Horsemanship Knowledge and Skills

This page contains the following parts:

• Horsemanship Knowledge and Skills
• Personal Development Activities

During each year, members may choose several knowledge and skill goals. Do not be afraid to challenge yourself!

Horsemanship Knowledge and Skills

Item #	Beginner Level Horsemanship Goals
HS-1	Understand the importance of wearing a safety helmet while riding.
HS-2	Learn horse terminology.
HS-3	Identify common horse colors and markings.
HS-4	Identify the parts of a horse.
HS-5	Learn to evaluate the confirmation of horses.
HS-6	Identify breeds of horses.
HS-7	Recognize horse behaviors.
HS-8	Learn to safely work with horses.
HS-9	Learn how to approach a horse.
HS-10	Demonstrate proper haltering and leading techniques.
HS-11	Demonstrate how to tie a safety knot.
HS-12	Learn about grooming tools and uses.
HS-13	Put together a grooming kit.
HS-14	Demonstrate how to groom a horse.
HS-15	Identify the parts of a horses’ hoof.
HS-16	Demonstrate the correct way to pick out a horse’s foot.
HS-17	Identify tools used by a farrier.
HS-18	Identify parts of English and/or Western saddles.
HS-19	Learn how to do a safety inspection of tack.
HS-20	Learn to clean tack.
HS-21	Identify parts of a bridle.
HS-22	Demonstrate proper saddling techniques.
HS-23	Demonstrate proper bridling techniques.
HS-24	Learn proper fit and adjustment of equipment.
HS-25	Identify the basic gaits of the horse.
HS-26	Determine how to select a project animal.
HS-27	Understand the basic digestive system of a horse.
HS-28	Identify the three types of feeds.
HS-29	Learn the five major nutrient classes.
HS-30	Compare feed weight and volume.
HS-31	Learn proper feed storage.
HS-32	Learn the normal vital signs of a healthy horse.
HS-33	Learn basic types of wounds.
HS-34	Learn basic equine disease descriptions and terminology.
HS-35	Identify common external parasites.
HS-36	Evaluate your barn for general safety.
HS-37	Learn basic winter care of your horse.
HS-38	Design a horse facility.
HS-39	Understand a horse show prize list.
HS-40	Learn how to fill out a horse show entry form.
HS-41	Learn the health requirements for horse shows and trail rides.
HS-42	Learn proper attire for horse shows.
HS-43	Learn basic horse show etiquette.
HS-44	Learn basic riding skills.
HS-45	Identify proper trailering equipment and safety items.
HS-46	Keep track of the expenses of having a horse.

Item #	Intermediate Level Horsemanship Goals
HS-47	Compare and discuss the body types of a group of horses.
HS-48	Identify the different “types” of horses and their uses.
HS-49	Judge a class of four horses and present reasons.
HS-50	Identify the parts of the horse’s skeleton.
HS-51	Learn the function of the hoof parts.
HS-52	Identify and learn proper treatment for hoof-related problems.
HS-53	Learn the parts of a horseshoe.
HS-54	Explain the use of farrier tools.
HS-55	Understand the proper procedures for trimming and shoeing a horse.
HS-56	Evaluate hay quality for horses.
HS-57	Understand a feed tag.
HS-58	Compare the taste, palatability and texture of common feeds.
HS-59	Learn to determine the quality of forages.
HS-60	Learn how to take animal’s temperature, pulse, and respiration.
HS-61	Set up a vaccination plan for your horse in consultation with your veterinarian.
HS-62	Identify horse health supplies.
HS-63	Stock an equine medicine cabinet.
HS-64	Identify common horse parasites.
HS-65	Learn how to control external parasites.
HS-66	Examine a fecal sample to determine degree of parasite infestation.
HS-67	Learn how and set up a plan to control internal parasites.
HS-68	Identify the different types of teeth.
HS-69	Learn equine dental terminology and procedures.
HS-70	Identify different types of bits
HS-71	Identify types and uses of horse saddles.
HS-72	Select a saddle.
HS-73	Identify parts of a harness.
HS-74	Identify types and uses of horse blankets.
HS-75	Identify the parts of a mare’s reproductive tract.
HS-76	Identify the parts of a stallion’s reproductive tract.
HS-77	Identify the steps for preparing a mare for breeding.
HS-78	Understand the purpose of a pre-purchase exam and the terminology used.
HS-79	Learn the ideal standards and conformation for various breeds of horses.
HS-80	Learn about faults in way of going.
HS-81	Identify artificial gaits of a horse.
HS-82	Learn comparative terms and phrases for horse evaluation.
HS-83	Identify and compare the conformation, unsoundnesses, and blemishes in a group of horses.
HS-84	Learn the structure for a set of oral reasons for judging horses.
HS-85	Present a set of oral reasons for judging horses.
HS-86	Identify horse vices.
HS-87	Classify three horses according to several behavioral traits and disposition.
HS-88	Demonstrate how to bathe a horse.
HS-89	Demonstrate basic clipping techniques.
HS-90	Demonstrate different methods of mane braiding or banding.
HS-91	Demonstrate how to properly lunge a horse
HS-92	Learn how to ground train a horse.
HS-93	Demonstrate how to long-line or ground-drive a horse.
HS-94	Demonstrate how to properly adjust stirrup length.
HS-95	Show a horse in a halter class.
HS-96	Learn how to condition a horse for competitive trail riding.
HS-97	Participate in a competitive trail ride.
HS-98	Learn proper trail and road etiquette for horseback riders.
HS-99	Determine necessary tack and emergency equipment for trail riding.
HS-100	Plan a pleasure trail ride.
HS-101	Identify suitable horse fencing.
HS-102	Identify necessary components to winterize your barn.
HS-103	Inspect barn for fire prevention safety.
HS-104	Plan an evacuation drill for your barn.
HS-105	Learn how to properly wrap a horse’s leg for shipping.
HS-106	Learn about different types of horse trailers and discuss their special features.
HS-107	Learn to load and unload a horse.
HS-108	Learn to safely travel with horses.
HS-109	Identify the equipment necessary for taking your horse on a long trip.
HS-110	Plan a long trip with your horse.
HS-111	Design your ideal horse trailer.
HS-112	Discuss various means of horse identification.
HS-113	Determine appropriate horse bedding materials and ways to deal with horse waste.

Item #	Advanced Level Horsemanship Goals
HS-114	Identify the different muscle and ligament systems of the horse.
HS-115	Determine a horse’s age by examining the horse’s teeth.
HS-116	Learn to score the body condition of horses.
HS-117	Recognize abnormal vital signs in your horse.
HS-118	Recognize symptoms of colic in horses.
HS-119	Identify equine diseases and their treatment.
HS-120	Learn to administer medication under the guidance of your veterinarian.
HS-121	Prepare a horse first aid kit.
HS-122	Treat a minor wound.
HS-123	Learn the life cycle of an internal and external parasite.
HS-124	Learn about corrective shoeing and why it is used.
HS-125	Learn to balance horse feed rations.
HS-126	Analyze differences in monthly feed intake and discuss the reasons.
HS-127	Determine winter management practices for pasture.
HS-128	Understand proper ventilation of a horse barn.
HS-129	Understand the function of bits.
HS-130	Demonstrate advanced clipping techniques (body, trace, blanket, etc. clips)
HS-131	Demonstrate different methods of tail braiding.
HS-132	Understand the function of a mare’s reproductive system.
HS-133	Understand the function of a stallion’s reproductive system.
HS-134	Evaluate stallion selection for breeding.
HS-135	Learn about mare and foal care.
HS-136	Learn about foaling.
HS-137	Determine causes of soundnesses and blemishes.
HS-138	Discuss the causes of vices in horses.
HS-139	Understand horse psychology.
HS-140	Demonstrate riding ability by performing and passing ten horsemanship steps. (As listed on page 24 of the “Blazing Trails” project activity guide.)
HS-141	Learn how to pack a pack saddle.
HS-142	Develop horse overnight camping skills.
HS-143	Discuss the different equestrian sports that compete at an international level.
HS-144	Learn about the horse industry in New Jersey.
HS-145	Learn how to promote horses.
HS-146	Identify and discuss a problem affecting the horse industry.
HS-147	Conduct a horse economic impact survey.

Personal Development Activities

During each year, members may also choose several personal development
goals. Do not be afraid to challenge yourself!

Item #	Personal Development Activity
PD-1	Participate in a community service project (such as a food drive, community clean up, etc.)
PD-2	Participate in a community pride project (such as a parade or community day)
PD-3	Help prepare a display or booth relating to horses or horse events.
PD-4	Serve as a member of a club committee
PD-5	Attend 4-H camp
PD-6	Participate in your county fair
PD-7	Assist at a 4-H Horse Show as a ribbon runner, ring crew or at another designated task.
PD-8	Keep a scrapbook of pictures you’ve drawn or photographed of horses throughout the year.
PD-9	Learn the 4-H Pledge & Motto.
PD-10	Serve as a host for a 4-H meeting, making everyone welcome.
PD-11	Provide refreshments for a club meeting.
PD-12	Participate in a Model Horse Show.
PD-13	Participate in Horse Bowl.
PD-14	Participate in Horse Judging.
PD-15	Participate in Hippology.
PD-16	Participate in 4-H Horse Shows (qualifying, county fair, or state.)
PD-17	Participate in a 4-H Trail Ride.
PD-18	Attend a clinic relating to horses/riding skills.
PD-19	Help plan a fun activity for your club.
PD-20	Help with club/county 4-H fund raisers.
PD-21	Give a demonstration or illustrated talk to your 4-H club.
PD-22	Assist in a 4-H Trail Ride at a designated task.
PD-23	Write a story for your club about an event you have participated in.
PD-24	Give a demonstration, illustrated talk, book report to a group other than your 4-H club.
PD-25	Serve as a chairperson of a club committee.
PD-26	Help develop & exhibit a science display related to horses.
PD-27	Make arrangements for your club to go on a field trip.
PD-28	Arrange for a speaker to talk to your club.
PD-29	Become a member of the State 4-H Teen Horse Council.
PD-30	Participate in State Equine Presentations.
PD-31	Participate on a state team at Eastern National 4-H Horse Round-Up.
PD-32	Attend Citizen Washington Focus (CWF).
PD-33	Attend National 4-H Youth Congress.
PD-34	Attend National 4-H Conference.
PD-35	Explore careers in the horse industry. Write a short article or give a talk to your club about the career.
PD-36	Write an article for the Horse Project Teen Council (HPTC) state newsletter.
PD-37	Assist a younger member in preparing a demonstration.
PD-38	Join your county 4-H teen council
PD-39	Assist a younger member at a horse show or county fair.
PD-40	Do a career self-analysis profile.
PD-41	Explore careers in the equine industry.
PD-42	Develop a business plan for an equine business.
PD-43	Assist a younger 4-H member with their horse project.
PD-44	Teach horsemanship and safety.
PD-45	Teach others to ride a horse.
PD-46	Teach others a lesson related to horses.
PD-47	Organize a horse bowl contest.
PD-48	Conduct a horse skill-a-thon.
PD-49	Organize a horse judging contest.
PD-50	Help plan a horse show.
PD-51	Enter an item in the Equine Art Show (such as drawing photograph, needlework, short story or poem).