1. Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards Knowledge Level 3
Dr. Amy Burk
University of Maryland
Extension Horse Specialist
This power point gives a detailed overview of Horsemanship Standards knowledge level 3. In this presentation we will discuss the items that a 4-Her needs to know for this level and some of the acceptable answers.
Kristen M. Wilson
University of Maryland Extension Horse Specialist
Rev. 8/16/11

2. Knowledge Testing Schedule
Written Test
Copies from County Extension Office
Allow 45 minutes
Oral Practicum
Cover information on the knowledge testing sheet for each level
Everything else covered on the written test
As a reminder, each County Extension Office has copies of the written test. It is the responsibility of the examiner to request the needed copies of the test they are conducting. 4-H members will be given 45 minutes to complete the written test portion. The oral practicum portion of the testing covers only the information that is written out on the testing sheet for that level. Any information that was included in the knowledge study guide for that level but is not listed on the testing sheet will be covered on the written test.

3. Knowledge Level Sections
Breeds, Conformation, Movement
Grooming and Bandaging
Health Care and Veterinary Knowledge
Nutrition
Stable Management and Safety
Tack and Equipment
Transportation and Travel Safety
The different sections of the knowledge level tests include breeds, conformation, and movement; grooming and bandaging; health care and veterinary knowledge; nutrition; stable management and safety; tack and equipment; and transportation and travel safety.

4. Parts of Horse
4-Hers testing for level 3 must be able to name 20 parts of the horse.

5. Breed Types Light Breed Draft Breed
Know different characteristics that
define breed type
Candidates testing for level 3 need to know some of the different characteristics that define both the light breed and draft breed type. Light breeds are more refined and are considered a “hot blooded” horse. Breed examples include Thoroughbreds, Arabians, and Quarter Horses. They are capable of more action and greater speed. Draft breeds are heavier muscled and are considered a “cold blooded” horse. They developed into heavy-carriage, draft, and farming horses. Breed examples include Percheron, Belgian, and Clydesdale.
Draft Breed

6. Coat Colors
Variations of the gray coat color- i.e. rose gray, steel gray, dapple gray, flea bitten gray etc.
4-Her needs to know at least 2 variations of grey coat colors. Examples include rose gray, steel gray, dapple gray, and flea bitten gray. The picture on the top is a dapple gray and the picture below it is considered a flea bitten gray.

7. Front Leg Conformation
Being able to identify various conformation faults is the first step in looking at a horse’s overall conformation and how that particular horse’s conformation might affect it’s movement. Level 3 4-Hers need to be able to recognize and describe base-narrow. A horse who is base narrow has legs that are closer together at the feet than at the chest as shown in the diagram above.
(Jen – use arrow to point out Base Narrow)
(Horses, 2000)

8. Hind Leg Conformation (Horses, 2000)
A 4-Her testing for level 3 must also be able to recognize and describe cow hocked. This is where the hocks point in toward each other, with the cannon bones slanting outward. Cow hock is identified when looking at a horse from behind and can be seen in the far right diagram.
(Jen –use an arrow to point out cow-hocked)
(Horses, 2000)

9. Conformation Faults
The candidate must be able to recognize and describe additional conformation faults such as sway back and ewe neck. The picture on the left shows a horse with a sway back, shown by the excessive inward curvature of the horse’s back. The picture on the bottom shows a horse with an ewe neck, shown by the thin and concave arched appearance of the neck.
(Jen-Can we draw colored lines to show these conformation faults better?)

10. Grooming
Give reasons for clipping a horse, and name and describe at least 3 types of body clips that can be used
Describe safety precautions for bathing
For level 3 knowledge testing, candidates must give reasons for clipping a horse, and be able to name and describe at least three types of body clips that can be used. In addition they must be able to describe the safety precautions that should be taken when bathing a horse.

11. Trimming/Clipping for Show
Face hair
Ears
Bridle path
Fetlock
Coronet band
A horse may be trimmed or clipped in preparation for a show to give them a neater and cleaner appearance. Common areas that are trimmed include facial hair such as the muzzle, ears, bridle path, fetlock, and the coronet band.

