Colors/Breeds
True or False: a pony is a baby horse
A pony is a miniature horse
Why is it important to groom a horse before putting a saddle on?
So that they don't get saddle sores when dirt rubs them funny under the saddle
What is the "frog" of a horse and where is it found?
The frog is the heart of the hoof and pushes blood from the legs back up to the horse's heart when the horse walks.
Using the 3 Ss how should we approach a horse?
Space: is the area safe for both you and the horse?
Speed: Walk calmly; don't sneak or run around
Sound: Talk calmly; don't yell or scream
What does it mean when a horse is "Barefoot"?
They don't have horse shoes
What is the most common horse breed found in America?
The American Quarter Horse
List 3 tools we use to groom our horses and describe what they do.
1. Metal curry - take off caked on mud
2. rubber curry - brings dirt under their coat to the surface
3. hard brush - sweeps dirt off the body
4. soft brush - sweeps lighter dirt off & gives shinny finish to coat
5. hoof pick - clean out horse feet
What are the withers?
The prominent bone that connects their shoulder to their neck; where the saddle rests
Where are the 3 blind spots on a horse?
Front, Behind, Underneath
What does it mean when a horse is "broke" to ride vs "green" to ride?
Broke = well trained
Green = newly trained & still learning
What is the difference between a pinto and a paint?
Pinto = any horse with more than 1 color on their body; colors
Paint = American Quarter horse with more than 1 color on their body; colors + breed
List at least 3 basic needs
- Food
- Water
- Shelter
- Exercise
- Companionship
Where would you find the forelock of the horse?
The long thick hair at the top of their head that runs down their face between their ears & eyes
What type of knot do we use to tie our horses in case of emergencies?
Quick-release knot
What does it mean when a horse is "Lame"
Lameness is a TEMPORARY condition in which the horse is unable to move properly; typically caused by pain.
What is a "grade" horse
A grade horse is a horse mutt; one who has so much cross breading it is nearly impossible to determine which breed it belongs to
What is a TPR check and why is it important?
Bonus* What are the normal ranges?
Temperature (98-101),
Pulse (28-48 bpm),
Respiration (8-12 bpm)
Can be taken to check if the horse is healthy or experiencing abnormalities.
What is a chestnut?
Hardened skin on the inside of their legs at the knee joint
True or False: You should wrap the lead rope around your hand so that the horse can't just walk away from you.
FALSE! NEVER parentally attach yourself to a horse.
In an emergency situation, you do not want the horse to spook and drag you along
What does it mean when a horse is "Unsound"
Unsoundness is a broad term encompassing chronic health problems, to describe a horse with long-term issues preventing them from moving properly
Define a draft horse and name 2 examples from our barn
Draft horses are built taller, stronger because they were bread for work like pulling carriages.
Examples: Sarge, Benny, Toby, Moe, Rooster, Ella, Madonna, Moonie, Skywalker, Jonny, Sparky, & Hawk
Define what Colic is in a horse and list 4 big signs/symptoms
Colic is an upset stomach in a horse
- pawing
- looking back at the flank region
- repeatedly kicking at belly
- abnormal lying down & rolling
- sweating
- stretching out stomach
- loss of appetite
- decreased number of bowel movements
Where is the tickle spot on a horse and why does it tickle them?
Their flank, hip area on either side; the hair grows up and out instead of down.
What are 3 things you can do to practice safety when riding a horse?
1. Look up & plan where you are going
2. Pay attention to obstacles & your horse
3. Be mindful of where everyone else is
What is the "Conformation" of a horse
Conformation refers to the ideal shape/structure of a horse, and how it impacts a horse's athletic ability.