: Trauma. Hyperextension of the fetlock with the lesion occurring at the distal ½ to 1/3 of
the metacarpal or metatarsal region or at the level of the sesamoid bones.
Signs: Seldom seen alone; usually also involves the flexor tendons. Acute injury causes swelling and
great deal of pain. The horse will hold the carpus (knee) forward and rest the heel off the ground.
The fetlock is also forward. The horse will walk but will not allow the fetlock to drop back as far as
normal. If the ligament has lost all integrity (has ruptured), the fetlock will drop all the way to the
ground when weight-bearing is attempted. Chronic cases have much swelling and fibrosis (scar tissue)
at the injury site.
Diagnosis: Observation of the characteristic swelling at the site and palpation for pain and thickening.
Ultrasound scanning of the ligament.
Treatment: acute cases require strict rest, often as long as 6 months to one year due to the slow
healing nature of the injury. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for inflammation and pain.
In sever case, a gel cast, or even a hard cast, may be required to support the injured ligament in the
early stages. Chronic case profit very little from treatment; long-term rest is most beneficial.
Prognosis: Not good in most cases; 75% of race horses never race again, and many horses show a
permanent gait deficit if the injury was severe. Even when healed, the ligament will never be as
strong as originally and will therefore be prone to injury.
Bone Spavin: A degenerative arthropathy of the distal intertarsal joint, and occasionally, the proximal
intertarsal and tarso-metatarsal joints (little hock joints), but not the tibio-tarsal joint. Onset is
usually slow and barely noticeable at first, as with navicular disease. Seen in horses as early as 2
years of age.
Etiology: Heredity? Heredity causes conformational blemishes which predispose to this condition,
along with increased concussion to the rear limbs; sickle hocks, post-legged, base-wide, cow hocks,
heavy-bodied, and fast-growing, and improper foot/pastern axis alignment due to improper trimming
predispose to this condition.
Signs: Signs may be as subtle as the horse not using its hocks. The anterior phase of the stride is
shortened and the leg is usually advanced more medially and lands on the lateral aspect of the foot.
This wars the toe and lateral branch more than the medial side. When the condition is bilateral, which
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
22
is usually the case, the gait becomes short and choppy, and often results in muscle soreness in the loin
and croup. If the condition is unilateral, the hors prefers to rest the affected leg when standing.
The horse may be painful to thumb pressure over the area rolling the cunean bursa under the thumb,
and usually shows a positive spavin test (hock flexion test). In long-standing cases, a bony
enlargement is present on the distal medial hock.
Diagnosis: Based on a positive spavin test, diagnostic joint blocks of the appropriate small hock joints,
and subsequent radiography showing the characteristic lesions.
Therapy: Difficult to treat and may represent a cosmetic problem in show horses as much as a
lameness problem in working breeds. Swelling in the cranio-medial tarso-metatarsal junction may
reduce in size with age. Fusion of the small hock joints (proximal intertarsal, distal intertarsal, and
tarso-metatarsal) is the ultimate goal of pain-free performance. Achieving this state takes differing
amounts of time and therapeutic effort for different horses.
Surgical arthrodesis (fusion) has not been shown to be without the risks of injection and poor overall
success. A program of continual work, while on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
or alternating work while on NSAIDs and an equivalent amount of time on stall rest while off the
NSAID, encourages earlier fusion. Exercise unhindered proliferative growth of new bone in the
irritated area. After the new bone formed on each side of the narrow joint space touches and the
bone matures, fusion is complete.
Curb: Inflammation or desmitis of the plantar ligaments of the hock.
Etiology: Trauma (extraordinary stress, kicking a solid object). Poor conformation, such as sickle
hocks, predisposes to this condition.
Signs: Mild lameness initially, with swelling along the caudal aspect of the hind limb at the level of the
small hock joints and tarso-metatarsal junction, i.e., where the plantar ligaments attach the
metatarsus to the tarsus.
Treatment: rest, then decreased the swelling and prevent recurrence, if possible, by use of NSAIDs
and topical therapy for the first few days. Once the area is cool and less painful, topical liniments and
rubrifascients may be helpful. You usually can’t go wrong with the rule of thumb “When an injured
part is hot, cool it down; then when the part is cool, heat it back up.” Applying heat to an already not,
injured area can often lead to disastrous results.
Prognosis: Good for function after several months of rest, but the long-term cosmetic appearance may
be poor.
Bowed Tendon: Strain or yielding of fibers within the body of the tendon. Some mild to moderate
cases involved only the tendon sheath. Most common in young horses performing speed work, but may
occur at any age under a wide variety of circumstances.
Etiology: Young horses in race training or performing hard work are most likely to bow. Conformation
may predispose to tendon strain, but trimming in “race track style” with a long toe and no heel is
probably the greatest predisposing factor. Tendon strain has been measured in walking and trotting
horses at various hoof angles. As the heel is lowered, strain in both the tendons of the deep digital
flexor muscle and the superficial digital flexor muscle is increased. As the heel is raised, the strain in
these tendons is significantly decreased. Therefore, trimming which excessively removes the heel
predisposes to tendon injury during work. Any condition which increases the strain to the tendons,
such as muddy race tracks or stepping in a hole, may cause a bow.
Diagnosis: characteristic swelling, heat, and pain over the mid-flexor tendon regions of the cannon
bone and dysfunction of the limb. Ultrasound examination of the tendon will reveal the extent of
tearing or separation of the tendon fibers within the tendon, amount of hemorrhage within the tendon
and fluid build-up within the tendon sheath.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
23
Treatment: Immediate rest, possibly from 6 months to one year, depending on the extent of injury.
Support of the opposite limb is critical in most horses if the injured limb is non-weight bearing.
Frequent application of ice packs, cold hydrotherapy, and pressure to support the limb and control the
swelling are important. Gel or hard casts may be indicated in some case, but should only be applied by
a veterinarian; too tight an application of a gel cast in an acute bow injury may cause further injury.
NSAIDs and other medications are valuable to decrease swelling and pain. Keep in mind that pain is a
protective mechanism and that we may be doing a disservice to the horse by taking away all of the pain
and allowing the horse freedom of movement of a body part which is not yet ready for such activity.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
24
Worksheet #1 Conformation, Movement and
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, chapter 12.
1.
Soundness
Describe 5 desirable conformation qualities.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2. Briefly describe each of the following unsoundnesses.
a. Ringbone
b. Bowed tendon
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
25
c. Curb
d. Sidebone
e. Spavins
f. Navicular
g. Splint
h. Thoroughpin
i. Sprain
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
26
Worksheet #2 Conformation and Lameness
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, chapter 12.
Indicate which of the following contribute to these unsoundnesses or blemishes.
Some will apply to more than one.
B = bowed tendon
C = curb
IB = interfering or brushing
N = navicular disease
OF = over-reaching or forging
RB = ringbone
S = splint
SB = sidebone
_______________ 1.
trauma caused by a blow to the affected area
_______________ 2.
cow hocked
_______________ 3.
short, upright pasterns
_______________ 4.
abnormal stress on the medial (inside) of the leg
_______________ 5.
long legs combined with a short back
_______________ 6.
bench knees (strain on the medial side which stresses the
interosseous ligament)
_______________ 7.
improper shoeing
_______________ 8.
long, sloping pasterns
_______________ 9.
base-wide
_______________ 10. poor coordination in a tired pony
_______________ 11. toe out
_______________ 12. strain from jumping
_______________ 13. long, upright pasterns
_______________ 14. base-narrow
_______________ 15. diet low in calcium and high in phosphorus
_______________ 16. running through deep mud
_______________ 17. common in race horses
_______________ 18. toe in
_______________ 19. fast or hard work
_______________ 20. kicking a solid object (wall, post, trailer side, etc.)
_______________ 21. sudden or quick movement
_______________ 22. training too hard or overworking a tired pony
_______________ 23. trauma caused by slipping, falling, jumping, etc.
_______________ 24. small feet for body size
_______________ 25. abnormal stress on the lateral (outside) of the leg
_______________ 26. deficiencies in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin D
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
27
Internal Parasites
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, pages 209-210.
Large Strongyles (bloodworms): Approximately 2” in length, they are the
deadliest worm. Most severe in young horses, they damage the lungs, heart,
liver and intestinal wall. Permanent damage to blood vessels and clotting are
also problems. Signs are anemia, colic, lameness, uncoordination of the hind
limbs, and death.
Small Strongyles: These very small worms are also
deadly, second only to the large strongyles. They can
also be prevalent in horses of all ages, but affect
young horses the most. Signs include pot bellies, dull
coats, anemia, diarrhea, and colic.
Ascrids (roundworms): Yellowish-white in color. The largest worm
at 9-12” long and ½” in diameter. Commonly affect foals and young horses.
Cause damage to the lungs and liver, and intestinal blockage. Signs are pot
bellies and impaired growth in young horses.
Bots: Bots are not worms but fly larvae. The bot fly is a yellowish, hairy,
bee-like fly that lays white, yellow or black eggs on the hair of horses’ legs,
shoulders, or jaws, and are the size of a pinhead. Stimulated by saliva, the
eggs hatch in the stomach. Cause is inflammation of the stomach wall and, in
rare occasions, rupture of the stomach. The main sign is colic. A bot knife
is used to remove eggs.
Pinworms: These measure up to 6” in length (female). Males are about 1”.
They are white and threadlike in appearance. Mild inflammation to the lower
intestinal tract and intense tail itching are common. Rectal irritation and tail
rubbing are common signs.
Harbronema (stomach worms): White in color and about 1/3” long. Damage
is usually to the stomach wall and summer sores (larvae deposited on the
eyes or open wounds by flies and causing them not to heal). The only sign is
summer sores.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
28
Internal Parasites
Parasite
Signs
Damage
Larvae in abdominal
tissue and organs.
Adults in cecum and
large colon.
Fluctuating low-grade
fever, depression,
intermittent loss of
appetite, constipation,
leukocytosis, anemia,
colic, anorexia, malaise,
soft feces, etc. in
longstanding cases, legs
and abdomen may swell.
MOST HARMFUL of
internal parasites.
Larvae cause severe
damage, including
thrombosis, embolism,
aneurysm, especially
of mesenteric (cranial
mesenteric) artery
and its branches.
Adults suck blood,
cause ulcers on
intestinal mucosa.
Small Strongyles
Large colon and cecum
Anemia, anorexia, dark
or black feces, soft
feces with foul odor
Irritate intestinal wall
and cause thickening
and nodules with
larvae in them
Ascarid
Small intestine
Flatulence (gas),
diarrhea, rough hair
coat, pot belly (more
common in young
horses), coughing, nasal
discharge
Irritate intestinal wall
with possible
obstruction or
rupture. Larval
migration (liver,
heart, lungs),
contributes to
respiratory infections
Large and small colons
Restlessness, irregular
feeding with
consequent loss of
condition, dull hair
coat, tail rubbing
Larvae feed on
intestinal mucosa.
Adults feed on
contents of intestine.
Threadworm
Small intestine
Weight loss, diarrhea
in suckling foals
Erosion of intestinal
mucosa, enteritis
Harbronema
Stomach, skin wounds
Gastritis, summer
sores, digestive
disorders
Tumors of stomach
wall, granulomatous
tumors of the skin
Tapeworm
Small intestine, colon
Acute obstructive colic
Obstruction and
ulceration of the
ileocecal valve,
enteritis
Bots
Stomach, gums
Digestive upset, bowel
irritation, periodontal
ulceration
Inflammation,
perforation of
stomach wall, gum
irritation
Large Strongyles
S. vulgaris (bloodworm)
S. edenratus
Site
S. equinus
Parascaris equorum
Pinworm
Oxyuris equi
(stomach worm)
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
29
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
30
Tetanus and Strangles
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, pages 216-217.
Tetanus
Tetanus is caused by a bacteria, Clostridium tetani, an organism found in soil
and manure. It is transmitted to the horse through deep puncture wounds,
often in the frog. The bacteria thrive in anaerobic areas, places with little
or no oxygen. This makes the frog a perfect place. Tetanus is not
transmitted horse-to-horse or horse-to-human, but any animal working
around horses that gets a puncture wound is susceptible. There is a highly
effective vaccination (tetanus toxoid) available that should be given to
horses yearly in Spring and to any animal around horses as the veterinarian
recommends.
Strangles
Strangles is also caused by bacteria, similar to our Strep throat or a dog’s
distemper. It is caused by Streptococcus equi and can live outside the
horse’s body for a year! Opposite of tetanus, it is a highly contagious
disease. It can be spread by direct contact with an infected animal. Aerosol
droplets dispersed by coughing or sneezing, contaminated feed tubs,
troughs, equipment, clothing, and/or bedding, or through wounds on the face
or castration. Since the bacteria can live outside the horse’s body, it is
important thoroughly disinfect or destroy everything with which an infected
horse may have come in contact.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
31
Vaccination Procedure for Horses
Susan L. White, DVM, MS
Disease
Type of
Vaccine
Common Name
Initial Series
Heat
inactivated1
toxoid
2 injections one month apart
Sleeping
sickness
Inactivated
(killed) virus
2 injections one month apart
Equine herpes 1
(upper respiratory
disease, abortion)
Yearly at beginning of mosquito season, or every 6 months where mosquitoes
are present all year (e.g., Florida, southern Georgia)
EEE and WEE are combined in one vaccine. VEE is not currently found in the
