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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Animal Science Department

Serving Animal Industries

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Level I Skills Test

 

4-H MEMBER'S NAME: ________________________________________________

HORSE'S NAME: _____________________________________________________


The 4-H'er must show proficiency at all skills listed below to pass the Beginning Horseman level.

NOTE: The entire riding portion of Level I must be done with a single horse and can be ridden with one or two hands on the reins.

NOTE: Individuals who administer the Skills Test of Level I should realize some youth may have special needs and should use their judgment on the method of testing segments of the Level I Skills Test.

I. Basic Horse Handling Pass No
    Pass
A. Demonstrate and/or explain the correct procedures to approach and catch a horse.    
  1. Use of body position.    
  2. Use of voice.    
B. Demonstrate the correct and safe procedure to halter any horse.    
C. Demonstrate the proper and safe way to lead a horse with a halter.    
  1. Hand position on the lead shank or lead rope.    
  2. Body position.    
D. Demonstrate safety precautions when working around a tied horse.    
  1. Approaching your horse from the rear.    
  2. Moving from side to side.    
E. Demonstrate and discuss a typical "daily" grooming routine to prepare a horse to be ridden.    
  1. Correct use of equipment.    
  2. Safety practiced white grooming.    
  3. Proper, complete procedures.    
  4. Name two benefits achieved from grooming your horse.    
F. Demonstrate the proper and safe methods and adjustment for saddling and bridling a horse.    
  (NOTE: Smaller members should learn the correct methods even if they may not be able to follow them entirely. They should be able to discuss the procedures and assist in the saddling and bridling of their horse.)
    
G. Saddling    
  1. Correct placement and adjustment of the pad and saddle.    
  2. Proper fastening and tightness of the cinch/girth.    
  3. Adjustment of stirrups/irons.    
H. Bridling    
  1. Correct method of bridling.    
  2. Adjustment of the horse's bit and bridle.    
II. Riding (The rider's confidence and ability are more important than the response of the horse at this level).
A. Demonstrate correct and safe methods to mount and dismount.    
  (See note in "F" above on small members. Members aged 13 and under are not required to dismount and mount in showing.)    
  1. Mounting-Position, method used, correct use of reins.    
  2. Dismounting-Position, method used, correct use of reins.    
B. Demonstrate the principles and correct use of seat and balance.    
  1. Soft, quiet seat in movement with the horse.    
  2. Secure and balanced rider, staying in the middle of the horse.    
C. Demonstrate the proper use of hands and reins.    
  (NOTE: Leader should demonstrate the effect of the bit on the horses mouth.)    
  1. Correct hold of reins to direct rein (two hands) and neck rein (one-handed.)    
  2. Demonstrate correct use of reins while riding one-handed (Western riders) and/or two-handed (English and Western riders).
    
D. Demonstrate basic control and correctness of position of upper body and legs when riding at several gaits. (Riders may use one or both hands on the reins at this level.)    
  1. Walk and jog/trot in a figure 8.    
  2. Lope/canter in a circle and along the rail in the correct lead.    
  3. Stop and back three steps.    
  4. Correct position of legs and upper body (line from ear, shoulder, hip, and heel).    
E. Explain the proper and safe methods to pass other horses while riding in a group on the rail.    

 

Based on this examination, the above 4-H member (has) (has not) passed Beginning Horseman: Level I.

Date: __________________ Examiner: _________________________________

 

Comments and suggestions for improvement: