Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards Riding Levels 1 - 2

1. Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards Riding Levels 1 - 2 Kristen M. Wilson University of Maryland Extension Horse Specialist Prepared by: Dr. Amy Burk University of Maryland Extension Horse Specialist Rev. 12/15/09

2. Riding Testing Schedule • Horse Management • Rider Courtesy and Horse and Rider Turnout • Tack • Riding • English – on the flat • English – over fences • Western

3. Horse Management • Previously a part of the Knowledge Standard: • Level 1: Approach horse and halter safely, lead and turn a horse in hand, demonstrate proper grooming techniques (including picking hooves) • Level 2: Lead horse in and out of a stall safely, tie a horse with a proper quick release knot, perform walk/trot transitions in hand

4. Correct Horse Handling

5. Safety Release Knot

6. Horse and Rider Turnout • Recognize clean and safe attire and tack • Have horse properly groomed • Discuss safe approach of another horse and rider while mounted • Discuss general precautions taken when riding in a group

7. Rider Turnout http://www.wiseways.com/images/bareback.jpg www.StateLineTack.com Does Not Meet Expectations Exceeds Expectations Meets Expectations

8. Rider Safety Improperly Fitting Hat Jumping Vest Optional

9. Horse Turnout Does Not Meet Expectations Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations

10. Definitely Does Not Meet Expectations

11. Riding Courtesy Level 1: Must be able to discuss with examiner precautions that must be taken when approaching another horse and rider when mounted Level 2: Must discuss safety precautions to be taken when riding in a group

12. Tack • Safe, neat, and properly adjusted tack • Demonstrate how to properly fit a girth (Level 1) • Demonstrate how to check for proper length of stirrups mounted and unmounted (Level 2)

13. Tack Fit

14. Unsafe Tack http://www.newrider.com/Library/Misc_Tips/tack_safety.html

15. Types of English Bridles Bitless Bridle (hackamore) Snaffle Bridle Double Bridle

16. Common English Bits Plain D-Ring Snaffle French Link Snaffle Full Cheek Snaffle Kimberwick

17. Western Bridles • Non-jointed reins • Usually held in one hand • No noseband

18. Types of Western Bridles 1-ear Western Pleasure All Round Western Western Hackamore

19. Common Western Bits Western Curb Bit Snaffle Training Bit

20. English Saddles • English saddle should be worn in English Riding tests Close Contact All Purpose Dressage Jumping

21. Western Saddles should be used in Western Riding tests Horses should not be jumped in a Western Saddle Western Saddles Barrel Racer All Purpose Work Saddle

22. Check Safety and Fit of Accessories • Saddle pads • Girth • Stirrups and leathers • Breast plates • Martingales

23. Gaits Review for Riding Tests • Required Gaits • Levels 1 & 2 • Walk and Trot/Jog • Levels 3 & 4 • Walk, Trot, Canter/Lope Leaping and Galloping not included..

24. Riding Level 1 (English/Western) • Mounting and dismounting (with aid if necessary) • Holding and adjustment of reins • Length and adjustment of stirrups • Drop and regain stirrups at the halt • Gradual transitions from walk to trot and walk to halt • Basic changes of direction • Walk over evenly spaced ground poles • Complete English Riding Pattern 1

25. Mounting Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

26. English Riding Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

27. Western Riding Rider adjusting her reins Young horse going in two hands

28. AdjustingStirrups Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

29. English Riding Pattern #1

30. Western Riding Pattern #1

31. Riding Level 2 (English/Western) • Shorten and lengthen reins at the walk and halt • Adjust stirrups and girth while mounted at the halt • Ride without stirrups at the walk, and regain them • Perform simple circles and figure 8’s at the walk and trot/jog (posting on the correct diagonal for English) • Demonstrate a halt from a trot on a straightaway • Complete English Riding Pattern 2

32. Backing Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

33. 20 m Circle – Small Dressage Arena K E H 20 m A C X F B M 40 m

34. Figure Eight – Small Dressage Arena K E H 20 m A C X F B M 40 m

35. Basic Secure Position Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

36. Western Position

37. Two- Point Position Susan E. Harris, The United StatesPony Club Manual of Horsemanship

38. English Riding Pattern #2

39. Western Riding Pattern #2

40. English Jumping Level 1 • Two-point • Spaced 3-5 feet depending on horse’s stride • The horse can hit the poles but the important thing is the riders response and ability to hold position Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

41. English Jumping Level 2 • Trot over evenly spaced poles followed by a simple 2’ cross rail as according to Appendix K. • Secure position and steady rhythm are to be maintained.

42. Riding Rules and Etiquette • Riding alone is discouraged • Enclosed ring preferred • One horse length between horses • Passing is done left shoulder to left shoulder • Jumps to be jumped are called out Deborah Poole “DreamFields.com” http://www.dreamfields.ca/Hymers%20Horse%20Show.gif

43. References and Resources • Approved resources for state contests • USPC Manual of Horsemanship: The Basics for Beginners through D Level, by S. E. Harris • USPC Manual of Horsemanship: The Intermediate Horsemanship through C Level, by S. E. Harris • USPC Manual of Horsemanship: The Advanced Horsemanship Through A Level, by S. E. Harris

44. Acknowledgements • Thanks for assistance to: • Rebekah Cosden • Development of Horsemanship Levels • Meredith Clark • Development of Training Materials for Riding Levels • Jessica Suagee • Development of Examiner Certification Tests