U.S. and is only required in states adjacent to Mexico. VEE is available in a
vaccine combined with EEE/WEE.
Eastern (EEE)
Western (WEE)
Venezuelan (VEE)
Influenza
Yearly or at time of injury if last booster was more than 6 months earlier
Tetanus antitoxin (TAT) is ready-made antibodies (passive immunity) against
the toxin secreted by the tetanus organism and is not a vaccine. It is used
when a horse receives an injury and has no previous known vaccination for
tetanus. It provides “instant” protection, but is very short-lived. Horses
given TAT and not tetanus toxoid will not be protected from tetanus in the
future.
Tetanus
Equine
Encephalomyelitis
Booster Interval
Flu
Inactivated
virus
2 injections one month apart
Every 2-4 months depending on possible exposure and stresses on the horse
Rhinopneumonit
is, viral
abortion
Inactivated
virus or
modified live
2 injections one month apart
Every 2-4 months depending on possible exposure of the horse; pregnant
mares should be vaccinated during the 5th, 7th, and 9th months of gestation
Inactivated
1 injection unless under 4 months of age
at first vaccination; if so, receive a
second injection in 6 months
Yearly
Cell wall extract
of bacterial “M
protein”
3 injections 3 weeks apart
Yearly
Rabies
Strangles
There are 2 commercial vaccines for strangles composed of the M protein cell
wall component. Although one product says only a 2-injection series is
needed, independent research has shown 3 injections are needed, regardless
of brand.
Streptococcus equi
Horses that have had a clinical case of strangles may have a severe, and
sometimes fatal, response to the vaccine (purpura hemorrhagic).
Consequently, it is generally not recommended that older horses, particularly
ones with an unknown history, be vaccinated for strangles. One must consult
a veterinarian on the advisability and schedule of strangles vaccination.
Equine monocytic
ehrlichiosis
Potomac horse
fever
Killed whole
organisms
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
2 injections one month apart
Yearly
32
Equine viral arteritis
(EVA)
5
Viral arteritis
Modified live
virus
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
1 injection
Prior to breeding. EVA is primarily a reproductive disease and causes
abortions. Consequently, only breeding mares and stallions are usually
vaccinated.
33
Care of Teeth
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, page 215.
Teeth of a grazing animal, like the horse, are continuously
growing. The horse’s jaw is set so that the upper jaw
is slightly larger than the lower. This allows more
effective chewing, but also causes problems in
domesticated horses. Because the teeth are
constantly growing, but the horses don’t graze like
they would in the wild, they develop and edge on the
upper outside and lower inside of their teeth. Wild
horses naturally file the edges when they chew
through rocks and sticks. Domesticated horses don’t and these edges can
cause pain when they chew if their teeth are not floated (filed). Other
problems occur in the front and back of the mouth. Because the upper jaw
is set slightly forward of the lower, “icicles” form on the upper front and
lower back molars.
Regular care of the teeth should consist of a veterinary check of your pony’s
teeth every six months and floating annually. Older horses (over 20 years of
age) that are losing teeth, may need floating every 6 months, and younger
horses (ages 2 through 5) should be checked especially carefully because of
frequent eruption and loss of teeth.
Chewing action is an up-and-down motion as well as side-to-side. This,
coupled with the fact that the upper jaw is wider than the lower, the outside
edges of the upper molars are ground razor-sharp, as are the inside edges of
the lower molars. The sharp edges on the upper molars lacerate the cheeks,
and the lower molars cut the tongue, causing glossitis (inflammation of the
tongue).
Symptoms of these sharp edges include: refusal of food, slow eating,
excessive salivation, and blood coming from the mouth. Quidding, dropping
food that has been partially chewed from the mouth, is another sign, as is
lack of response to the bit, throwing the head, pulling, or hanging to one
side. other symptoms are: loss of condition and swelling of the cheeks which
are painful to pressure.
Your veterinarian should do a detailed mouth examination. This can be done
with a gag, which removes the risk of being bitten and allows plenty of time
to feel and look at the teeth and to check the tongue and insides of the
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
21
cheeks. A shoupe speculum is also used to hold open the mouth. The sharp
edges of the teeth are removed by rasping, or floating, the teeth with a
long-handled rasp.
Abnormalities
Undershot Jaw
Commonly known as parrot mouth. It is fairly common and may be inherited.
The upper and lower incisors do not meet because the lower jaw is too short.
If the lower incisors tend to push up into the hard palate, they should be
checked and filed every three months.
Wolf Teeth (first pre-molar)
When a horse is being ridden or driven, pressure on the bit with the rein
sometimes pulls its gums onto the sharp edge of the wolf teeth and cause
pain. It is advisable to remove the wolf teeth as they may cause the horse
to pull, hang to one side, or toss its head.
Review
1.
Which edges of the teeth get sharp?
2.
What part of the mouth is cut the top teeth?
3.
What part of the mouth is cut by the bottom teeth?
4.
What are the symptoms of sharp teeth?
5.
How often should the teeth be checked?
6.
What is a tooth float? How is it used?
7.
What is a gag?
8.
List teeth abnormalities.
9.
What is the effect of these abnormalities on the horse?
10. How are the abnormalities treated?
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
22
Worksheet #3
Health Care
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, chapter 6.
1. List factors to be considered in a sensible parasite-control program.
2. Why is equine dental care important?
3. Immunizations are necessary for several diseases. Describe tetanus and
strangles.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
23
Shoeing
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, pages 256-257.
Good Shoeing
Bad Shoeing
Angle of the hoof matches the
angle of the pastern
Angle of the hoof and pastern
do not match
Clinches are smooth and even
Clinches are rough and uneven
Frog touches the ground (on soft
ground)
Frog does not touch the ground
Heels not too long or short
Toe “dumped”
Frog excessively cut away
Excessive cutting of the sole
Shoe made to the hoof and is the
right size
Shoe too small or too large
Shoe is the suitable for the type
of work the horse does
Inappropriate shoes not suitable
to the type of work
Hoof not excessively rasped
Excessive rasping
Farrier takes time to watch the
horse move, examines wear
pattern on the shoes, considers
conformation and soundness/
movement problems
Farrier does not take the time
to learn about the horse
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Farrier pricks feet often
24
Worksheet #4
Shoeing
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, chapter 8, pages 256-257.
1. List signs of good shoeing.
2. List signs of bad shoeing.
3. Describe:
a.
Pricking (quicking)
b. Close nail
c.
Losing shoes
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
25
Worksheet #5
Traveling and Bandaging
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, chapter 9.
Explain the difference between a shipping bandage and a stable bandage.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
26
Preparing for a Rally
Grooming
Grooming must be done DAILY! Your horse will never look well-cared for if you wait until
the last days to begin good grooming. Before riding, clean out his feet carefully and give a
good grooming just so that he looks clean and tidy before he goes out. A horse
S pores open while he is exercising and he should be given a thorough grooming as soon as he
returns to the stable so that he gains the maximum benefit. After cleaning him, first with
a dandy brush, then with a body brush, wipe his eyes, mouth, sheath, and dock with a damp
cloth and oil his feet around the wall of the hooves and on the soles. The sheath should be
cleaned with warm, soapy water once a week, and although the horse may object to his at
first, he will soon allow you to wash him properly if you are gentle in your approach.
Several days to a couple of weeks before an event, make sure that your horse’s feet are in
good condition and that his shoes are not worn thin and that he does not need a farrier.
The day before an event, remove whiskers from around his muzzle and eyes. Trim the hair
on his legs and tidy up the ears. Check that his mane and tail are well-pulled and clean.
The Rider
Not only must your horse be fit, but you must also be equal to the physical strain involved.
You will not be able to give your horse the help he needs of you are tired. You must be fit
enough to walk the cross-country course twice, inspect and learn the stadium jumping
course, and work to give your horse the care he needs.
Prepare yourself weeks ahead of the rally by running or skipping rope. the minutes of mump
roping has the same effect as running and is easier, but it must be done every day. Daily
riding help get you fit, but a greater degree of fitness is necessary to ensure that you are
able to give your horse maximum assistance.
Conditioning
Before you begin your conditioning program, your horse should be de-wormed and receive
any vaccinations that he may need. See your veterinarian before you begin your program.
Also consider:
What are your horse’s basic problems if you went to a rally?
What would you need to do to correct them?
What are your basic problems, as a rider, if you went to a rally?
What would you need to do to correct them?
What do you condition when your exercise your horse?
Structure: skeletal system
Nervous system
Motion muscles
Ligaments
Tendons
Cardiovascular system (the heart is a
muscle)
Your horse must be well-trained and mentally well-balanced so that he will do a calm
accurate dressage test at a time when he is at his peak fitness. Start your daily work first
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
27
with dressage. Do not take the easy way out by riding him cross-country for half an hour to
get his back down and his bucks out. Never allow him to buck, kick or misbehave in any way
during this period, even though you realize it is only high spirits. He must be taught to
behave himself during his dressage lesson, regardless of how good he feels.
Dressage practice does not always have to be performed in a dressage arena. It may simply
be flat work in an open field, but witch back and forth. Always do this before your
conditioning, or ride in two separate sessions. You may start only with a half-hour of flat
work, and gradually work up to an hour or more. On days you work on stadium jumping (three
times a week is plenty), work only for a short time on flat work, half an hour at the most,
depending on how far into your conditioning program you are. Always finish the dressage
with a good halt on the center line and go out of the arena on a loose rein, just as if you
were finishing a test. Never practice the actual test, although you may do it as a walk or
trot, or just do parts of it. A horse is quick to learn, and after two or three times of doing
the test, he will know it. It is important to keep his interest; avoid boring him with
repetition. Give him something new to work on, but not something over his head. At the end
of the dressage lesson, reward your horse with a little bit of fun and a short relaxation
period.
Suggested dressage exercises and movements:
Walk
Sitting trot
Rising trot
Canter
Gallop
Working without stirrups
Exercises (rider)
Cavaletti
Turnabouts
Transitions from one gait to another
Circles, voltes, reverses
Serpentines and snakelines
Working without reins
Change of lead
Change of direction (across the arena,
through circles, etc.)
Extension and collection
Horse shows provide stadium jumping practice, in addition to furthering his education.
Horse shows also help him accept traveling and strange surroundings. Hunting is great help
for gaining cross-country experience for horse and rider.
If you have the slightest suspicion of lameness, stop working your horse immediately. A few
days of slow work will not cure the trouble, but only make matters worse. At the fist sign
of trouble, lay the horse off work at once. Do not hesitate to call you veterinarian if you
think you need help. A few days’ rest could mean the difference between losing your horse
for the season and competing with him as planned.
This kind of conditioning is not meant to be kept up all year. Your horse will need a
complete break. No horse can remain at peak fitness. He will grow tired and stale working
all of the time, and when this happens, he will make mistakes. You must guard against this.
It is important not to push too hard, but just enough. It is up to you to know what your
horse can do. Take advantage of the cool days for conditioning and save the miserable or
rainy days for your day off. Use the early morning or late evening BUT do not always spoil
yourself or your horse. Make your one day off a week when it is a day you cannot ride, for
one reason or another, so that you can ride the other six. It is important not to cheat
because you not only hurt yourself, but especially your horse.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
28
Footing
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, pages 80-82.
Mud, Bog, and Water
Muddy footing is often slippery, so ride slowly
and avoid quick turns. A pony’s feet often
sink into mud and he could pull a shoe, pull a
tendon, or twist an ankle. This is especially
true at higher speeds. It is likely that a pony
will over-reach when galloping or jumping in
muddy conditions. Bell boots are a good
safety precaution when riding in mud.
A bog is very deep, soft mud, often caused by a low spot or old river or
lakebed. It is especially dangerous because you cannot tell how deep your
pony may sink. Deep mud or quicksand cause your pony to sink, often making
him lunge violently from fear. It is best to avoid boggy places altogether.
If you get stuck in a bog, hold on to your pony’s mane and give him a long rein
so that he can use his head and neck for balance.
When riding in water, your pony cannot tell the depth so he must trust you
to ride only where it is safe. Pay attention to the banks and bottom as well
as slippery rocks, boggy places, hidden holes, and other hazards (e.g., wire,
trash, or driftwood under the water). Allow your pony to move slowly. If
you are on a trail ride, let your pony drink from the stream.
Snow and Ice
Always be award of the footing when in show. Light, powdery snow is easy
and fun to ride in, but deep, heavy snow is hard and may cause strained
muscles in your pony. Always be award of ice lying under the snow. Snow
with a frozen crust causes your pony to break through, possibly cutting his
legs. Wet snow can cause a pony to develop snowballs in his hooves,
especially if he is shod. Anti-snowball pads can help, along with coating the
bottom of his hooves with mineral oil. Ice is very slippery and should be
