Level III Skills Test
4-H MEMBER'S NAME: ________________________________________________
HORSE'S NAME: _____________________________________________________
Horse must be the member's 4-H project horse and be identified on a current ID sheet.
Horses used for Level III should be 3 years old or older.
The 4-H'er must show proficiency at all skills listed below to pass Level III.
Note: The entire riding portion of Level III must be done with a single horse and can be ridden with one hand on the reins (Western riders) or two hands on the reins (English riders).
Exception: Horses 4 years old or younger, if ridden with a snaffle bit or bosal as described in the Nebraska 4-H Horse Show and Judging Guide, may be ridden two-handed.
| I. Basic Horse Handling | Pass | No | |
| Pass | |||
| A. The 4-H'er should demonstrate confidence and knowledge when working around their horse. |
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| 1. While dismounted, the member should indicate their experience gained from working with their horse. | |||
| 2. While riding, the member should indicate their experience and confidence of having extensive horsemanship skills. |
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| II. Riding | |||
| A. Display greater mastery of riding skills than given in Intermediate Horsemanship Level II. | |||
| 1. Demonstrate proper position and use of the basic aids required for riding at the following gaits in a circle, both directions. | |||
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a. Walk |
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b. Jog/trot |
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c. Lope/canter (Correct leads, both directions, must be used) |
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| 2. Complete a collected, balanced stop from a straight movement from each of the following gaits, with the horse standing without excessive rein pressure. | |||
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a. Walk |
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b. Jog/trot |
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c. Lope/canter (Correct leads, both directions, must be used) |
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| 3. Complete a collected, balanced stop from a trot and lope/canter in a circle. | |||
| 4. Back the horse 4 to 6 steps in a straight line. Explain cues required to back a horse in a straight line. |
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| B. Demonstrate riding ability at each of the following gaits, starting each gait from a standstill. | |||
| 1. Walk | |||
| 2. Jog/Trot | |||
| 3. Lope (Western riders) or Walk to Canter (English riders) |
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| C. Complete a simple change of leads in a Figure 8. Explain the cues required to execute this simple lead change. | |||
| 1. Dropping to a jog/trot, both directions | |||
| 2. Coming to a stop, both directions | |||
| D. Complete a simple change of leads on a straightaway. | |||
| 1. Dropping to a jog/trot, both directions | |||
| 2. Coming to a stop, both directions | |||
| E. Demonstrate a simple pivot/turn on the haunches, turning 180 degrees each direction. Explain the cues for your turns. |
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| 1. Right | |||
| 2. left | |||
| F. Demonstrate a forehand turn, turning 180 degrees each direction. Be able to explain the cues used. | |||
| 1. Right | |||
| 2. left | |||
| G. Complete a side passage, at least four steps in each direction. Be able to explain the cues used. |
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| 1. Right | |||
| 2. left | |||
| H. Back the horse in a circle. Explain cues required to back the horse in the circle. | |||
| I. Complete a flying change of leads in a figure 8. be able to explain the cues used. | |||
| 1. Right | |||
| 2. left | |||
| J. Display correct and safe mounting and dismounting procedures. (Riders may be asked to dismount off-side.) |
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| 1. Control of horse. | |||
| 2. Position while mounting and dismounting. | |||
| 3. Correct technique used. | |||
Based on this examination, the above 4-H member (has) (has not) passed the Skills Test of Horseman, Level III.
Date: __________________ Examiner: _________________________________
Comments and suggestions for improvement:
