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University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Animal Science Department

Serving Animal Industries

Horseman Level III

The 4-H member qualifying for this level should know and be using the basics covered in previous levels. He or she should demonstrate horse-handling abilities that clearly show competence gained in the performance of advanced work. Horse response and willingness to the rider's commands will have bearing on judging. At this stage, members should understand the techniques of gaits, feeding, aging a horse and disease factors.

Note: Horses used for the Horseman Level III Skills Test should be 3 years old or older.

All of the following must be successfully completed before this level is passed:

  1. Study Guide 
  2. Skills Test
    1. Note: Level III Skills Test Examiner must be someone other than the 4-H member's own Club Leader who has been approved by the Extension office.  A list of current examiners is here.  Additional individuals (not on the list) may be used, pending approval from the Extension Office.  
  3. Club demonstration of 10-20 minutes on any of the points mentioned in the Skills Test and Study Guide

Suggested Demonstration Topics:

a. Fitting, grooming and conditioning a horse for show.
b. Showing a horse at halter.
c. Aids for movements of a horse.
d. Mounting, dismounting and seat position.
e. Use of hands.
f. Hoof care for horses.
g. Horseman's knots.
h. Bits and how they work.
i. Horse safety.
j. Determining age of horse by teeth.
k. Changing leads.
l. Cues and training for various maneuvers such as forehand turn, pivot/turn on haunches, side passage back in circle.
m. Horse health care including vaccinations, parasite control, diseases, etc.
n. Foot-fall patterns for various gaits.
o. Basic feeding management.
p. Horse rations/what to feed, how much and when to feed.

D. A written report (minimum of 2 pages) on how the horse responded to training for the Level III Skills Test. If any difficulties were encountered in any one or more of the maneuvers, tell what they were and what was done to correct them. Report is due to the examiner on or before the day of the riding test.

E. A written paper (minimum 2 pages) on common parasites and diseases and their control. Set up a disease and parasite prevention program with your veterinarian and summarize the program in the Health Care Chart. Include dates, vaccines, de-wormers, method of administration and other control methods.

F. Create a table to demonstrate evaluating a ration. Include a list of available feeds, amounts, requirements, nutrients lacking or over-supplied and costs.  Feeds Chart 

Preparing for the Tests:

  • All questions on the Written Test and requirements for the Skills Test are based on the Skills Test and Study Guide.
  • References for this level: " Nebraska 4-H Horse Project" manual, "Horse Science" and the " Nebraska 4-H Horse Show and v Judging Guide".
    • All above materials are available from Cooperative Extension.
  • NOTE: Horse Science is available through the National 4-H Catalog.
  • Additional supportive reference: 1)The Horse by Evans, Borton, Hintz and VanVleck; 2)Horse Industry Handbook by the American Youth Horse Council; 3) HorseQuest web site http://www.extension.org/horses
  • Helpful Web Sites