avoided at all costs. Hard-packed snow can cause a similar problem. If your
arena’s low spots develop ice, apply a melting agent or rope off those areas
and do not ride in them.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
29
Sand and Rocky Ground
Firm, sandy footing is often a good place to ride because of its non-slip
surface. However, moving in deep sand is hard on a pony’s muscles and
tendons and make him sore. Go slow and take frequent breaks – do not
overdo it!
Rocky ground is hard on a pony’s feet and legs, a pony can stumble or slip – go
slowly! Riding too fast can make him lame and he can pick up stones in his
feet and bruise them. After riding at any speed, carefully check his feet
and pick out any stones.
Hard Ground and Deep Grass
Whether the ground is baked hard in the summer or frozen in winter, it can
become as hard as concrete. If it is rough or uneven because of hoof prints,
it is hard to ride on. A pony can stumble or twist an ankle. It also jars his
joints with every step. Do not jump when the ground is hard and ride at slow
gaits. Smooth hard ground and short wet grass are very slippery.
Deep grass hides hazards such as holes, ditches, barbed wire, debris, or
even farm machinery. Do not blindly center through deep grass; slow down
and watch every step.
Pavement and Road Surfaces
Pavement is very hard on a pony’s legs and can be dangerously slippery,
especially if your pony is shod. Avoid riding on pavement and stay at a walk
if unavoidable.
Gravel, crushed rock, and hard-packed dirt roads are also hard on a pony’s
feet and legs. Unshod ponies may wear their feet down and get sore. Hard
dirt is jarring if ridden on frequently or very fast. Soft dirt or sand roads
are better.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
30
Worksheet #6
Conditioning
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, chapter 7.
1. List the three important vital signs and explain why they are important.
a.
b.
c.
2. Choose a specific event and outline a 6-8 week conditioning schedule to
prepare for the event.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
31
How to Train for One Hour in Three Competing Days
There are five basic training rules that can help you get started.
1.
Training must be SPECIFIC. You must practice all the skills and use the muscles in the
same manner as in competition. Thus, the coordination, strength, and speed required by
all three phases must be included.
2. Utilize HARD and EASY days. Hard days are the intensive workouts that stress the
body for the particular phase; easy days allow for recovery while continuing to condition.
3. TRAIN, not OVERTRAIN. Training involves increasing your horse’s capacity by
increasing the workload, but not beyond his limits. Is the body is stressed and allowed
to recover, it will get stronger. If no time is allowed for recovery, there will be no
improvement and the risk of injury and burn-out increase.
4. Develop a BACKGROUND of fitness against which you can train PEAKS. That is,
condition for a background of strength, endurance, and skill. During this time, tendons
and muscles thicken, hear/lung function improves, the muscles’ ability to extract
nutrients and oxygen increases and the ability to tolerate waste and continue to work
increases. When nearing competition where peak performance is required, you want to
modify the amount of work and increase its intensity. The background fitness develops
a savings that is borrowed during peak times. Competition and maximal workouts sap
strength, require recovery time and increased the likelihood of injury.
5. Reversibility is the DECONDITIONING process. No matter how fit you are, 10 to 14
days off will lessen condition. The body rapidly loses its strength, endurance, and
coordination, ability to carry oxygen, and remove waste. It may take less time to get
back into shape, but lay-offs are costly.
One is always reluctant to publish a conditioning schedule as so many factors go into fitness.
No schedules should be followed slavishly. The process is neither an art nor a science;
rather, it is the systematic development of skill sets that require a knowledge base, ongoing
monitoring and a liberal dose of common sense. In an attempt to make this concrete, the
following schedule is suggested. The rider must consider the horse’s history, age,
experience, injury, current condition, feed, parasites, and vaccination programs, current
soundness, and talent before starting.
The program is eight weeks long, and is most concerned with developing the background,
aerobic fitness; the last three weeks add some anaerobic exercise. If one were going to
use this program to prepare for a 3-day event, it provides the 8-week background, and an
additional four to six weeks of conditioning to peak should be added. Even the aerobic work
here is done in intervals to reduce the risk of injury and the increased likelihood of success.
However, only the later canter sets qualify as anaerobic “interval conditioning.” There are
few rest days scheduled; that is because if one can ride for seven consecutive days without
downpours, missing shoes, inoculations, lameness, etc., one is very lucky. However, if you are
fortunate enough to be able to ride for 7 to 10 consecutive days, give your horse a day off.
All days can be interchanged, however, for every five hours of work, the horse should be
walked on a long rein for one hour; this is the only day that cannot be dropped.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
32
Sample Conditioning Schedule for Regional Rally
Week
Monday
1
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
2
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Gallop
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
3
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Dressage
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
4
Walk: 10
Trot: 10
Walk: 10
Trot: 10
Hack
Walk: 10
Trot: 10
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Dressage
Interval
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Gymnastics
Hack
Hack
Interval
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Gymnastics Walk:
5
Trot: 5
Courses
Walk
Gymnastics
Interval
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Dressage
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Course
Course
Interval
Walk: 10
Trot: 10
Walk: 10
Trot: 10
Hack
Walk: 10
Trot: 10
Walk
Off
Friday
Interval
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Jump Courses
Walk
Interval
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Gymnastics Walk:
5
Trot: 5
Dressage
Interval
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Dressage
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Walk: 5
Trot: 5
Walk
Interval
Walk: 10
Trot: 10
Walk: 10
Trot: 10
Hack
Walk: 10
Trot: 10
Dressage
Saturday
Sunday
Walk
Dressage
Gymnastics
Off
Dressage
Gymnastics
Gymnastics
Hack
33
Week
Monday
Tuesday
5
Walk: 10
Trot: 10
Walk: 5
Trot: 10
Course
Walk: 5
Trot: 10
Walk
6
Walk: 10
Canter: 5
Trot: 15
Walk: 5
Walk: 10
Canter: 5
Trot: 15
Dressage
7
Walk: 10
Trot: 15
Trot: 5
Dressage
Trot: 15
Canter: 5
Walk: 5
Canter: 5
Walk: 5
Canter: 5
8
Walk: 10
Trot: 15
Walk
Walk: 5
Trot: 15
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Dressage
Wednesday
Interval
Walk: 10
Trot: 10
Walk: 5
Trot: 10
Course
Walk: 5
Trot: 10
Dressage
Interval
Walk: 10
Canter: 5
Trot: 15
Walk: 5
Walk: 10
Canter: 5
Trot: 15
Gymnastics
Interval
Walk: 10
Trot: 15
Trot: 5
Dressage
Trot: 15
Interval
Walk: 10
Trot: 15
Walk
Walk: 5
Trot: 15
Gallop
Thursday
Gymnastics
Hack
Hack
Canter: 5
Walk: 4
Canter: 5
Walk: 4
Canter: 5
Friday
Interval
Walk: 10
Trot: 10
Walk: 5
Trot: 10
Course
Walk: 5
Trot: 10
Hack
Interval
Walk: 10
Canter: 5
Trot: 15
Walk: 5
Walk: 10
Canter: 5
Trot: 15
Canter: 5
Walk: 5
Canter: 5
Interval
Walk: 10
Trot: 15
Trot: 5
Dressage
Trot: 15
Interval
Walk: 10
Trot: 15
Walk
Walk: 5
Trot: 15
Hack
Saturday
Sunday
Course
Walk
Course
Walk
Canter: 5
Walk: 5
Canter: 5
Walk: 5
Off
Course Walk
34
Next to the suggested amount of work, fill in what you think you should and/or what you can do.
You may include jumping the 5th week and only about three times a week. Canter: test in the open pace. C’s – 13 mph; B’s 19 3/8 mph.
Amount of Work
Week 1
W: 2 miles; T: ½ mile
Week 2
W: 2 miles; T: 1 mile
Week 3
W: 2 miles; T: 1 mile; C: ¼ mile
Week 4
W: 2 miles; T: 1 mile; C: 1 mile
Week 5
W: 2 miles; T: 1½ mile; C: 1 mile
Week 6
W: 2 miles; T: 2 miles; C: 1 mile
Week 7
W: 2 miles; T: 2 miles; C: 2 miles
Week 8
W: 2 miles; T: 2 miles; C: 2½ miles
Week 9
W: 2 miles; T: 2 miles; C: 2½ miles
Week 10
W: 2 miles; T: 2 miles; C: 2 3/4
miles
What I Can Do
Week 11 W: 2 miles; T: 1½ miles; C: 2 miles
Week
12
W: 1½ miles; T: 1 mile; C: 1 mile
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
35
Eight-Week Conditioning Schedule
For a horse lightly worked through the winter and now getting ready for a low level event.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Week 1
Trail
W: 15 minutes
Trail
W: 20 minutes
Trail
W: 25 minutes
Off
Week 2
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 2-3 minutes
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 3 minutes
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 3-4 minutes
Off
Week 3
Ring
W: 15 minutes
T: 5 minutes
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 5-8 minutes
Longe
W: 5 minutes
T: 3 minutes
Off
Week 4
Longe
W: 5 minutes
T: 4 minutes
C: 2 minutes
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 5 minutes
Hills
Ring
W: 15 minutes
T: 8 minutes
Trot poles
Week 5
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 10 minutes
C: 3-4 minutes
Ring
W: 15 minutes
T: 10 minutes
C: 4 minutes
Small x-rails
Longe
W: 5 minutes
T: 3 minutes
C: 3 minutes
Week 6
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 10-11 minutes
C: 5 minutes
Hills
Longe
W: 5 minutes
T: 5 minutes
C: 4 minutes
Ring
W: 15 minutes
T: 10 minutes
C: 5 minutes
Week 7
Ring
W: 15 minutes
T: 12 minutes
C: 6 minutes
Test movements
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 12-14 minutes
C: 6-7 minutes
Log jumps
Longe
W: 55 minutes
T: 5 minutes
C: 5 minutes
Week 8
Longe
W: 5 minutes
T: 5 minutes
C: 5 minutes
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 15 minutes
C: 9-10 minutes
Jump logs
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 15 minutes
C: 10 minutes
Hills
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Friday
Trail
W: 30 minutes
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 4 minutes
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 7 minutes
C: 2 minutes
Off
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 8-10 minutes
C: 2-3 minutes
Off
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 8 minutes
C: 2 minutes
Hills
Off
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 11 minutes
C: 5 minutes
Off
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 14 minutes
C: 7 minutes
Off
Ring
W: 15 minutes
T: 15 minutes
C: 10 minutes
Test movements
Saturday
Trail
W: 25-30
minutes
Longe
W: 5 minutes
T: 2 minutes
Ring
W: 15 minutes
T: 8 minutes
C: 2 minutes
Ring
W: 15 minutes
T: 9 minutes
C: 3 minutes
Small x-rails
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 10 minutes
C: 4-5 minutes
Small logs
Ring
W: 15 minutes
T: 11-12 minutes
C: 5-6 minutes
Small jumps
Ring
W: 15 minutes
T: 14-15 minutes
C: 7-8 minutes
Jump height of
division
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 15 minutes
C: 10 minutes
Sunday
Trail
W: 30 minutes
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 5 minutes
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 9 minutes
C: 3 minutes
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 9-10 minutes
C: 3 minutes
Part hills
Ring
W: 15 minutes
T: 10 minutes
C: 5 minutes
Test movements
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 8 minutes
C: 6 minutes
Hills
Trail
W: 15 minutes
T: 15 minutes
C: 8 minutes
Hills
EVENT
36
Conditioning Schedule
Use this chart to record time spent on your conditioning program.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
37
Feeding
The amount of food a horse is fed depends on the work he is doing and his
body size and build. A horse will generally be fed less hay as he gets farther
along in his conditioning program. It is important to keep his stomach tight and
that he not be allowed to fill himself with bulk. Do not let him eat the straw
that is used as bedding.
Four feeds a day is the most suitable feeding plan for a horse. For most of
you, this may be impossible and three (or even two) will have to do. Start with
two feedings and work up to three.
Make sure your horse has plenty of salt and water as these are very important.
If a horse is on pasture, cut down the amount of hay but not the amount of
grain.
Per
100# of
horse
First Month
Second
Month
Third Month
Heavier Horses
Grain
½ pound
¾ pound
1 pound
Hay
2 pounds
1-1¼ pounds
1 pound
Thoroughbreds
Grain
Hay
¾ pound
1-1½ pounds
1½ pounds
2-2½ pounds
1½ -2
pounds
1¼ -1½ pounds
Feed Changes
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, page 202.
Maintenance Ration
This is the ration that keeps a pony from gaining or losing weight. This
is a basic ration for ordinary health and fitness. I should not be too
high in energy or protein. Extra grain can be added when your pony does
more work.
Conditioning Ration
This ration is for developing fitness. As a pony’s work increases, he will
need more concentrations for extra energy.
Rest Day Ration
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
38
When a horse has a day off, his concentrations should be cut into at
least half of normal or entirely. This prevents tying-up syndrome.
Extra roughage should be given to replace the grain (3 pounds of grass
hay for every pound of grain).
Roughing Off
This is when the pony takes a long vacation from work. Let a fit horse
down gradually from work. Decrease his concentrations and increase
roughage until a maintenance level is reached. If he is going out to
pasture, slowly increase the hours he spends in the pasture over several
weeks.
Sick Horse
A sick horse need easily digestible, but nutritious, feed. A more
laxative diet, such as bran mashes are good. His appetite may be small,
so feed very little and very often. Do not leave extra feed in front of
him all day. Fresh grass, good hay, sliced carrots and apples, or molasses
may tempt his appetite. Fresh, clean water should be readily available,
and pay attention to how much he drinks. A veterinarian can help to
figure out a diet and recommend special feeds or supplements.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
39
Feeding Schedule
Use this chart to record your feeding schedule.
Document amounts in pounds, e.g., 5 pounds grain/15 pounds hay would be written as 5/15 in the appropriate space.
Type of grain:
Monday
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Type of hay:
Tuesday
Wednesday
Supplements:
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
AM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
PM:
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
40
Worksheet #7
Nutrition
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, chapter 5.
1.
Explain the changing of feed management relative to changing usage or
work purpose.
2.
How do you measure hay? Grain?
3.
How much do you feed your pony and how did you figure this amount?
4.