12. Body Clipping Body Trace Hunter Blanket
A horse may be body clipped during the winter season. During cold weather, the horse’s coat is thicker and longer. When the horse works hard and sweats they will become wet and will not dry off very quickly. Horses that are worked regularly and that get sweaty often can be clipped in order to help them cool off quicker, be more comfortable during hard work, and easier to groom. Horses that are clipped must be blanketed since they have no protection in cold weather. There are several different types of clips. A strip clip is a minimum clip where only a strip is clipped along the underside of the neck and the front of the chest, and underneath the belly. A trace clip is a partial clip where the sides of the neck, shoulders, and belly are clipped about halfway up. A hunter clip is where the majority of the body is clipped except for the legs and in a saddle patch where the saddle is placed. A blanket clip removes all hair from the body, except for the legs and a square patch along the back, loins and croup much like that of a quarter sheet. A full or body clip is where the body, head, and oftentimes the legs are clipped in entirety.

13. Bathing a Horse
Never stand directly in front or behind a horse when bathing them
Have the horse securely and safely tied or have someone hold them
Keep the hose out from under the horse’s feet
Go slowly… don’t surprise them!
When bathing a horse you should never stand directly in front of or behind a horse. This ensures that you will not be kicked, struck, or run over. The horse should be securely and safely tied, or the horse should be held by another person. Make sure that the hose is not under the horse’s feet so they do not step on the horse or become tangled in the hose. While bathing the horse you should go slowly and not surprise the horse. It is common practice to start by hosing the horse’s legs and then work up towards the body area. Make sure that the water is not too cold or too hot and is weather appropriate for the temperature outside.

14. Reasons for Bandaging
Protection of the legs, particularly while riding or trailering the horse
Prevention of swelling after the horse works
For treatment and protection of injuries
For the level 3 knowledge testing, the candidate should be able to discuss reasons for wrapping a horse’s legs, and be able to name different types of protective boots and what they are used for. Bandages are use to protect the legs, particularly while riding or trailering a horse. They are also used after strenuous work to prevent swelling and for the treatment and protection of injuries.

15. Protective Boots Bell Boots Splint Boots Ankle Boots
There are many types of protective boots. Bell boots are used to protect the heels from grabs or overreaching, especially in jumping, when working in mud, during turnout, or when being lounged. They are usually used only on the front legs. Splint boots or tendon boots are used to protect the inside of the cannon and splint bones and the fetlock joint. Some boots have extra protection over the flexor tendons as well. They are used in horses that interfere, for loungeing, on young horses, or for horses that are in intense work. Ankle boots, also known as fetlock or brushing boots, are used to protect the fetlock joint from interference injuries. They are usually used on the hind legs.
Ankle Boots

16. Health/Veterinary Care
Name and describe 1 type of wound and how to treat it, especially those that need veterinary attention
Explain why a regular vaccination plan is necessary and identify 3 diseases you would vaccinate your horse against each year
Know signs that a hoof needs to be trimmed
Locate parts of the hoof
For health and veterinary care knowledge, the candidate must name and describe one type of wound and how to treat it, especially if the wound needs veterinary attention; explain why a regular vaccination plan is necessary and identify three disease that the horse should be vaccinated against each year. In addition, the candidate must be able to know signs that a hoof needs to be trimmed and locate parts of the hoof.

17. Equine Wounds Lacerations Abrasions Punctures
tearing of the skin, often require stitches
Abrasions
usually caused by rubbing, and will remove the epidermis, not as serious
Punctures
deep, narrow wounds that are usually caused by nails or splinters
The three common types of equine wounds are lacerations, abrasions, and punctures. A laceration is any tearing of the skin. It often requires stitches and immediate veterinary care. An abrasion is usually caused by rubbing, and is the removal of the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin. This type of wound is not as serious. Lastly, a puncture wound is a deep, narrow wound that is often caused by a nail or splinter. Puncture wounds often require veterinary attention, especially if they are deep, due to the risk of tetanus and infection.

