Description

Download the requirements for the Horsemanship honor by clicking on the download link above.

Horsemanship

(Instructor Required)
Note: All requirements should be completed in a safe environment with a gentle horse.
1. Label on an outline drawing of a horse, or point out on a live horse a minimum of 15 different parts of a horse.
2. Label on an outline drawing or point out on a real saddle and bridle: Westernóminimum of 10 parts of the saddle and 6 parts of the bridle; Englishóminimum of 9 parts of the saddle and 7 parts of the bridle.
3. Demonstrate and explain the purpose of safety equipment while riding and working around horsesóriding helmet and boots (or hard soled shoes with a heel).
4. Demonstrate and explain a minimum of 5 rules to safely approach and lead a horse.
5. Demonstrate and explain a minimum of 5 safety rules for working around horses.
6. Demonstrate and explain safe grooming of a horse using the 4 basic toolsómane and tail comb, curry comb, stiff brush, and soft brush.
7. Demonstrate a safe mount (including tack check) and dismount.
8. Demonstrate a balanced seat while riding at a walk, including circles and reverses.
9. Demonstrate and explain start, stop, circles and reverses using the 4 natural aidsó legs, hands, voice, and weight.
10. Demonstrate and explain 5 trail safety rules, including the following:

1. Be attentive to leader and alert to danger.
   
2. Use correct spacing.
   
3. Do not let your horse eat along the trail.
   
4. Never move faster than a walk on paved surfaces.
   
5. Always walk your horse when approaching or leaving a group of riders.
   
6. Use correct position for hills and obstacles.
   

11. Ride on a trail for a minimum of 3 cumulative hours following all safety rules and using correct position.

Skill Level 1
Original Honor 1961

Horsemanship, Advanced

(Instructor Required)
Note: All requirements should be completed in a safe environment with a gentle horse.
1. Have the Horsemanship Honor.
2. Label on an outline drawing of a horse, or point out on a live horse a minimum of 30 different parts of a horse.
3. Demonstrate and explain how to care for tack.
4. Demonstrate and explain how to catch and halter a horse safely.
5. Demonstrate and explain how to tie a horse safely with a manger knot and with a bowline knot using the correct length of rope and trying at the correct height from the ground.
6. Demonstrate and explain how to correctly saddle and bridle a horse and adjust stirrup length.
7. Demonstrate the 3 correct positions while riding at a trot/jog including circles and reverses:

1. sitting
   
2. standing
   
3. posting.
   

8. Safely demonstrate an emergency dismount.
9. Ride on a trail for a total of 7 cumulative hours, following all safety rules and using correct position.
10. Demonstrate and explain how to use a hoof pick.
11. Demonstrate proper method to turn out a horse.
12. Identify a minimum of 8 common horse colors, 5 common face markings, and 5 common leg markings.
13. Demonstrate and explain correct spacing, reversing direction and passing other riders in an arena setting at the walk with at least one other rider, following all safety rules.
14. Negotiate a simple three element trail obstacle course set up on level ground riding at a walk. Choose from the following:

1. Step over log or pole, maximum height of 16 inches (40.6 cm).
   
2. Pass between 2 barrels or bales of hay spaced 45 inches (1.1 meters) apart.
   
3. Zigzag between poles set at 12 foot (3.6 meters) intervals.
   
4. Walk into a large hey-hole, 15 foot (4.6 meters) circle, turn and exit without stepping on or crossing any borderline.
   

15. Know how to cool down and care for a horse after a demanding ride.

Skill Level 2
Original Honor 2000

Recreation
General Conference
2001 Edition