Name four different kinds of hay and how to tell if it is good or bad.
a. __________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________
c. ___________________________________________________
d. ___________________________________________________
5.
Name four different concentrates and what to look for to determine if
they are good or bad.
a. ___________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________
c. ___________________________________________________
d. ___________________________________________________
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
41
6.
Explain good pasture management.
7.
Water should be provided at all times except
8.
Protein in foods is used primarily to build ______________________.
9.
Energy is produced by ____________________________________.
10. Which produces more energy?
11.
Which has more protein?
□ 1 pound of oats □ 1 pound of corn
□ alfalfa hay
□ timothy hay
12. If just feeding hay, a horse will eat about ______________% of his body
weight in a day.
13. List basic rules of feeding (USPC Manual of Horsemanship “D” Level, page
192.)
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
_____________________
14. Name two succulents.
_____________________
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
_____________________
43
Worksheet #8 Nutrients, Vitamins, and Minerals
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, chapter 5.
back and ribs
calcium
carbohydrates
celluloses
croup
fats
iodine
minerals
neck and withers
phosphorus
proteins
vitamins
Fill in the blanks from the above list.
1.
The __________________ are the major source of energy in a horse’s diet.
2.
_____________________ are digested by bacteria that live in the cecum and large colon.
3.
_____________________ are used primarily to build and repair body tissues.
4.
_____________________ cannot be digested efficiently by the horse
5.
_____________________ are organic compounds.
6.
_____________________ are inorganic compounds.
7.
Body fat is first deposited on the ________________________, then on the
________________________, and finally on the ________________________.
8.
_____________________ is essential in the soft tissues.
9.
_____________________ is the major component of bone in a mature horse.
10.
_____________________ is often added to salt to prevent goiter.
Circle the correct answer.
11.
Lack of
fats
proteins
poor hoof development and poor coat.
carbohydrates
in the feed could result in
12.
The best source of carotene is pasture
oats
13.
Absorption of the B vitamins occurs in the
intestine.
small intestine
14.
Vitamin
15.
Water soluble
16.
Give two reasons why excess fat in a horse is undesirable.
17.
Why is it more critical to feed a stabled horse a vitamin D supplement than one at pasture?
E
K
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
D
hay.
stomach
large
is important in the absorption of calcium
Fat soluble
vitamins can be stored in the horse’s body.
44
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
45
Worksheet #9 Horse Care and Management
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, chapter 4.
1. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of stabling vs. at grass care.
2. Hot toweling, bathing, trimming and sheath cleaning are additional grooming
skills to learn. Explain how to do each of these.
3. A new Pony Club family is replacing old pasture fence.
What recommendations would you make?
4. Toxic plants vary from area to area. Which ones threaten our horses?
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
46
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
47
Weed Identification and Control in Grass Pastures
Krishona Martinson, Regional Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Extension Service
http://www.extension.umn.edu/horse/components/weedid.html
Accessed September 26, 2006
Controlling weeds is probably one of the most important decisions to think about when managing
grass pastures. Weeds are generally less palatable, less nutritious, lower yielding, and are less
dependable as a forage supply to horses than the desirable grass pasture species they replace.
Many pasture weeds are on the Minnesota noxious weed list and several other pasture weeds are
poisonous to horses. According to the Minnesota noxious weed law, primary noxious weeds must
be controlled on all private and public land in the state. Of the ten primary Minnesota noxious
weeds, five are common pasture weeds: bull thistle, plumless thistle, Canada thistle, musk thistle
and perennial sowthistle. About thirteen poisonous plants can affect horses in Minnesota: redroot
pigweed, nightshades, common lambsquarter, common cocklebur, hoary alyssum, buttercup,
horsetail, poison hemlock, bracken fern and white snakeroot. Most poisonings occur in the early
spring or during a drought when the pasture forage is in short supply. From a control standpoint,
grouping weeds into categories based on life span is most practical.
Annual, biennial and perennial are the main life-spans of weeds.
Annual
An annual germinates from seed, grows, matures, and dies in less than one year or when killed by
frost. Chemical control of annuals works best when applied in the spring to actively growing, young
weeds. Mechanical control, such as mowing, is very effective against annuals.
Biennials
Biennials require two years to complete their life cycles. They form a rosette (group of leaves at
ground level) and store food in their roots the first year and flower the second year. Control
measures, chemical or mechanical, are most effective when applied during the first year’s growth.
If treatment is delayed until the second year, early season application of an herbicide before bloom
is important.
Perennials
Perennials live more than two years, and grow back from the same roots year after year. Perennials
move nutrients into their roots during fall to prepare for winter. Because of this, chemical control
of perennials works best when applied in the fall to actively growing and well-developed foliage. As
the nutrients move into the roots, the chemical will too. However, the herbicide applied in the fall
must be able to move within the plant. The ability of an herbicide to move within a plant is called
systemic. When choosing your chemical for perennial weed control, make sure it is systemic.
Application of herbicides in spring, or frequent moving during the summer, is also effective in
controlling growth until fall. However, mowing alone may take a few growing seasons to effectively
control the weeds.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
48
Hoary Alyssum
Hoary Alyssum is a concern for many horse owners. Some horses experience depression and
stocking up or swelling of the lower legs twelve to twenty four hours following ingestion of Hoary
Alyssum in hay or pasture. In more severe cases, which are rare, an apparent founder with a
stiffness of joints and reluctance of the animals to more has been observed. [Symptoms normally
subside 2-4 days after feed removal.] In very rare cases, where Hoary Alyssum comprised
extremely high percentages of the hay (30 to 70%), circumstantial evidence exists associating the
plant with the death of a few horses. However, to date, death has not occurred in horses fed hay
containing Hoary Alyssum under experimental conditions. Considering the widespread distribution of
Hoary Alyssum in Minnesota and the lack of reported toxicity to animals, it is of relatively low
toxicity to livestock in that sense. Horse owners should be aware of toxicity symptoms and manage
pasture to reduce populations of Hoary Alyssum. Hay containing greater than 30% Hoary Alyssum
should not be fed to horses.
Common Annual Broadleaf Pasture Weeds.
Annual Broadleaf Weed
Catchweed Bedstraw
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Description
Prostrate.
Leaves
narrow in
groups of
6-8. White
flowers.
Noxious/
Poisonous
No/No
Chemical Control
2, 4-D
Mechanical
Control
Hand
pulling
49
Annual Broadleaf Weed
Description
Common Cocklebur
Erect.
Large,
rough
leaves. Oval
bur easily
lodges in
hair.
Common Lambsquarter
Erect.
Toothed
leaves with
white coat.
Eastern Black Nightshade
Erect or
prostrate.
Wavy
leaves.
Green/black
berries.
Crop fields,
waste places,
fence rows,
yard,
gardens,
open woods.
Grows will on
loamy or
gravelly soil.
Throughout
Minnesota.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Noxious/
Poisonous
No/Yes
Chemical Control
Stinger
Mechanical
Control
Hand
pulling
No/Yes
2,4-D
MCPA
Frequent
mowing
No/Yes
2,4-D
MCPA
Frequent
mowing
All animals.
Weakness,
trembling,
labored
breathing,
nausea,
constipation,
diarrhea,
death. First
symptoms
may be
paralysis of
tongue and
dilated
pupils.
Symptoms
occur within
hours to 1-2
days after
eating.
50
Annual Broadleaf Weed
Description
Marestail (Horseweed)
Erect.
Numerous
leaves, no
branches.
Redroot Pigweed
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Erect. Dull
green oval
leaves
Noxious/
Poisonous
No/No
No/Yes
Chemical Control
2,4-D
2,4-D
MCPA
Mechanical
Control
Hand
pulling
Frequent
mowing
51
Common Biennial Broadleaf Pasture Weeds.
Chemical
Control
Stinger
2.4-D
Banvel
Mechanical
Control
Hand
pulling
No/No
2,4-D
Banvel
Hand
pulling
No/No
Roundup*
Hand
pulling
Biennial Broadleaf Weed
Description
Noxious/Poisonous
Bull Thistle
Erect.
Leaves
deeply cut
and spiny.
Yes/No
Common Burdock
Erect.
Leaves
large and
heartshaped.
Burs.
Erect.
Dense soft
hairs.
Yellow
flowers.
Common Mullen
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
52
Chemical
Control
Stinger
2,4-D
Banvel
Mechanical
Control
Hand
pulling
Yes/No
Stinger
2.4-D
Banvel
Hand
pulling
No/Yes
2,4-D
Hand
pulling
Biennial Broadleaf Weed
Description
Noxious/Poisonous
Musk Thistle
Erect.
Very spiny.
Flower
heads
droop
Yes/No
Plumless Thistle
Erect.
Leaves
divided.
Flowers
globe
shaped.
Poison Hemlock
Erect.
Lace-like
leaves.
Umbrellalike
flowers.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
53
Biennial Broadleaf Weed
Spotted Knapweed
Description
Erect.
Narrow
hairy
leaves.
Purple
flowers.
Noxious/Poisonous
No/No
Chemical
Control
2,4-D
MCPA
Mechanical
Control
Frequent
mowing
* Roundup is used as a spot treatment only.
Common Perennial Broadleaf Pasture Weeds
Perennial Broadleaf Weed
Description
Absinth Wormwood
Shrub-like.
Leaves are
hairy and
silver in
color.
Bracken Fern
A true
fern. Erect.
Dry, poor
soil, open
woods,
sandy
ridges.
Prefers
acid soils.
Found in
northern
half of
Minnesota.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Noxious/
Poisonous
No/No
Chemical
Control
2.4-D
Banvel
Mechanical
Control
Frequent
mowing
No/Yes
Ally
Frequent
mowing
Poisonous all
season and when
dried in hay. All
grazing animals.
Horse
symptoms: loss
of appetite,
“star-gazing”,
vitamin B1
deficiency.
54
Noxious/
Poisonous
Perennial Broadleaf Weed
Description
Buttercup
Erect.
Stems
slightly
hairy.
Yellow
flowers.
Pastures,
meadows,
streams,
wastelands.
Mostly
found in
northern
half of
Minnesota.
No/Yes
Poisonous early
spring and
summer. Not
toxic when dried
in hay.
All animals,
especially cattle.
Leaves cause skin
blistering minutes
to hours after
eating. Burning
irritation in
mouth/throat,
increased
salivation,
redness,
blistering of
mouth/throat.
Swallowing causes
abdominal pain,
vomiting/diarrhea.
Large amounts
cause dizziness,
delirium, tremors,
convulsions. May
cause kidney
damage, excessive
urine production,
blood in urine
followed by
decrease in urine
flow. Toxin is
acrid yellow oil,
protoanemonin
which can be
driven off with
drying such as
with cured hay.
Canada Thistle
Erect.
Leaves have
crinkled
edges and
spines.
Yes/No
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Chemical
Control
Banvel
MCPA
Mechanical
Control
Hand
pulling
Stinger
Frequent
mowing
55
Noxious/
Poisonous
No/No
Chemical
Control
2,4-D
Mechanical
Control
Hand
pulling
Erect.
Leaves with
wavy or
curled
edges.
No/No
Banvel
Roundup*
Hand
pulling
Goldenrod
Erect.
Leaves are
hairy,
grayish.
Yellow
flowers.
No/No
Banvel
Roundup*
Hand
pulling
Hoary Alyssum
Erect. Plant
gray-green
and hairy.
White
flowers.
No/Yes
Stinger
Roundup*
Frequent
mowing
Perennial Broadleaf Weed
Description
Common Dandelion
Leaves
contain
milky juice.
Yellow
flowers
Curly Dock
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
56
Noxious/
Poisonous
No/Yes
Chemical
Control
Stinger
Roundup*
Mechanical
Control
Frequent
mowing
Erect.
Milky juice.
Yellow
flowers.
Yes/No
Banvel
Roundup*
Hand
pulling
Erect.
Leaves
covered
with
stinging
hairs.
No/No
Banvel
Roundup*
Hoeing
Perennial Broadleaf Weed
Description
Horsetail
Erect.
Hollow,
jointed
stems.
Damp, wet
places,
roadsides,
fields,
waste
places.
Throughout
Minnesota.
Perennial Sowthistle
Stinging Nettle
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Loss of
condition,
excitability,
unthriftiness,
staggering gait,
rapid pulse,
difficult
breathing,
diarrhea and
emaciation.
Convulsions and
coma followed
by death.
Poisoning
cumulative over
one month.
57
Perennial Broadleaf Weed
White Snakeroot
Description
Erect.
Leaves
have
toothed
edges.
Noxious/
Poisonous
No/Yes
All season
and when
dried in hay.
All grazing
animals.
Depression,
labored
breathing,
tremors,
nausea,
death.
Symptoms
occur 2-3
days after
eating.
Chemical
Control
Stinger
Roundup*
Mechanical
Control
Hand
pulling
* Roundup is used as a spot treatment only.
Trees, Shrubs, Wild Flowers and Grass Weeds
Trees, shrubs, wild flowers and weedy grasses can also be detrimental to grass pastures and horses.
Chokecherry bark, leaves and seeds are poisonous to all grazing animals [especially in fall when
grazing is poor. Symptoms include slobbering, muscle tremors, increased respiration rate, rapid and
weak pulse, convulsions, labored breathing, abdominal pain, depression, paralysis, coma and death
and are noticed within 30-60 minutes]. However, the number one poisoning problems of horses has
been from maple tree leaves. During the late 1980’s, 12 to 15 cases of horses poisoning occurred in
Minnesota. Some species of oaks can cause livestock poisonings. Gamble and Shinnery Oak are
responsible for most livestock poisoning. However, do not cut down mature trees in a pasture. Trees
provide shelter from the weather and bugs. Trim branches to reduce the chance of leaf ingestion
by horses.
Several wild flowers can be found in pastures. Few are poisonous and horses will usually not eat
them if other forage is present. Crabgrass and quackgrass are common grass weeds in grass
pastures. They are almost impossible to control chemically. If large percentage of grass forage is
crabgrass or quackgrass, reseeding may be required. Quackgrass and crabgrass are believed to have
less nutritional value than other pasture forages. Other annual grass weeds, like foxtail, can be
controlled by timely mowing.
Herbicides
When using herbicides, always read and follow labels carefully. Always follow grazing
recommendations after herbicide application. Herbicide may make toxic weeds more palatable to
horses. Horses should be excluded from the sprayed area for seven to ten days after treatment if
poisonous plants are present. And, remember that herbicides alone will not result in a weed-free
pasture. Below is a list of common herbicides used in grass pasture weed control. This is not a
complete list of available herbicide options.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
58





