Saddle up and get ready for the latest requirements for Horsemanship merit badge, updated on Jan. 1, 2011.
Follow the jump for the complete requirements…
Do the following:
- (a) Describe the safety precautions you should take when handling and caring for a horse.
(b) Describe the fire safety precautions you should take in a barn and around horses. - Name the 15 main parts of a horse.
- Name four leading breeds of horses. Explain the special features for which each breed is known.
- Describe the symptoms of colic. Name and describe four other horse health problems.
- Explain what conformation is and why it is important. Explain the difference between lameness and unsoundness.
- Explain the importance of hoof care and why a horse might need to wear shoes.
- Demonstrate how to groom a horse, including picking hooves and caring for a horse after a ride.
- Explain how to determine what and how much to feed a horse and why the amount and kind of feed are changed according to the activity level and the breed of horse.
- Do the following:
(a) Name 10 parts of the saddle and bridle that you will use, and explain how to care for this equipment.
(b) Show how to properly saddle and bridle a horse.
(c) Demonstrate how to safely mount and dismount a horse. - Explain and demonstrate how to approach and lead a horse safely from a stall, corral, or field and how to tie the horse securely.
- On level ground, continuously do the following movements after safely mounting the horse. Do them correctly, at ease, and in harmony with the horse.
(a) Walk the horse in a straight line for 60 feet.
(b) Walk the horse in a half-circle of not more than 16 feet in radius.
(c) Trot or jog the horse in a straight line for 60 feet.
(d) Trot or jog the horse in a half-circle of not more than 30 feet in radius.
(e) Lope (canter) the horse in a straight line for at least 60 feet.
(f) Lope (canter) the horse in a half-circle not more than 30 feet in radius.
(g) Halt straight.
(h) Back up straight four paces.
(i) Halt and dismount.