18. Vaccinations (Hill, 1997. Horse Health Care)
Vaccinations, also called inoculations, immunizations, or shots, help to protect horses against certain disease. A regular vaccination schedule is important for the health of your pony and helps to provide immunity to certain disease. Vaccinations are used to prevent disease in the horse and should be done on a regular schedule to provide complete coverage.
(Hill, Horse Health Care)

19. Vaccination Schedules
This is a sample vaccination schedule. It is encouraged that 4-Hers talk specifically with their veterinarian to assess their horse’s risk for disease and to develop an individual vaccination program tailored to their horse. A horse is generally vaccinated for tetanus once a year, as well as if they get a puncture wound or certain procedures performed on them. Sleeping sickness, or equine encephalomyelitis, is vaccinated against once a year. This is generally referred to as EEE, WEE, and VEE for the different strains of encephalomyelitis, which are eastern, western, and venezuelan. Equine influenza and rhinopneumonitis is vaccinated for every 2 to 4 months in performance horses or every 6 months in horses that do not travel much. Rabies is generally vaccinated for on an annual basis and is important for horses that may come into contact with wildlife. Potomac Horse Fever is usually vaccinated for on an annual basis for horses located in the Mid Atlantic region. Finally, Strangles can be given to horses annually or bianually and is more often given to performance horses who travel on and off the farm often.

20. Hoof Care
Indications that the foot needs trimming or farrier attention include toes that are too long, a low heel, cracking, broken hoof, or a hoof that doesn’t look balanced. If a horse has shoes, the horse needs trimming if the clinches are risen, the shoe is too far forward or too far back, the shoe is overgrown by hoof, there are bent or missing nails, or if the shoe is loose.

21. Parts of the Hoof
The level 3 4-Her should be able to name and locate the following parts of the horse’s hoof: bulb of heel, frog, central groove/sulcus, collateral groove/sulcus, heel, bar, wall, white line, apex of frog, toe, and quarter. Please note that the central groove is also referred to as the cleft of frog. Pictured here are two diagrams pointing out the parts of the hoof we just discussed.

22. Nutrition Basic rules for feeding
Know how feeds are measured (including units)
Explain feeding schedule to include amounts of roughage and concentrates for a particular horse or pony
For knowledge level 3 tests, 4-Hers must know the basic rules for feeding, know how feeds are measured, and be able to explain a feeding schedule for a particular horse including the amounts of roughage and concentrates.

23. Basic Feeding Rules
Feeding horse’s properly takes knowledge of their digestive anatomy and physiology
Feed small forage-based meals frequently
Avoid abrupt changes in feed
Avoid poor quality feeds and forages
Offer fresh clean water and trace mineral salts at all times
In order to properly feed a horse, you must have some basic knowledge of the horse’s digestive anatomy and physiology. Knowing the way a horse’s digestive tract is put together and how it works will give helpful insight about what to feed, how much to feed, and when to feed a particular horse. Horse’s are naturally grazing animals, meaning that they are accustomed to eating forage all the time. Therefore, horses should be fed small forage-based meals frequently. Horse’s will digest and utilize feedstuff at a higher rate when they are fed often versus once or twice a day, as well as fed more forage then concentrate. You should avoid abrupt changes in feed. This means that you should be consistent about the type of feed and the brand of feed that you give your horse as well as the amount. Horse’s are more likely to have digestive upset or other problems when they are abruptly switched over to a new type of feed versus if they were gradually switched over. Horse owners should avoid feeding their horse’s poor quality feeds and forages. Fresh, clean water and trace mineral salts should be available to a horse at all times.

24. Important to measure by weight, not volume!!
Weighing Feeds
Important to measure by weight, not volume!!
All feeds should be measured by weight, usually in pounds, and not by volume. If using a feed scoop, it is recommended that you measure the weight of a scoop of feed and use this value as the basis of your feeding program.

25. Types of Diets Forage Concentrate
There are two main types of horse diets, forages and concentrate. Depending upon the horse one or both of these aspects of the diet may be necessary.
Forage
Concentrate

26. Forage Very important for proper digestion Types of hay:
Legume
Grass
Mixed
Horse will consume 1 ½ to 2% of body weight per day
Horses evolved as grazing animals and forages are essential for their digestive system to function well. All horses require forage, as it is very important for proper digestion in the horse. Forage includes grass and hay. Hay may be legume, grass, or a mixture. On average, a horse will consume 1 ½ to 2% of their body weight per day. A 1,000 lb horse consuming 2% of their body weight will require 20lbs of forage per day.

27. Common Hay Species Timothy Orchardgrass Alfalfa
The common type of hay species used in Maryland include timothy, orchardgrass, and alfalfa. There are many other types of hay species as well, such as clovers, fescues, bermudagrass, brome, ryegrass, or mixtures of grasses and or legumes. It is important to remember when feeding a horse that the majority of their diet should be roughages such as hay and/or grass.

