Safety
A horse's two main blind spots are where
Directly in front of their nose and directly behind their tail.
What color is a horse with a reddish-brown body and a black mane, tail, and lower legs?
Bay
What piece of tack holds the saddle securely on the horse?
Cinch in western, Girth in english
What is a horse’s primary, most important food source?
In pole bending, how many poles are in a straight line?
6 poles
What is the rule for passing another rider in the arena
Pass left-shoulder-to-left-shoulder, or say outside or inside
What white face marking is a narrow strip of white running down the bridge of a horse's nose?
A Stripe or Strip
Name the two main parts of a bridle that go into or around the horse's mouth.
The bit and the curb strap/chain.
What severe digestive pain in horses requires immediate attention from a vet?
Colic
What does the word Gymkhana mean in 4-H, and what are three common speed events included in a Gymkhana show?
Gymkhana refers to timed speed and pattern events on horseback. Three common events are Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, and Keyhole (or Goat Tying/Flag Race).
Name the type of knot you must use when tying a horse to a fence or hitching point
A Quick Release Knot
What leg marking extends from the hoof up to the knee or hock?
A Stocking (a shorter one is a sock!)
What is the metal or leather loop on a Western saddle that you put your foot in called?
A Stirrup
Name some common plants that are poisonous to horses.
Alsike clover, nightshade, hemlock, chokecherry, or buttercup.
What is the exact sequence of turns in a standard barrel racing pattern (starting left or right), and where is the "pocket" located?
Right-Left-Left (or Left-Right-Right). The "pocket" is the 5 to 10-foot cushion of space left between the horse and the barrel upon approach to allow room for a smooth, tight turn without knocking it over.
How do you test if you helmet fits correctly before buckling chin strap?
The "Shake Test" — bend forward with the strap unbuckled; the helmet should stay on your head without slipping
What is the difference between a Dun and a Buckskin horse?
A Dun has a dorsal stripe down its back (and zebra stripes on legs); a Buckskin does not have a dorsal stripe.
What is the purpose of a breast collar on a rodeo or performance horse?
To keep the saddle from sliding backward during fast acceleration or turning.
What are the three normal vital signs checked in an equine health exam (often called TPR)?
Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration.
What is the time penalty in 4-H gymkhana for knocking over a barrel or pole?
A 5-second penalty added to your total time.
What is the proper procedure for safely executing an emergency dismount if your horse gets out of control?
Drop both reins/stirrups, lean forward over the neck, kick feet clear of stirrups, and swing your legs back and off to push away from the horse.
What is the difference between a Chestnut (or Sorrel) and a Bay horse, and what color is a Chestnut's mane and tail?
A Bay has black point markings (black mane, tail, and lower legs), while a Chestnut/Sorrel has no black points—its mane, tail, and legs are the same reddish-brown color as its body
Name the three main bit classifications and explain how leverage differs between a snaffle and a curb bit.
Snaffle, Curb, and Hackamore (bitless). A snaffle works on direct pressure (1:1 ratio), while a curb bit uses shanks to create leverage pressure on the poll, chin, and mouth.
What should you always make sure a horse does BEFORE feeding them grain after a hard riding session, and why?
Let them cool down completely and drink water. Feeding grain to a hot, sweaty horse can cause colic or founder (laminitis).
What does it mean to "rate" your horse before a barrel or pole turn?
To slow down, sit back, and shift the horse's weight to its hindquarters right before starting the turn.