Level 1
What piece of tack does the rider rest their foot on?
The stirrups.
In IHSA shows, how many points are awarded for third place?
Four.
Describe the key characteristics of a bay horse.
How many jumping refusals result in elimination?
Three.
How many strides should a horse get in a line of 60 feet if the jumps are 2'0"? How many for a pony? How many if the jumps are 3'9"?
5, 6, 4.
Describe a two-point position.
Torso leaning forward, seat slightly out of the saddle, hands moved up on the horse's neck, legs stable at the girth.
Name three coat colors a horse may have.
Bay, black, chestnut, grey, etc.
How should double reins be held?
With the snaffle rein between the middle and ring finger and the curb rein between the ring and pinky finger.
Name two types of lead change.
Flying, simple, or skip.
Name a type of intestinal parasite that may infest a horse. Bonus points for each additional parasite named.
Large and small strongyles, roundworms, tapeworms, pinworms, bots, etc.
Name a facial marking. Bonus points for each additional marking named.
Star, stripe, blaze, snip, chin spot, bald face, etc.
Your horse keeps turning his head to look at his stomach, has lost his appetite, and wants to lay down and roll very frequently. What could be the issue and how would you respond?
Colic. Call the vet, pull food from the stall, and walk the horse. Do not allow him to roll.
In IHSA shows, from what level are riders permitted to use spurs?
Novice and up.
Name a leverage bit. Bonus points for each additional bit named.
Pelham, elevator, gag, curb, Kimberwick, etc.
What height can jumps in Intermediate classes not exceed?
3'
When posting on the correct diagonal, which foreleg should be moving forward as the rider rises?
The outside foreleg.
Name a piece of equipment that protects the horse's legs. Bonus points for each additional item named.
Polo wraps, open front boots, bell boots, shipping wraps, splint boots, etc.
Your horse is bucking. How do you resolve this problem and prevent it for the rest of the ride?
Sit straight and tall, pull the horse's head up, add leg and move forward.
Your horse flinches when placing the saddle on his back, does not stand at the mounting block, and moves stiffly through the hind end. What could this be indicative of?
Back pain. Will also accept more specific answers, e.g. bad saddle fit.
What is the term for small white spots that appear on a darker-colored horse (ex. Basil)?
Birdcatcher spots.
Your horse is visibly sweating and very warm to the touch when standing in her pasture on a hot day. What do you do?
Bring the horse inside or under shade, offer water, hose with cool water, place them near a fan.
When cantering on the correct lead, which foreleg should be moving further forward?
The inside foreleg.
Name an artificial aid. Bonus points for each additional aid named.
Crop, spurs, draw reins, bit, etc.
What are the two basic pigments that determine horse coat colors?
Black and red.
You have been tasked with picking a bit for a horse that is nervous, sensitive to the hand, and dislikes pressure on the sides of her jaw. What kind of bit would you pick and why?
No: full cheek, shanked bits, wire, twisted, etc.
Yes: snaffle, French link, keys, rollers, sweet iron, copper, happy mouth, etc.