| Requirement | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. 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. | ||||||||
| 2. Name 15 parts of a horse and discuss the function of each with your counselor. | ||||||||
| 3. Name four breeds of horses. Explain the special features for which each breed is known. | ||||||||
| 4. Describe the symptoms of colic. Name and describe four other horse health problems. | ||||||||
| 5. Explain what conformation is and why it is important. Explain the difference between lameness and unsoundness. | ||||||||
| 6. Explain the importance of hoof care and why a horse might need to wear shoes. | ||||||||
| 7. Demonstrate how to groom a horse, including picking hooves and caring for a horse after a ride. | ||||||||
| 8. 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. | ||||||||
| 9. 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. | ||||||||
| 10. Explain and demonstrate how to approach and lead a horse safely from a stall, corral, or field and how to tie the horse securely. | ||||||||
| 11. 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) Halt straight. | ||||||||
| (f) Back up straight four paces. | ||||||||
| (g) Halt and dismount. | ||||||||
| Horsemanship merit badge completed | ||||||||
| Horsemanship merit badge presented |
For answers and free resources, see https://scoutermom.com/25229/horsemanship-merit-badge-helps-and-documents/