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Stuff Every Horse Scout Should Know: the Study Guide

Practice facts for the Horsemanship merit badge. Not an official Scouting America credential. Grab a snack: this guide is the friendly version, with the answers explained and a groan-worthy joke waiting at the end of most cards.

Knowing Horse Scout saves you money, time and the occasional embarrassment.

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Chapter 1: Choosing a Pet

What is dressage in equestrian sport?

Short answer: Progressive training for obedience and impulsion

Dressage trains the horse progressively for impulsion, collection, and obedience.

Groan of the day: Dressage is a dress rehearsal for obedience

Sources: Equestrianism

What is show jumping judged on?

Short answer: Jumping obstacles in order with few faults

Show jumping is a timed event judged on clearing obstacles in order with few refusals or knockdowns.

Groan of the day: Jump to conclusions carefully

Sources: Equestrianism

What is a halter class judged on?

Short answer: The horse's conformation while led on the ground

Halter or in-hand classes judge the horse led by a handler on the ground on conformation and suitability.

Groan of the day: Halter your expectations for a win

Sources: Equestrianism

What is combined driving?

Short answer: Arena dressage, a cross-country marathon, and a cones course

Combined driving includes an arena dressage class, a cross-country marathon, and a stadium or cones obstacle course.

Groan of the day: Drive the point home

Sources: Equestrianism

What does a horse's bit do?

Short answer: It helps the rider communicate through the reins

A bit sits in the horse's mouth and helps the rider communicate through the reins, as seen in bridles.

Groan of the day: Bit by bit, learn the bridle

Sources: Equestrianism

What does a currycomb do when grooming a horse?

Short answer: It loosens dirt and hair and stimulates the skin

A currycomb is usually the first grooming tool used. It loosens dirt and hair and stimulates the skin to produce natural oils.

Groan of the day: That currycomb really knows how to curry favor with a horse.

Sources: Horse grooming

What does hoof dressing help a horse's hooves do?

Short answer: Improve moisture content and prevent cracks

Hoof dressing is a liquid used to improve hoof moisture content, which helps prevent cracks, lost shoes, and tender feet.

Groan of the day: Hoof dressing is a real moisturizer for a dry sole.

Sources: Horse grooming

Why might a horse be body clipped in winter?

Short answer: To keep it comfortable during work and help it cool down faster

Body clipping removes the winter coat to keep the horse more comfortable during work and help it cool down faster.

Groan of the day: A body clip is a real cool move for a working horse.

Sources: Horse grooming

Why might a horse's mane be roached or hogged?

Short answer: To keep it out of the rider's way and prevent tangling

Roaching shaves the mane off, commonly seen in polo ponies and roping horses to keep the mane out of the rider's way.

Groan of the day: A roached mane is a real close shave.

Sources: Horse grooming

What does banging a horse's tail involve?

Short answer: Cutting the bottom of the tail straight

Banging the tail involves cutting the bottom of the tail straight, usually well below the hocks in modern competition.

Groan of the day: Banging a tail is a real blunt instrument.

Sources: Horse grooming

What does a bot knife remove from a horse?

Short answer: Botfly eggs from the legs or shoulder

A bot knife removes botfly eggs, which are usually laid on the legs or shoulder and are yellow and about the size of a grain of sand.

Groan of the day: A bot knife is a real egg-cellent grooming tool.

Sources: Horse grooming

What are the bars of a horse's hoof?

Short answer: Inward folds of the wall originating from the heels

Bars are the inward folds of the wall, originating from the heels at an abrupt angle.

Groan of the day: The bars are a real fold in the plan.

Sources: Horse hoof

What does the digital cushion beneath the hoof provide?

Short answer: Cushioning protection for tendons, joints, and bones

The digital cushion separates the frog and bulb from underlying tendons, joints, and bones, providing cushioning protection.

Groan of the day: The digital cushion is a real soft spot in a good way.

Sources: Horse hoof

The cheat sheet

The whole guide on one screen. Screenshot it, print it, stick it on the fridge.

  • Letting a horse know you are near helps prevent startling it, since horses can react quickly when frightened.
  • Hay, straw, and bedding are dry fuels that can catch fire quickly, so barn fire precautions matter.
  • The mane grows along the neck and helps shield the skin and can help with insects.
  • Shetland ponies are small, sturdy ponies commonly used for children and light work.
  • Conformation is the physical shape and arrangement of a horse's body parts, which affects how it moves and stays sound.
  • Hoof care matters, and shoes can protect hooves from wear and provide support on hard surfaces.
  • Standing safely to the side and cleaning carefully helps avoid injury while grooming and picking hooves.
  • A horse's energy needs rise with activity, so feed amount and type are adjusted to match work and breed.
  • Stirrups support the rider's feet and help with balance and security while riding.
  • Cleaning leather and keeping it dry and conditioned helps it last and stay safe to use.
  • Leading from the side helps you stay out of the horse's path and avoid being stepped on or bumped.
  • A secure tie with a quick-release knot lets you free the horse quickly if needed and avoids injury.

Pop quiz

Think of your answer first, then peek.

  1. What should you do before handling a horse to help keep both of you safe?
    • Approach quietly and let the horse know you are there
    • Run toward the horse waving your arms
    • Stand directly behind the horse
    Show the answer

    Approach quietly and let the horse know you are there. Letting a horse know you are near helps prevent startling it, since horses can react quickly when frightened.

  2. When leading a horse from a stall, where should you stand?
    • Under the horse's neck
    • To the side, not directly in front
    • Directly behind the horse
    Show the answer

    To the side, not directly in front. Leading from the side helps you stay out of the horse's path and avoid being stepped on or bumped.

  3. What is the most common cause of horse-related injury?
    • Being bitten by a saddle
    • Touching a hoof
    • Falling from the horse
    Show the answer

    Falling from the horse. Most horse-related injuries result from falling from a horse, which causes 60 to 80 percent of reported injuries.

  4. How often do horse hooves need to be trimmed?
    • Every four to ten weeks
    • Once a year
    • Only when the horse is shod
    Show the answer

    Every four to ten weeks. Hooves need trimming every four to ten weeks. Otherwise they grow too long and cause discomfort.

  5. Why might a horse be body clipped in winter?
    • To help it sleep better
    • To keep it comfortable during work and help it cool down faster
    • To make its coat grow back thicker
    Show the answer

    To keep it comfortable during work and help it cool down faster. Body clipping removes the winter coat to keep the horse more comfortable during work and help it cool down faster.

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