2,4-D and MCPA can be applied to control many annual, biennial and perennial broadleaf weeds
and small brush. Repeat treatments every two or more years is usually necessary for good
control of perennial weeds. 2,4-D is the most commonly used pasture herbicide.
Roundup in used as a spot treatment only. Roundup is non-selective in a grass pasture and will kill
any plant material it comes into contact with. Roundup is a good choice if reseeding a pasture.
Banvel controls most annual, biennial, and perennial broadleaf weeds in a grass pasture. Do not
apply Banvel near trees or during high temperatures. Use caution when applying Banvel in areas
susceptible to contamination of surface and ground water.
Stinger control many annual, biennial, and perennial broadleaf weeds, including thistles. Stinger
is expensive and should only be used when controlling large areas of thistles.
Ally is used to control a select group of biennial and perennial weeds. This list includes: bull
thistle, musk thistle, plumless thistle, bracken fern, buttercup and dandelion. Ally should be
used only on established pastures.
Steps To Minimize Weeds in Grass Pastures
1. Proper grazing management is a must. Overgrazing easily damages grass pastures. Overgrazing
tends to pull out grass roots, giving weeds space to take hold.
2. Protect new seedings from grazing until they are well established and graze moderately
thereafter.
3. Allow established pastures a recovery period after grazing by removing the horses for three to
four weeks. This will reduce weeds and increase pasture yield and nutrition value.
4. If possible, mow after each grazing period to control many pasture weeds and encourage new
pasture growth. However, do not mow the pasture closer than four inches above the soil.
5. During hot and dry spells, remove horses from pastures.
6. In very weedy pastures where pasture forages are thin, reseeding may be the best practice.
7. Finally, remember that thick, well-managed pastures will choke out weeds.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
59
Hoary Alyssum: Toxicity to Horses, Forage Quality, and Control
RL Becker (Extension Agronomist), NP Martin (Extension Agronomist)
and MJ Murphy (Veterinary Toxicologist); University of Minnesota Extension Services
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/livestocksystems/DI5567.html
FS-05567 1991
Accessed October 2, 2006.
The possible toxicity of hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana) to horses has recently become an issue of local
concern. The following summarizes the current knowledge and recommendations concerning this issue.
Clinical Signs and Toxicity
The toxicity of hoary alyssum to any species of animal has not previously been reported. Therefore, our
current understanding is based on field reports and recent feeding studies. No cases of hoary alyssum toxicity
in ruminants (dairy, beef, sheep or goats) have been reported to date. Some horses, however, have shown a
response to hoary alyssum.
Clinical signs
Horses experience depression and a "stocking up," or swelling of the lower legs, 12 to 24 hours following
ingestion of hoary alyssum in hay or on pasture. A fever and occasionally short term diarrhea have also been
observed. These clinical signs normally subside 2 to 4 days following removal of the alyssum source. In more
severe cases, an apparent founder with a stiffness of joints and reluctance of the animal to move has been
observed. Recovery of animals with clinical evidence of founder may take several additional days.
In very rare cases, where hoary alyssum comprised extremely high percentages of the hay (30 to 70%),
circumstantial evidence exists associating the plant with the death of a few horses. To date, death has not
occurred in horses fed hay containing hoary alyssum under experimental conditions.
Toxicity
Definitive statements about the toxicity of hoary alyssum when eaten by horses are difficult to make,
considering the fact that many horses do not appear to be affected by it.
In field cases where a large number of horses were known to be involved, only approximately 50% of the
animals ingesting hay containing 30 to 70% hoary alyssum demonstrated any of the clinical signs of toxicity.
The cases of severe "stocking up," apparent founder, and death have only been observed in horses ingesting
hay containing 30 to 70% hoary alyssum. Only mild "stocking up" has been observed in horses on pasture or
those ingesting hay with low percentages of alyssum.
Forage Quality and Palatability
Hay quality parameters typically reported are percent crude protein (CP), percent acid detergent fiber (ADF),
and percent neutral detergent fiber (NDF). As ADF increases, digestibility decreases. As NDF increases,
potential intake decreases in animals getting high forage diets. In vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM) is a
laboratory test that ranks forages for dry matter digestibility, higher values having higher digestibility. For
more information about forage quality evaluation, obtain Minnesota Extension Service folder FO-2637, Forage
Quality Tests and Interpretation.
Hoary alyssum was evaluated for forage quality and animal palatability (acceptance or rejection by animals
when given a choice) with other common perennial weeds at Rosemount in 1981-1983.
Hoary alyssum declined in feeding value as it advanced in maturity. This study showed hoary alyssum analyzed
from the vegetative to seed stages of maturity declined in CP from 20 to 7%, and IVDDM declined from 89 to
58%. The calcium to phosphorus ratio was 4:1 (Ca 2.0%:P 0.46%) and other mineral analysis did not identify any
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
60
typical metabolic disorder potentials. Hoary alyssum forage quality compared with other forages and weeds
harvested at early to late maturity ranges is shown in Table 1. Hoary alyssum forage quality showed the
greatest range in values in response to maturity at harvest.
Table 1. Early to Late Maturity Forage Quality Comparisons with Hoary Alyssum
Smooth
Bromegrass
Alfalfa
Quackgrass
—————— (% of dry weight) ——————
14-27
6.5-16.2
6.8-17.2
30-64
49-67
46-66
49-79
57-78
59-78
Marten et al. 1987. Agronomy Journal 79:980-986.
Forage quality of alfalfa hay harvested in 1990 contaminated with 30 to 70% hoary alyssum, which caused the
toxicity symptoms described earlier, was similar to advanced maturity hoary alyssum in the Rosemount study
(CP 12%, ADF 43.3%, and NDF 57.6%) (See Table 2.) High levels of mature hoary alyssum in alfalfa hay
decreases CP, digestibility and potential intake.
Table 2. Forage Quality of 1990 Harvested Alfalfa Hay Containing 30 to 70% Hoary
Alyssum
Individual
Bale
Range
Bale
Avg.
Pure
Hoary
Alyssum1
Average
Pure
Alfalfa2
———— (% of dry weight) ————
CP
10.6-13.1
12.0
10.7
18.0
ADF
41.8-45.0
43.3
40.2
37.8
NDF
55.6-59.6
57.6
53.8
50.5
1
Pure hoary alyssum collected from St. Paul site
Minnesota
2
Average values for pure alfalfa hay tested in
Grazing lambs rejected hoary alyssum in three different university free choice grazing trials conducted at the
mid-bloom to seed stage of maturity. Cattle, sheep, and horses are commonly observed grazing in pastures
where mature hoary alyssum remains, while other available forage species have been overgrazed. Where free
choice hay has been available, some horses have rejected hoary alyssum in preference to other forage in the
hay, thereby avoiding any toxic effects. However, animals without any desirable forage will eat hoary alyssum
and may develop the clinical signs discussed earlier.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
61
Biology and Control
Biology
Hoary alyssum is a weed common throughout Minnesota, the surrounding states, and
Canada. It is particularly adapted to dry conditions such as occur on sandy or gravelly
soils. Hoary alyssum is a member of the mustard family and is perennial in its growth
habit. Hoary alyssum tends to increase in forages following drought or winterkill,
regardless of the soil type of the field.
Control
As with any weed control program, proper pasture and hay management is the first
consideration. This includes annual fertilization of pastures, seeding adapted species,
and controlled grazing to avoid overstressing desirable forages. For hayfields, proper
soil testing and seeding to insure adequate forage stands that are vigorously growing
and competitive will help to prevent high levels of alyssum developing. Winterkill can
open some alfalfa stands to invasion by alyssum, in which case the most appropriate
method of control would be to re-establish the hay crop. Remember, adequate alfalfa
stands should contain 5-6 plants per square foot in third year or older stands to have
adequate populations remaining to merit continued economic hay production.
If herbicides must be used, the most effective in pure alfalfa are products applied to dormant stands or
following first cutting. There are no other good herbicide options for controlling alyssum beyond the first
cutting. For grass pastures, of the various broadleaf herbicides available, the most economical approach would
be to apply 2,4-D in the spring or fall to suppress hoary alyssum. Re-treatment will likely be necessary. No
broadleaf herbicides are labeled for use on grass/legume mixed pastures that do not have significant injury
potential to the legume as well. Obtain Minnesota Extension Service bulletin BU-3157, Cultural and Chemical
Weed Control in Field Crops, for more information on herbicide use.
Recommendations
Hoary alyssum is not a known poisonous plant as we typically think of plants such as hemlock, bracken
fern, nightshade and white snakeroot. Considering the widespread distribution of alyssum in
Minnesota and the lack of reported toxicity to animals, it is of relatively low toxicity to livestock in
that sense. Complete avoidance of hoary alyssum in hay or forage is not an economical or
environmentally sound goal.
For ruminants, the buyer should be aware of potential concerns when feeding hay containing hoary
alyssum, though horses appear to be at greater risk to date. The buyer should be aware of the clinical
signs and monitor ruminants for any indications of toxicity, and remove alyssum-infested hay if
problems develop.
For horses, hay producers and horse owners both should be aware of toxicity symptoms and
management needs regarding hay that may contain low levels of hoary alyssum. Buyers should be alert
for clinical signs of toxicity development and immediately remove alyssum-infested hay if symptoms
develop. Hay containing greater than 30% hoary alyssum should not be fed to horses.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
62
Longeing
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, pages 278-87.
Methods
There are three basic methods to teach a pony to longe.
1.
Parallel Leading
a. This is when you lead your pony about
3 or 4 feet from his shoulder and
teach him to obey your voice commands
and the whip. Practice leading,
transitions, and voice command on
both sides. Use similar rein aids
to those you would when riding.
b. Move 4 or 5 feet from your
pony’s head and stand closer to the
shoulder facing the pony. Hold the line in the
hand closest to his head and the whip closer to
his haunches, but behind you. Gradually get
farther away – about 6 to 10 feet.
2. Parallel Longeing
This is similar to Step 2 of parallel leading. Your pony should be on a 20 meter circle
and you should walk on a 3 meter circle. Keep your whip behind you.
3. Longeing
You should be stationary in the middle of a 20 meter circle. Your longe line and whip
should form a ‘V’ and contain your pony between them.
Equipment