28. Concentrate Used to: Supplement and balance nutrients in forages
Supplement higher caloric needs of working and lactating horses
Concentrates are normally referred to as grain. They are used to supplement and balance nutrients in forages and meet the higher caloric needs of working and lactating horses. One must be careful not to overfeed concentrates and to balance the diet of their horse according that horse’s particular needs.

29. Stable Management and Safety
Appropriate care of a horse after strenuous work including: cooling out, inspection of legs, watering and feeding
Proper stall sizes for a horse and pony
Management practices to prevent the spread of disease
Safety concerns to consider when attaching a hay net/bag
In the stable management and safety section, 4-H candidate should be able to explain the appropriate care of a horse after strenuous, the proper stall sizes for a horse and pony, management practices to prevent the spread of disease, and safety concerns that should be considered when attaching a hay net or bag.

30. Care After Strenuous Exercise
Horse should be walked until all vital signs are back to normal
Inspect legs for any injuries
Limit access to feed and water
After strenuous work the horse should be walked until all vital signs are back to normal. This may be done while still mounted or if the horse is particular tired and strained they should be walked by hand. The horse’s legs should be checked for any injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, strains, heat, etcetera. The horse should be offered water but at limited quantities. The horse should not be allowed to drink a large amount of water at once, but rather offered water periodically. The horse should not be fed until it is completely cooled out. It is recommended that forage is fed before concentrate.

31. Stall Dimensions and Designs
Horse: 12x12 feet
Pony : 10x10 feet
The stall should be free of any sharp objects, the doors should shut securely, and no electrical wiring should be exposed
A horse’s stall should be an average of 12 feet by 12 feet in dimensions. A pony’s stall should be an average of 10 feet by 10 feet in dimensions. The stall should not have any sharp objects protruding from the walls or anywhere in reach of the horse. The door should be able to shut securely. No electrical wiring or outlets should be exposed. There are many different stall designs and sizes available which can be tailored to fit the horse’s and owner’s needs.

32. How to Tie a Hay Net
The most important thing to emphasize is that it stays out of the way of the horse’s feet
It is run through a mounted ring, and then the excess tied up in a quick release knot
Hay nets or hay bags are typically hung so that they are at the horse’s point of shoulder. This ensures that it is out of the way of the horse’s feet and there is minimal risk that the horse may get caught in the hay net or hay bag. It is important to monitor the height of the hay net as the horse eats from it since the hay net will normally become lower in height as it is emptied. Hay nets are generally run through a mounted ring, such as a screw eye, and then the excess rope is tied up in a quick release knot. The hay net should be made out of a breakable material, such as cotton, and not nylon. Hay nets or hay bags may also be tied to a breakable material such as bailing twine.

33. Equine Disease Control Program
Optimize health and nutrition plans for animals
Use rodent, parasite and vector control programs throughout the year
Do not allow horse access to streams and waterways
Contract with a veterinarian and clearly post their contact information
Equine disease control programs help prevent the spread of disease. They optimize the health and nutrition plan for animals. Equine disease control programs utilize rodent, parasite and vector control programs throughout the year. Horse’s should not have access to streams and waterways. This helps to prevent the spread of certain waterborne and mosquito associated diseases and also prevents contamination of waterways. Horse owners are encouraged to talk with their veterinarian and contract a health program for their horse. Contact information for the owner of the horse should be clearly posted in an accessible area in case of an emergency.

34. Equine Disease Control Program
Communication is key
Limit human access to barns if they are not clientele or workers
Clean and disinfect barns, stalls and equipment regularly
Discard all manure and bedding from stalls that house sick horses
Communication between horse owners, caretakers, barn personnel, veterinarians and anyone else who may come into contact with the horse is key to successful disease control and prevention. Human access to barns should be limited to clientele and workers only. Barns, stalls, and equipment should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. All manure and bedding from stalls that house sick horses should be discarded and kept away from healthy horses.

35. Equine Disease Control Program
Become familiar with common diseases that affect horses
Identify symptoms with the onset of a disease
Vaccination Plan
Deworming Plan
Horse owners and caretakers should become familiar with common diseases that affect horses. This allows them to identify symptoms at the onset of a disease. Horses should be on a regular vaccination and deworming plan. This allows for maximum prevention and the overall health of the animal.

