Maryland 4-H Horsemanship

Standards Riding Level 3

Kristen M. WilsonUniversity of Maryland

Extension Horse Specialist

Rev. 8/16/11

Dr. Amy BurkUniversity of Maryland

Extension Horse Specialist

Prepared by:

Riding Testing Schedule

Horse Management

Horse and Rider Turnout

Tack

Riding

– English – on the flat

– English – over fences

– Western

Horse Management

Discuss precautions for securing a hay bag

Apply protective boots, bell boots,

and discuss their purpose

Demonstrate putting on a blanket

Horse and Rider Turnout

Recognize clean and safe attire and tack with ASTM/SEI approved helmet

Have horse properly groomed Discuss and demonstrate (if

possible) the rules of courtesy that should be followed when riding with others in a ring or on the trail

Rider Turnout

Does Not Meet Expectations

Meets Expectations

Exceeds Expectations

http://www.horseshowsbythebay.com

http://www.wiseways.com/images/bareback.jpg

Rider Safety

Checking Helmet Fit Jumping Vest Optional

Horse Turnout

Does Not Meet Expectations

Meets Expectations

Exceeds Expectations

Riding Rules and Etiquette

Riding alone is discouraged

Enclosed ring preferred One horse length

between horses Passing is done left

shoulder to left shoulder Jumps to be jumped are

called outDeborah Poole “DreamFields.com” http://www.dreamfields.ca/Hymers%20Horse%20Show.gif

Tack

Safe, neat, and properly adjusted tack

Discuss how to recognize proper fit of tack

Tack Fit

Unsafe Tack

http://www.newrider.com/Library/Misc_Tips/tack_safety.html

Check Safety and Fit of Accessories

Saddle pads

Girth

Stirrups and

leathers

Breast plates

Martingales

Gaits Review for Riding Tests

Levels 1 & 2– Walk and Trot/Jog

Levels 3 & 4– Walk, Trot,

Canter/Lope

Leaping and Galloping not included..

English Riding Level 3

RIDING EXPECTATIONS: Throughout the entire testing, candidate

demonstrates a safe, basic balanced position with control at the walk, trot, and canter in both directions.

English Riding Level 3

Demonstrate an increase and decrease of speed at the walk and trot

Ride without stirrups at the walk and trot (sitting)

20 meter circles at walk, rising trot, sitting trot, and canter in both directions

Demonstrate a halt from walk, trot, and canter on a straightaway

USDF Intro. Level Test C (Appendix G) or English Riding Pattern 3 (Appendix C)

English Riding Level 3 Pattern

Western Riding Level 3

RIDING EXPECTATIONS Throughout the entire testing, candidate

demonstrates a safe, basic balanced position with control at the walk, jog, and lope in both directions.

Western Riding Level 3

Same as English except…. Large circles at walk, jog, and lope Pivot the horse’s front end 45

degrees in both directions Riders must complete the Riding

Pattern in Appendix R of Horsemanship Standards manual (candidates may use the dressage test required for English Riding Level 3 (Appendix G) in place of patterns)

Western Riding Level 3 Pattern

English Jumping Level 3

Must perform same skills as

those in Riding Levels, and in

addition:

Trot over ground poles

followed by a crossrail

Jump a course consisting of 5-

7 obstacles (verticals and/or

cross-rails)

English Jumping Level 3

JUMPING RIDING EXPECTATIONS: Throughout the entire jumping section,

candidate maintains a secure base of support, while developing balance and a steady position over fences.

Jumping Position

Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

Jumping Exercise

Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

Ground Pole Placement

Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

Grid Examples

12 ft 6 ft 12 ft 6 ft6 ft

12 ft 6 ft 12 ft6 ft6 ft 6 ft 12 ft 6 ft

Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

SampleCourse

Susan E. Harris, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship

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