Longe line: made of flat cotton webbing 1 to 1½ inches wide or ½ inch round spun nylon
or Dacron line. It should have a swivel snap or buckle at one end (no chains!) and no
loop sat the other. It should be 30 feet long and be held in a butterfly style.

Longe whip: a 5 foot long handle with a long, light lash. It should be well-balanced and
easy to handle.

Longe cavesson: a special headstall for longing. It may be made of leather or nylon
with a padded noseband and rings. It can be used in conjunction with a snaffle bridle.
To do this, remove the cavesson of the bridle and put the longeing cavesson on top of
the bridle. Fasten the lower buckle underneath the bridle. A snaffle bridle (with
cavesson) can be used instead of a longeing cavesson. The longe line should be
fastened gag style in front of the cheek pieces. Make sure whenever you use a snaffle
bridle to longe, that you secure the reins in the throat latch.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
63

Surcingle: a band, with rings attached, that is buckled around the pony’s barrel and
used with side reins. A saddle may be used in place of a surcingle but the stirrups must
be run up and fastened so that they will not fall and bang on the pony’s sides.

Side reins: used on more advanced horses. They attach to the girth or billets or rings
which are gradually adjusted. Rubber doughnuts are best and elastics can also be used.
DO NOT use solid leather side reins!

Boots: your pony should wear four protective boots or bandages to protect from
interference. Bell boots can be worn to protect the heels of the front feet. Splint or
tendon boots are recommended; bandages are okay but must be put on by an expert.
Longeur

ASTM/SEI-approved helmet with fastened chin strap

Appropriate footwear (covers your ankle bone and has a hard sole)

Gloves (leather or cotton, not too bulky)

Watch (pay close attention to the time as to not longe too long)

Appropriate attire (t-shirt or long sleeves, tight-fitting pants, belt, no jewelry, etc.)
Safety

Longe in a safe, level area enclosed on as many sides as possible.

Use correct equipment and make sure that it is correctly adjusted.

Learn to longe with a quiet, well-trained hose with supervision. Practice handling the
line and whip before longeing a horse.

Hold the lone line in folds (butterflied), not in coils and do not let it drag on the
ground.

Be careful with starting the longe session, especially if the horse is fresh.

Longe in large circles; this prevents strain and injury.

Handle the whip quietly; do not lash upward, toward the shoulder, belly or hocks, and do
not wave the whip around.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
64
Worksheet #10 Training and Handling
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, chapter 10.
1.
Explain how a horse learns.
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, pages 286-299.
2. Discuss safe longeing methods.
3.
List safety procedures to observe when longeing a horse.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
65
Loading and Trailering
Don’t wait until the day of departure to load your horse if he has not been loaded before, or not in a long time.
Practice loading when there is time to work out any problems with patience and quiet handling. Load and unload
the horse several times in the weeks prior to your travel date.
Check your horse for soundness before leaving and check his shoes as well.
If bandaging your horse’s legs, start just below the knee and hock and extend over the coronary band onto the
hoof to cover the heel area. Bandaging is an art and should be practiced, with assistance, to avoid dangerous
consequences.
Commercial shipping boots come in all varieties; some are good, but some less expensive types are useless for
protection and offer no support. A horse that is a real scrambler will destroy most presently manufactured
shipping boots in much less time than good bandages.
Over-reach or bell boots on the front feet, with proper bandages, and a tail bandage are good extra
precautions. A tail bandage is essential on a horse that leans against the tail chain and rubs his tail.
A poll guard or head bumper is a good idea for a tall horse or one who throws his head.
Loading

When loading or unloading, make sure the trailer is not near any
dangerous obstruction, e.g., cars, farm machinery, buildings, fence
posts, etc.

Have lights on in the trailer or open the side escape door – horses don’t
like to enter dark holes.

Be sure the trailer is level and steady and doesn’t move as the horse
tries to enter.

Always tie the horse up with a quick-release knot or have panic snaps on the ties in your trailer.

Leather halters are preferable to rope or nylon halters because they are more likely to break away in case
of dire emergency. The halter should be in good repair and well fitting.

Lead shanks should be sturdy and of good length (at least 5 feet) with a strong snap.

When loading horses, everyone present except the one leading the horse should stand well behind the
ramp and the horse’s quarters. Standing in front of the horse discourages even willing loaders and will
certainly stop a shy one.

After loading your horse, fasten the rump bar or chain behind his quarters immediately so he will not try
to run backward down the ramp/out of the trailer. Always fasten the rump bar/chain before tying him up.
A bad accident may occur if the horse runs back, finds that his head is tied, and panics.

Always tie the horse’s head loose enough so that he may raise and lower his head and check for comfort
and to maintain balance, but tight enough so the he cannot get into trouble with a long lead line or reach
the horse next to him.

Never load your horse with his saddle, bridle, or martingale on since they may catch on the trailer, damage
your tack, or frighten the horse and lead to injury.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
66

If a horse is hesitant to load, try:
o
loading a reliably loading stable companion first and follow into the trailer close on his heels,
o
tempting a shy loader with oats. Reward him with grain as soon as he is in the trailer and continue to
reward him every time he is loaded until his shyness/fear is overcome.
o
using two longe lines attached one to each side of the ramp rail, or onto any convenient portion of the
entrance. Leave the lines stretched out on the ground, with a person ready to take hold of the end of
each. Lead the horse to the ramp quietly and stand him straight. Helpers then pick up the longe lines,
walk quietly toward, then past each other so that the lines cross over and rest on the horse just above
the hocks. Helpers gradually, but firmly, pull the lines from the sides so that they tighten behind the
horse as he is led forward up the ramp. Occasionally, a horse will kick at the lines or fall back on
them, so be alert.

Using tranquilizers for a difficult horse traveler should only be done under the advice and care of a
veterinarian. Tranquilizers can create problems, such as oversedation and over-reactions, where the horse
becomes too relaxed and falls down in the trailer, or the reveres, where the horse becomes even more wild
and dangerous. The tranquilizer could wear off before the end of the journey and the horse could go
berserk in the trailer.

It is wise to wear gloves and take off all rings to avoid severely cut finders, when loading and unloading
horses.

FOR A REALLY DIFFICULT HORSE – GET EXPERT HELP! Horse and handler can be seriously hurt.
Teaching the horse to load quietly before traveling will save you both a lot of time and trouble.
Unloading

Watch your feet and fingers when dropping the tailgate to unload – it could fall and pinch fingers/hands,
toes/feet or break bones.

ALWAYS untie your horse’s head before undoing the rump bar or chain behind him. The horse may try to
back out as soon as the ramp is down, get part way done or out, then panic when he discovers hi is still tied
up at his head. This can lead to injury for both the horse and his handler. Remember – untie your horse
first, and have a person stand by his head while another lowers the ramp/opens the door.

Back your horse out of the trailer straight and slightly toward the center of the door and/or ramp so that
he cannot catch a leg in the ramp springs or fall to the side.

Be especially cautious while a companion horse is being unloaded. If possible, have someone stand by the
second horse’s head. Sometimes when a horse sees another horse backing out of the trailer, he thinks he
is free to go also and rears back while still tied.

Walk the horse to restore circulation
before putting him in a stall, especially after
long trip.