36. Tack and Equipment 2 areas on tack that should be checked for safety
Types of bits
Identify a tie-down, breast strap, martingale, and breastplate
Types of blankets and their purposes
For the tack and equipment section, 4-Hers need to be able to name two areas on tack that should be checked for safety; name different types of bits; identify a tie-down, breast strap, martingale, and breastplate; and name different types of blankets and their corresponding purpose.

37. Unsafe Tack http://www.newrider.com/Library/Misc_Tips/tack_safety.html
Areas of tack that should be checked for safety include the billets, reins, and girth. Stitching should be checked to make sure that it is intact and not coming apart at the seam. Leather should not be cracked, moldy, rough, worn thin, or broken off. Rubber areas should not be decaying or coming apart. Other areas of concern include stirrup leathers, cheek pieces where they connect to the bit, and any other areas where there are bends in the leather.

38. Horse Bits
There are a variety of bits that can be used with horses depending on what discipline or activity you are doing with them.
Pictured here are common bits used in English and Western riding disciplines. The bits on the top row are as follows from left to right: curb with a low port, full cheek single jointed snaffle, and a pelham with a low port.
The bits on the bottom row from left to right are as follows: 3 ring shank bit with a double jointed french link slow twist mouthpiece, single jointed dee ring snaffle, and a double twisted wire eggbutt snaffle.

39. Other Equipment Martingale Breast Plate Tie-Down Breast Strap
There are three different types of martingales: german martingales that attach directly to the reins, running martingales that have rings and standing martingales. The picture shows an example of a standing martingale. Breast plates attach to the upper dee ring on the saddle. Breast straps attach lower on the saddle near the girth area. There are many different styles of breast plates and breast straps. Some are also termed breast girths or breast collars. Tie-downs are used in western disciplines.
Tie-Down
Breast Strap

40. Horse Blankets
The type of blanket from the top left to right are as follows: turnout winter blanket, square cooler with neck, and dress sheet. The blankets on the bottom are as follows from left to right: anti-sweat sheet and quarter sheet. Turnout blankets come in many different weights and styles. Some are lightweight that are made for the spring or warm weather, especially when raining. Some are heavyweight that are made for the cold, snowy winter months. Coolers are used after a horse works. It allows the horse to cool off but also keeps the horse warm. Dress sheets are used in the stable area to keep a horse clean and warm. Anti-sweat sheets are light-weight and help a horse to cool off after work while providing ventilation for sweat to dry. Quarter sheets are used while riding to help keep a horse's muscles warm. They are particularly useful on horses who are clipped.

41. Proper Loading/Unloading
For the transportation and travel section, the candidate should know ways to properly load and unload a horse. Before loading the horse into the trailer, the trailer should have been thoroughly checked and everything needed for travel already placed in the trailer. The trailer should be parked on level ground so that the back step is as low as possible or so that the ramp is steady and not at a steep angle. If there is a front exit door, it should be open, but the chest guard must be up.
If trailering only one horse, the horse should be loaded on the driver's side of the trailer. If trailering multiple horses the heavier horse should be loaded on the driver's side.
The pony should be led into the trailer if there is a front exit for people. If there is no front exit, the horse should be trained to walk onto the trailer by themselves. The butt guard, partition, and/or door should be closed behind the horse before tying the horse's head up. The horse should be tied with a quick-release knot or attached to a breakable material. The rope should be long enough that they can reach their hay net and balance themselves with their head, but not so long that they can interact with a neighboring horse or turn around. When unloading a pony from a trailer the pony's head must be untied first. Then the butt guard or partition can be released and the pony can back off the trailer.

42. References and Resources
Approved resources for state contests
USPC Manual of Horsemanship: The Basics for Beginners through D Level, by S. E. Harris
USPC Manual of Horsemanship: The Intermediate Horsemanship through C Level, by S. E. Harris
USPC Manual of Horsemanship: The Advanced Horsemanship Through A Level, by S. E. Harris
Any approved resources and references that are used for state contests may be used to aid the 4-Her in studying and preparing for their tests. In addition, the United State's Pony Club manuals contain much of the information covered on the exams. 4-Hers are encouraged to seek the help and knowledge of their 4-H leaders, trainers, and others for information.
Now let's go get tested for Knowledge Level 3