a
After the trailer is parked and
disconnected, place chocks behind the
wheels. Use them again when loading and
unloading to keep the trailer steady. Do not
load or leave a horse in an unhitched trailer.
The trailer needs the stability of the towing
vehicle to remain steady and balanced.
Teaching Younger Pony
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
67
Club Members
Qualities of a Good Instructor
 Genuine liking for young people, horses and ponies, and a desire to help them
 Alert and enthusiastic personality
 Self-confidence, which gives the rider a feeling of security
 A clear, carrying voice which is easy to listen to
 Potential instructor develop their ability by:
o
Gaining a thorough knowledge of Pony club methods as outlined in the Manual of
Horsemanship
o
Studying the methods of more experienced instructors
o
Attending instructor and teaching methods courses
o
Practice and self-analysis
Principles of Good Riding Instruction
 Be well turned out. You and your horse (if mounted) should be an example to your riders.
 Arrive early. Have enough time to adapt to last-minute changes. Check the area assigned to you.
Organize props, and brief your assistant.
 Establish a rapport with every member of the ride.
 Keep up the interest of the ride; keep the riders active and alert. AVOID TOO MUCH TALKING.
 Speak loudly and clearly. Be simple and definite.
 Be quick to observe the basic faults and be understanding in correcting them.
 Praise event he slightest improvement.
 Have in enquiring, open mind. Try to find out why a rider, horse, or pony is experiencing a
particular difficulty.
 Keep order but do not bully. Never be sarcastic.
 Be firm, but sympathetic, especially with nervous riders.
 Keep your eyes on the entire ride.
 Avoid spending too much time with one rider; the others will become bored. Try to give all riders
equal attention.
 Use the affirmative ‘do,’ rather the ‘DON’T’; e.g., “Carry your hands higher,” rather than “DON”T
carry your hands so low.”
 When making an individual correction, say the name before the correction, e.g., “Jane, look up.”
 When asking questions, say the name last, e.g., “What is a skewbald horse, Mary?” This makes the
whole ride think of the answer.
 Confirm by practical tests and questions that your ride has mastered each stage of the lesson.
 Try to find the reason for any disruptive behavior and act accordingly.
 Never be destructive. After criticism, be sure to rebuild confidence.
 Be cheerful and encouraging, ready to laugh at silly mishaps. Try to create in your ride the will to
persevere.
 Know when to stop the working part of the lesson. Always end on a satisfactory note.
 Remember that the best riders and teacher strive for perfection. They will seldom reach it but
they never give up trying.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
68
Sample Lesson Plan
Topic:
Time:
Level:
Age:
Class size:
Objectives:
Equipment/Materials:
Personnel:
References:
New vocabulary:
Introductions:
For mounted lessons
Safety Check:
Warm-Up:
Exercises:
Review:
Explanation:
Practice:
Corrections:
Games:
Closing:
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
69
1. Objectives
a. To understand
b. To become aware
c. To examine
d. To evaluate
2. Hands-on whenever possible, focus
question/activity
a.
Demonstration
b.
Role play/skit
c.
Diagram
d.
Skeleton
e.
System
f.
Dressage pattern
g.
Tack
h.
Feeds
i.
Etc.
3. Discussion
a. How/why?
b. How did?
c. Why did?
d. Who did?
e. Where did?
f. What do you think?
4. Further Inquiry
a. What might happen if?
b. What might have caused?
5. Extension Activity
a. Assign specific project
b. Assign reading/research
c. Follow activity with a specific
action
6. Questions to Test Understanding
Now that you are out there . . .
1. Get the kids’ attention!
a. Before beginning to teach, make sure the kids know your name. Line them up and make your
inspection in a place where help, spare equipment, leather punch, saddle pads, etc. are close
at hand.
b. Gather them near you. Remember eye contact and use your voice. Learn your students’ and
ponies’ names. Speak directly to each individual when appropriate.
c. With each rider:
i)
Establish a friendly rapport while you quickly make your checks.
ii)
Ask each rider his name and the name and age of his pony or horse.
iii)
Find out if the horse is owned, borrowed, or hired, and if he kicks or has other
problems.
iv)
Note the condition of the horse. If he is very thin or dull, tactfully find out why.
2. Safety Inspection
i)
Check the rider’s helmet and footwear comply with official safety rules. Riders with
unsuitable footwear should ride without stirrups, or perhaps not at all.
ii)
Make sure that every rider on a young horse has a neck strap.
iii)
Explain that tack must fit correctly because no horse will work properly if he is
uncomfortable. As he carries his rider’s weight through the saddle, its fit is,
obviously, vital. Bridles can cause discomfort, e.g., tight throat latches become too
restrictive when the horse tries to relax his jaw; bits that are too big have incorrect
action.
iv)
Check the fit and condition of tack. Riders should not be allowed to ride with:
(1) Stirrups which are too small or big. A rider may be allowed to join in without
stirrup irons and leathers.
(2) Stirrup leathers, girths, or reins with rotten leather or stitching.
(3) Girths wash are too loose when on the tightest holes.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
70
(4) As temporary measures, fit pads to saddles that are too low; knot reins that are
too long.
(a) A rider will have difficulty sitting correctly in a saddle that tips him too far
forward, or more commonly, too far back.
3. Motivate learners
a. Give the kids a REASON to learn. Explain that what they are learning now will help them
later, e.g., games, trail rides, etc. Relate their learning to your own experiences.
b. Remember that you are there to help and teach, not to judge or condemn. Correct that
which is dangerous or uncomfortable. Make necessary adjustments and suggest that lesser
problems be put right by the next lesson. Talk to parents in need be.
c. Always praise those who are well turned out.
4. Instruct
a. Plan. This should be part of your advance preparation. It should include knowledge of
number of riders, age groups, standards, and what the Club chief instructor requires.
b. See what the kids can do or how much they have remembered from the last lesson.
c. Explain what you are going to teach and why.
d. Explain the steps involved, e.g., first, do this, second or then or next . . .
e. Demonstrate. Show them; repeat steps out loud as you (your assistant or a ride member)
demonstrate to clearly how to do what it is you are teaching.
f. Practice. The ride puts into practice what has been explained and demonstrated, completing
the HEAR, SEE, FEEL sequence. Practice might be done individually, as a ride, or in groups,
depending on the movement and the available space.
g. DO IT TOGETHER. Remember to continually check for understanding and repeat if
necessary. Students may not get it perfectly the first time, but they should understand the
concept before going to the next step.
h. Correction. Comment with praise or corrections as and when you see something happen.
i. Re-demonstrate. It may be helpful for the riders to be shown again.
j. Practice again.
k. Correct/comment again.
l. Question. Confirm by questioning that the students have fully
understood the lesson. Be tactful with those who need further
explanation.
m. Homework – something easy that the student can successfully
practice at home.
Have Fun! Smile! Give Encouragement!
For more information, see USPC Instruction Website and USPC Horse Management Website.
For sample lesson plans and teaching ideas, see USPC Instruction (articles), USPC Lesson of the Month,
and Lesson Plans and Horse Management Articles.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
71
Stirrup Adjustment
While riding, you use different lengths of stirrups to ride safely and in balance.
Stirrup length
Stirrup comes to the
Dressage
bottom of the ankle bone
General Purpose
center of the ankle bone
Jumping
top of the ankle bone
High Jumping
Galloping
above the ankle bone
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Used for
Dressage
NEVER USE FOR
JUMPING!
riding on the flat,
hacking, cavaletti only
ordinary jumping and
cross-country riding
jumping really big
fences, galloping, crosscountry jumping
72
Turn-Out Assistance
In assisting younger Pony Club members, it is important to remember that you are helping them to learn to do
for themselves. Young children, however, need additional help carrying heavy (for them) equipment and
reaching high places. Here are a few points to remember:
 SAFETY FIRST! Always be award of how a pony is being handled and step in if you see a potential problem.
Always set a good example, e.g., don’t kneel or sit by a pony or lead him without a lead rope.
 BE TACTFUL! Be friendly and praise anything that is right or shows improvement. Don’t be overly critical,
bossy, or impatient. Always give reasons for what you are doing or changing.
 SAFE WORK PLACE! Keep all equipment out of a pony’s way but keep it easy to get to. Have all of your
equipment that you need in front of you beforehand. Show a procedure, and then supervise the younger
child when doing it. Work along with him and help if he runs into difficulty.
 COMMUNICATE! Talk about what is required and why. Explain reasons for daily care as opposed to quick
fixes. Point out important places to check for dirt on tack and ponies. Encourage children to take pride in
taking good care or their tack and ponies.
Pony Club Attire
Helmet
Hair
Coat
Pin
Formal
(Ratings)
Current ASTM/SEI certified
equestrian helmet (#F1163),
with black or dark blue shell or
cover
Tied back and in hairnet if long
hair
Solid black, navy blue, or dark
gray, hunt colors if applicable;
no pinstripes
USPC pin, worn on left of shirt
or on helmet
Shirt
White riding shirt
Tie
White stock with a plain pin
fastened horizontally through
the knot
Pants
White, canary, tan or buff
breeches or jodhpurs. Garters
and hold-down straps (footstraps) required with jodhpurs.
Boots
Gloves
Belt
Black field, laced neatly, or
dress boots
Black, brown, white for
dressage (optional)
Required if breeches have belt
loops
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Informal
(Ratings/Clinics)
Everyday/Casual
(Clinics/Lessons)
Current ASTM/SEI certified
equestrian helmet (#F1163), with
black or dark blue shell or cover
Current ASTM/SEI certified
equestrian helmet (#F1163)
Tied back, and in hairnet if long hair
Tied back if long hair, hairnet
optional
Any color other than solid black
None required
USPC pin, worn on left of shirt or
on helmet
USPC pin, worn on left of shirt or
on helmet
Any solid color shirt with sleeves
and collar, e.g., polo shirt or
turtleneck sweater
Ratcatcher, turtleneck or light
colored dress shirt
Stock/choker/necktie
(clip-on recommended), white or any
color. Not required w/turtleneck.
Any conservative color
(except white) breeches or
jodhpurs. Garters and hold-down
straps (foot-straps) required with
jodhpurs.
None required
Any conservative color breeches or
jodhpurs. Garters and hold-down
straps (foot-straps) required with
jodhpurs.
Appropriate black or brown boots
Appropriate boots, with or without
half-chaps
Black, brown (optional)
Optional
Required if breeches have belt
loops
Required if breeches have belt
loops
73
The Paddock Tack Shop
By Nadine J. Balzer
As riders routinely clean their equipment, most are fairly conscientious about mentally noting any defective
stitching breaks in the leather, etc. taking action to correct these, however, is often deferred until the
problem becomes acute. It is an excellent idea, therefore, to establish a special time for the sole purpose of
checking all riding equipment for its safe condition. Once a month might be sufficient for most, while more
frequent checks would be appropriate for the consistently active rider.
While
most people are good at spotting the more common problems,
such as broken stitching along flaps, broken buckles and
straps, torn leather, etc., some very hazardous conditions can
easily exist and be totally overlooked. This discussion will be
particularly directed to these more subtle problems areas. It is not
intended as a complete checklist, which should most certainly include items such
as making sure stirrup bars on the saddle are not ‘frozen’ in a closed position,
build-up areas of dirt are not restricting the equipment, and many more items of
safety with which the average rider is already familiar.
One special area that is often discovered to be in questionable condition, even on
the equipment of the most careful tack cleaners among us, are the buckles, hooks,
rings, and other pieces of hardware which are vital to the safety of the rider. It is
sobering to remember that everything holding your equipment on the horse and you on
the equipment depends upon the smallest piece of metal connecting it to the next
piece. Your checklist, therefore, should start with a systematic inspection of all
hardware appearing
anywhere on every piece of equipment – especially every hook stud on reins, cheek
pieces, etc. Special care should be given to the under part of the buckles at the point where the leather strap
will pull through before being secured by the tongue. Run a finger under this are to check for rough spots,
which are the worst enemy of a piece of leather being drown over them. Scratchy areas in the metal should be
filed smooth wherever they will come in direct contact with a piece of leather.
Next, look at the tongue on each buckle. Is it bent, weak, or loose? Sometimes, a tongue piece is not tightly
fastened to the rest of the buckle. If this is the case, many times you can tighten it with pliers. Care should
be taken not to clamp it so tightly that the tongue cannot move freely. Be observant when a hook stud is no in
good alignment with the leather piece to which it is attached. A twisted hook stud is a danger signal that the
stud itself may be bent and ready to break or that the stitching holding it in the leather may be giving away
underneath, even if it appears sound on the top layer of leather.
Girths, primary items of security, usually are checked frequently by most riders. How long has it been,
however, since you checked the extension pieces on yours? An elastic end which is still securely stitched to
the girth itself can be unsafe if the fabric has become dried out, weak and over-stretched. Now is the time to
include ALL extension pieces on your equipment in your safety checklist, remembering side reins, etc. so that
none will be overlooked.
A third general area of special wear is that area on any piece of strap leather which is folded over and then
stitched. Where the curve of the looped end round over, the inside of the strap, even more than the outside,
often is neglected in oiling and becomes dry, cracked and weak. Some examples of these looped ends are:
where a standing martingale is looped on one end to receive the girth or where a stirrup leather is looped over
on one end to hold the buckle and then stitched. The area where cheek pieces curve and then go through the
keepers and hook studs to hold on the bit is another area that becomes a curved-end stress area even though
the end is not stitched down. Running a finger over the INSIDE of this leather curve area will often reveal a
very dry, rough texture. The outside of the curve is often cracked. Extra oiling in these areas where leather
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
74
is made to bend will keep them soft and pliable. If dryness and cracking is detected, these areas of leather
are weak and therefore, not fully safe until corrected by replacement.
Wherever leather is folded and stitched should be checked for stitches that secure the end with extra care.
While they may appear in place on the surface, the two parts being held together should be tested to see if
they pull apart. In special areas of stress, an extra row of stitches should be added and bound off on the end
of the leather pieces. If the end of the leather piece is not sewn down after the curve, but rather to be
drawn thorough the keepers, its width should be checked to make sure that the leather has not swollen or
been distorted so that too much stress is put on the keepers. Often keepers are cut too skimpily and sewn too
shallowly to hold when the leather strap through them presses against them. A broken keeper may allow the
end of a cheek piece to slip and thereby allow the bit to fall from one side of the bridle.
Stirrup irons and bits both have some surprising tendencies toward weakness. An air bubble in the original
casting can create a weak area that is not visible at first. Both items of equipment should be watched for
signs of weakness. The under part of the loop in the stirrup iron, at the top where the stirrup leather goes
through, should also be checked for roughness in the metal and filed if necessary.
Defective stitching, even on flap edges of the saddle, needs to be caught before it leads to more serious
loosening of the under parts. A less obvious area, yet one much more crucial to holding your saddle on your
horse, is the area under the flap where the billets are sewn on the canvas pieces that then extend over the
tree. If the canvas can be pulled out or is dry and thready with a weak feel to it when pulled, it may not hold
the billets strongly . . . and the billets, remember, hold the girth. This is a major alarm area. Only a good
leatherman can repair this problem. The billets are sewn on the very ends of these canvas strips. These
stitches should be carefully checked to make sure they are strong and secure. Check the billets themselves to
assure they are strong with the punched holes firmly round, elongated, or stretched. This is a good time to
check all the holes on each piece of leather where they appear. Each punched hole on a stirrup leather,
throatlatch, cheek piece, or other trap should be free of excessive wear, not torn or overly large. A buckle
tongue slips easily from such a hole, so don’t miss one. It is sometimes possible to ‘swap sides’ to accommodate
new hold in some pieces. If this is not feasible, the leather piece should be replaced.
Finally, remember that all equipment becomes hazardous to the safety of the rider (even if it is in perfect
condition), if it is uncomfortable for the horse. Check all equipment frequently to make sure it still fits.
The items on which we have touched do not create a complete safety checklist, but rather point out some
problem areas most people overlook. We urge you as you build your own checklist not to overlook any of the
more obvious ‘danger spots’ we and others have mentioned. Analyze further, yourself, all those places in your
equipment where your won safety may “hang by a thread” and then include them for repeated inspection.
Sometimes, a stitch in time saves you!
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
75
Fifty Ways to Say Very Good!
50 More Ways to Say Very Good!
Even More Ways to Say Very Good
Congratulations!
EXCELLENT!
FINE!
Good for you!
Good remembering!
GOOD WORK!
GREAT!
I know you could do it.
Keep up the good work.
Nice going.
Not bad.
Nothing can stop you now!
Now you have it.
Now you’ve figured it out.
OUTSTANDING!
PERFECT!
Right on!
SENSATIONAL!
TERRIFIC!
That’s better than ever.
That’s better.
That’s coming along very nicely.
That’s first class work.
That’s GOOD!
THAT’S IT!
That’s much better.
That’s not half bad.
That’s quite an improvement.
That’s RIGHT.
That’s the best ever.
That’s the right way to do it.
That’s the way to do it.
That’s the way!
WOW!
You are learning fast.
You are very good at that.
You did it that time!
You did very well.
You haven’t messed a thing.
You make it look easy.
You really make my job fun
You’re doing a good job.
You’re getting better every day/
You’re on the right track now!
You’re really going to town.
You’re really improving.
You’ve got it made.
You’ve just about got it!
CLEVER!
Congratulations! You only missed . . .
Couldn’t have done that better myself.
Good for you!
Good going!
Good job, student’s name.
Good riding!
I like that.
I’m happy to see you riding like that.
I’m proud of the way you worked today.
I’m very proud of you.
I’ve never seen anyone do it better.
It’s a pleasure to teach you when you
ride like that.
Keep it up!
Keep on trying!
Keep working on it; you’re good.
MARVELOUS!
Much better!
Now that’s what I call a fine job.
Now you have the hang of it.
One more time and you’ll have it.
Super!
SUPERB!
That makes me feel good.
That’s a good boy/girl.
That’s great!
That’s it!
That’s really nice.
That’s the best you’ve ever done.
TREMENDOUS!
Way to go.
Well, look at you go.
WONDERFUL!
You are really learning a lot.
You certainly did well today.
You did a lot of work today.
You figured that out fast.
You must have been practicing!
You outdid yourself today!
You remembered.
You’re doing beautifully.
You’re doing fine.
You’re doing that much better.
You’re really working hard today.
You’re right.
You’ve got that down pat!
You’ve got your brain in gear today.
You’ve just about mastered that.
Illinois ACLD Newsletter
Illinois ACLD Newsletter
Beautiful.
Everyone’s working so hard.
Exactly right.
Excellent work.
Far out!
For sure.
Good job.
Good thinking.
Groovy!
I appreciate your help.
I bet your Mom and Dad will be proud to
see the job you did on this.
I like the way student’s name has . . .
I like the way student’s name is riding.
I like the way you’re working.
It looks like you put a lot of work into that.
Keep it up.
Keep up the good work.
Marvelous!
Much better.
My goodness! How impressive.
Nice going!
Now you’ve figure it out.
Out of sight!
Sharp. That looks like it’s going to be a
great , , ,
Student’s name got right to work.
Student’s name has it.
Student’s name is in line.
Student’s name is paying attention.
Student’s name is really going to town.
Student’s name is waiting quietly.
Super!
Superior work!
Terrific!
Thank you for . . .
Thank you for _________, student’s name.
Thank you very much.
That certainly is one way of looking at it.
That’s ‘A’ work.
That’s a good point.
That’s a very good observation.
That’s an interesting point of view.
That’s an interesting way of looking at it.
That’s coming along nicely.
That’s great.
That’s quite an improvement.
That’s really nice.
That’s right! Good for you.
That’s the right way.
This kind of work pleases me very much.
Very creative.
Very good. Why don’t you show the class?
Very interesting.
What neat work.
You make it look easy.
You’ve got it now.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
76
Lesson Ideas (D’s)
For more information, see http://instruction.ponyclub.org and http://hm.ponyclub.org.
For sample lesson plans and teaching ideas, see http://instruction.ponyclub.org/instr_articles.htm
and http://hm.ponyclub.org/HM_articles.htm.
people exercises
mount, dismount
emergency dismount
warm-up for everyday work or specific
work
rein contact (long, loose, light)
artificial aids
natural aids
change directions
transitions
increase/decrease speed of gait
circles
figure 8’s
20 meter circles
rein-back
jumping position
cavaletti
jump a course
ride without stirrups
adjust stirrups for different work
turn on the forehand
turn on the haunches
extended trot, canter, walk
simple change at canter
volte
serpentine
leg yield
shoulder-in
travers (haunches-in)
renvers (haunches-out)
pace work
flying changes
ride at a gallop
games
Extra Items which may be Required
Neck strap
Every beginner should have one; a narrow stirrup leather or shortened martingale strap are best. Fit the
neck strap so that it rests one-third of the way up the pony’s neck where the rider can hold it in an
emergency or when learning to jump. A piece of twine may be fitted from the front ‘D’ on the saddle to
the neck strap to prevent it from slipping forward if the pony lowers his head.
Grass-Reins
Grass-reins prevent a pony from grazing while being ridden:

Run a piece of twine from the front ‘D’ of the saddle through the back or the noseband and
back to the ‘D’ on the other side.

Run two pieces of string from the front ‘D’ of the saddle down through the loop of the brow
band to the ring of the bit. The pony must be free to use his head and neck. Fit the grassreins so that he can stretch his nose to within at least 18 inches of the ground, but is not able
to try to eat grass.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
76
Sample Lesson Plan (mounted)
Time
5 minutes
Exercise
Concepts
Introduce self,
Meet students,
Check tack and
equipment
Introduction
20 meter circle in canter
A
5-10
minutes
20 m
X
20 m
Concept of size, shape,
balance
C
or Serpentine Reprise
A
X
C
Change rein – balance of
horse and rider; smooth
application of aids
Figure 8’s – trot transitions, walk transitions
Counter Canter
K
5-10
minutes
5 minutes
Trot/walk
Counter Canter
Conclusion
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Balance of horse, rider
Review concepts
77
Lesson Plan (mounted)
Time
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Exercise
Concepts
78
Worksheet #11
Teaching Younger Pony Club Members
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, chapter 11.
1.
Summarize some qualities of a good teacher.
2.
List hints for teaching an unmounted lesson.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
79
Responsibilities of Examiners
Examiners should study the USPC Standards of Proficiency, Test Sheets, and these
guidelines, and be familiar with the texts studied by candidates. They should be sensitive
to young people, and be able to conduct the test in a positive, educational framework.
Attendance at a local USPC Standards and Ratings Clinic, whenever
possible, is highly recommended.
she
Testings can be stressful for candidates (and their
parents) and examiners should empathize with young
people’s moods and diverse personalities. The examiner
should set the tone of the testing as a teaching
situation, drawing the best form each candidate.
Outgoing, confident candidates should not be allowed to
intimidate those who are less assured; rather, each
candidate must be encourages demonstrating what he or
does know.
The examiner should request details of the facility and equipment available, and of any
learning and/or physical disabilities of candidates. If a disability exists that limits
performance, but the candidate can ride safely and still meet the requirements of the
Standard, he or she should pass the test. There is a range from ADEQUATE to
SUPERIOR, and anyone within that range should pass.
Candidates must be asked to jump only to the Standard. If jumps cannot be found at the
appropriate height, candidates should jump a lower height. Testing should never be above
the Standard.
Examiners must complete Test Sheets and make written comments, especially for those
sections where the candidate did not meet the Standard (DNMS). Comments should be
specific and encouraging, with suggestions for correcting any problems. Although
examiners may suggest a particular exercise as a teaching aid, ONLY THE
REQUIREMENTS LISTED ON THE TEST SHEET MAY BE TESTED. Even when a
candidate does not meet the Standard, the examiner’s comments should be a positive and
encouraging as possible.
Care must be taken when notifying candidates of test results to avoid uncomfortable
situations among candidates, parents, and examiners. In addition to continuous feedback
during a test, a complete critique should follow the test, with parents invited to listen IF
THE CANDIDATE AGREES.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
80
Test Site Requirements
The following should be available for D-1 through C-2 ratings:

enclosed area, sufficiently level for flat and stadium phases

ground poles, cavaletti/trotting poles and grid

open area for cross-country, with varied terrain, if possible

cross-country-type obstacles, suitable for (NOT TO EXCEED) level. Cavaletti/trotting
poles in the open may be used for D’s
Additional Equipment/Facilities Required
D-1
Enclosed area
6-8 trotting poles
Stall or holding pen
C-1
Horse blanket
1 or 2 D-level Pony Club members with ponies and
tack
D-2
Stalls
C-2
Easy-to-longe pony or horse (candidate may longe
own horse)
Longeing equipment appropriate for animal
East-to-load pony /horse (may be candidate’s own)
1 or 2 D-level Pony Club members with ponies and
tack
Farrier tools
D-3
Stalls
Stall cleaning equipment
Required Rider Equipment
All Levels
ASTM-SEI-approved helmet
Hard-soled shoes or boots with heels
Halter
Lead rope
Bucket
Grooming kit
C-1 and above
Correct formal or informal attire
Other Equipment
D Levels
Basic grooming tools
D-3 and above
Health Maintenance Record Book
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
C-1
Shipping bandages
Simple conditioning schedule
C-2
Shipping and stable bandages
Thermometer and watch with second hand
Letter from DC in reference to teaching program
81
Sample Jumping Courses D-1 through C-2
Level Requirements
D-1
Course
Very simple course, once around.
Enclosed area
3-4 ground poles
Walk over poles in jumping position
No in-and-out or poles-in-line (cavaletti)
1
2
4
D-2
Enclosed area
4-5 obstacles, 18” maximum
Trotting permitted
No oxers or in-and-out
3
Uncomplicated course, generous turns, safe
distances for horse/pony.
1
2
5
4
D-3
Enclosed area
5-7 obstacles, 2’6” maximum
One oxer only
No in-and-out
3
No difficult turns, safe distances for horse/pony.
2
1
6
3
4
C-1
Enclosed area
6-8 obstacles, 2’9” maximum
Simple gymnastic, at trot only, maximum
3 fences, no bounces or oxers
Two oxers only (must be graduated)
One in-and-out only (2 strides, vertical
must come first)
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
5
Related distances, bending lines, safe
distances for horse/pony
1
2
5
3a,3b
4
6
82
Level Requirements
C-2
Enclosed area recommended
6-8 obstacles, 3’ maximum
Simple gymnastic (at trot/canter, no
bounces), maximum 4 fences
2-3 oxers (may be square)
One in-and-out (may be a 1-stride),
not part of a combination; may be in
line if enough room
Course
Slightly more difficult turns, safe/related
distances, bending lines
1
6a
5
3
7
4
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
6b
2
83
C-Level Turn-Out and Tack
C-1
Attire to be correctly formal or informal or as designated
by the DC.
Pony to be well-groomed, reflecting regular care.
Tack to be safe, clean, and well-adjusted, reflecting
regular care.
C-2
Attire to be correctly formal or informal or as designated
by the DC.
Pony to show thorough grooming, with attention to mane
and tail, reflecting regular care.
Tack to be safe, clean, with metal polished, and welladjusted, reflecting regular care.
Explain reasons for equipment used on own pony for flat
work and over fence work.
C-3
Correct formal or informal attire.
Pony should show evidence of regular grooming and must be clean, with attention to ears, dock,
mane, tail, and feet.
Tack should be safe, clean, with metal polished, and well-adjusted, reflecting regular care.
Explain the use and function of equipment used on own pony for flat and over fence work.
Describe basic actions of snaffle, curb, and Pelham bits.
Inspection Report Card
Head
Long hairs and whiskers trimmed
Ears trimmed and clean
Bridle path trimmed
Eyes lean and free of matter
Body
Clean!
Mane pulled
Mane free of dandruff
Tail free of dandruff
Sheath cleaned
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
Legs
Clipped
Hooves clean
Hoof oil used
Tack
Clean
Correct
Safe
Rider
Clean
Correct
Formal/informal
Prompt and on time!
84
Organizing and Critiquing Your Ride
How to keep it focused!
Goal: FREE FORWARD MOVEMENT – energetic steps forward through a relaxed topline
Indications
 Willingness to stretch down and forward with head and neck
 Steady rhythm
 Increased length of stride and moment of suspension
 Acceptance of the aids (horse does not run or lag from leg, does not drop the contact or
brace and pull against rider’s hands)
Three steps to achieve free forward movement.
1. Forward first. Horse must move forward energetically without rushing
leg. Teach horse to accept and respond to leg aids. Transitions are
2. Relaxation. Horse must be willing to stretch down and forward from
much as hands allow. This indicates that energy is
forward, not escaping through a ‘side door’ or being
topped in a tense back. Tension is usually held in the
jaw, poll, or back.
3. Suppleness. Horse must be supple longitudinally (back
to front: transitions between and within gaits) and
laterally (side to side; schooling figures, leg yielding). The
goal is to straighten the horse by suppling him. If a horse
is not straight, energy created will escape through the
‘side door.’
from the
useful.
leg as
focused
The Critique
A general, overall statement addressing how the ride went, whether or not you accomplished what
you set out to do. It is important to keep a positive tone.
What you worked on to help solve problems in at least one of the three steps to achieving free
forward movement. Keep it SIMPLE and FOCUSED. Comment on the following in this order:
1. What were the specific problems you were working on?
2. What exercises did you use?
3. Did they work?
What you will work on next and how (what exercises will you try)?
Hints for success: as you ride different horses, make a checklist in your mind asking: Is this horse
accepting my leg? Stretching without rushing? Accepting contact? Rhythmic in all gaits? Turning
easily in both directions? Straight down lines or through figures (bending)? Shortening and
lengthening stride smoothly? Balanced and energetic through transitions? In this way, you will
identify its weaknesses and know what to work on.
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
85
Worksheet #12
1.
Tack
How can a poorly-fitted saddle be harmful?
a.
b.
c.
2.
Which bit is least severe? __________________________________
3.
What is a breastplate? ____________________________________
4.
Name 4 types of snaffle bits.
a.
___________________
c.
___________________
b.
___________________
d.
___________________
5.
If your saddle slips forward while riding, what can be done?
6.
What effect could a tight throat latch have?
7.
What is a numnah?
8.
Name 3 causes of sore backs in horses.
9.
a.
___________________
b.
___________________
c.
___________________
Name 4 parts of a bridle that can be adjusted to unsure proper fit.
a.
___________________
c.
___________________
b.
___________________
d.
___________________
10. A standing martingale should never be used with which type of noseband?
__________________________________________
11. How is an egg-butt snaffle different than an ordinary ring snaffle?
12. A _____________ _____________ bit is required for all flat work.
13. On what mechanical principle does a hackamore act?
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
86
Worksheet #13
Riding
Read USPC Manual of Horsemanship “C” Level, chapter 11.
1. Describe what to do with your stirrups when riding without them.
2. Describe how to practice “good hands.”
3. Explain how each of the aids are used for the following purposes:
a. Driving
b. Restraining
c.
Guiding
4. Correct tracking is important in straightness and bending. Why?
5. List the correct stirrup lengths and their purposes.
6. A good jump must have a good approach. Explain the 5 important factors.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
7. Why is “seeing a distance” important?
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
87
8. Explain how to adjust your riding for different types of footing.
a. Mud, bog, water
b.
Snow and ice
c.
sand, rocky ground
d. hard ground, deep grass
e.
pavement, road surfaces
9. Galloping really tests a pony’s condition. Explain.
10. Discuss the more difficult cross-country jumping challenges.
a. water fences
b.
uphill and downhill jumps
c.
shadow vs. light
d. open ditches
e.
in-and-outs
Canterbury Pony Club C-2 Level
JEM 1997; KLS/SS 2009
88