Horse Manual
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
Original Compiled by Dr. Revision Compiled by Ann M. Swinker Extension Connie Cecil Equine Specialist 4-H Curriculum Specialist Colorado State University Extension Colorado State University Extension Acknowledgments: This revised 2018edition of the Colorado 4-H Horse Project has involved many contributors. Members of the Colorado State University Extension Horse Advisory Committee collected and revised information for use in this manual. Agents who represented their districts on this committee: Dr. Ragan Adams DVM, CSU Colorado Veterinary Extension Specialist Diane Kern Jodie Martin-Witt Scott Stinnett Jenny Leonetti Tom Sharpe Jonathan Vrabec The original Project contributors who did not participate in this revision also deserve acknowledgment for the portions of their work that have been preserved: Nicolette Ahrens Kurt Jones Al Meier Lori Rodcay Sharon Bokan Brett Kirch Kathryn Milne Bobbie Skelton Brenda Brown Gary Lancaster Bill Nobles Gary Small Russ Brown Christianne Magee Vern Nutter Jim Smith Bernie Elliott Billie Malchow Kipp Nye Dr. Kelcey Swyers Mendy Gonzales Ernie Marx Dean Oatman Dessa Watson Karen Hansen Robert Mathis Donna Pattee Tiare Wells Deb Hindi Angela Mannick Diana Quintana Todd Yeager Larry Hooker Dave McManus Janice Roberts Jodi Zeier Mark Horney Carol McNeal We wish to thank Bill Culbertson, Extension Horse Specialist Emeritus, for his contribution to the content and artwork in this manual and give him special acknowledgement. Edited by Sharon Gale, Colorado State University. Layout and design by Karen Cagle, 4-H Youth Development Program. Editorial assistance by Christina Berryman and Dr. Paul Siciliano, Animal Sciences, Colorado State University. Horse Ration Analysis worksheets by Christopher Fox. Diagrams from National4-H Horse Program. Breed Illustrations from Ideal Breeds; HHSA, AQHA, IAHA, APHA, AHC, AMHA. We wish to acknowledge the American Youth Council for granting us permission to use parts of the horse safety information in Section 2. Permission to reproduce publication Requests for permission to reproduce any part(s) or all of this Colorado 4-H Youth Development publication should be directed to 4-H Publications Liaison, State 4-H Office, Campus Delivery 4040, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-4040. Disclaimer The content and recommendations found in this manual are based on average horse industry standards at the time of printing and, under certain conditions, these recommendations may be under or overstated. Under certain conditions, professional help may be required; when in doubt, consult your veterinarian, county agent, or horse industry professional. Terminology that is gender specific, such as horseman or cowboy, reflect common usage in the industry. No discrimination is intended. Issued in furtherance of Extension work. Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Lou Swanson, Director of Extension, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado. Extension programs are available to all, without discrimination. To simplify technical terminology, trade names for products and equipment will occasionally be used. No endorsement of products named is intended nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned. 10/07, 11/13, 10/18 TABLE OF CONTENTS THE 4-H HORSE PROJECT............................................................................................. 1 THE HORSE Breeds………….………………………….……………….…………………………………….. 3 Colors and Markings…………………………………………………………………………… 9 Parts of the Horse …….…………………………………………………………….…………. 12 Teeth & Age ………………….…………………………………………………………………. 13 Buying the Right Horse……………………………………………………………………….. 15 CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HORSE Basic Handling & Safety………………………………………………………………………. 17 Grooming………………………………………………………………………………………… 29 Housing & Fencing…………………………………………………………………………….. 33 Reducing the Risk of Barn Fires……………………………………………………………. 36 Feeding & Nutrition……………………………………………………………………………. 38 Pasture Management………………………………………………………………………….. 54 Reproduction……………………………………………………………………………………. 59 Preparing for Disasters Involving Horses…………………………………………………. 63 Brand and Health Inspection Tips for Equine Transportation………………...………. 66 YOUR HORSE’S HEALTH Conformation, Movement & Soundness…………………………………………………… 68 General Health………………………………………………………………………………….. 73 Health Problems & Diseases…………………………………………………………………. 77 Parasites…………………………………………………………………………………………. 89 RIDING, SHOWING & JUDGING Intro to Training………………………………………………………………………………… 96 Showmanship…………………………………………………………………………………… 98 Western Tack & Equipment ………………………………………………………………….. 104 English Tack & Equipment …………………………………………………………………… 107 Saddling & Bridling…………………………………………………………………………….. 111 Basic Western Horsemanship……………………………………………………………….. 114 Basic English Equitation……………………………………………………………………… 117 Riding Aids, Gaits and Lateral Work……………………………………………………….. 118 English Discipline……………………………………………………………………………… 130 Ranch Horse Discipline………………………………………………………………………. 132 Horse Judging………………………………………………………………………………….. 140 COLORADO 4-H ADVANCEMENT LEVELS PROGRAM The Levels Program…………………………………………………………………………………….. 142 Written Tests……………………………………………………………………………………. 145 Riding Tests…………………………………………………………………………………….. 146 Appendix I: Terms and Definitions………………………………………………………. 147 Appendix II: Breed Associations………………………………………………………….. 153 Appendix III: Balance our Horse’s Feed………………………………………………….. 157 WHAT IS THE 4-H PROJECT? The purpose of the 4-H Horse Project is to help you learn how to properly care for and enjoy your horse while developing Life Skills. Through the 4-H Horse Project, you can increase your knowledge and improve your horsemanship skills by learning basic safety and handling principles. As a member in the 4-H Horse Project, you will learn about your own horse, other horse breeds, safety, body colors and markings as well as health and care. You will also learn about facilities, grooming, training, judging, equipment, saddling and bridling, basic horsemanship and showing techniques. A good horsewoman or horseman can self-train, in addition to training horses. You will develop respect for your horse, responsibility in caring for your horse and discipline in the way you handle horses. You will also develop patience in training, neatness in your own and your horse's appearance and pride in yourself. You can participate in several activities through the 4-H Horse Project, including: western and English riding, horse safety, horse judging, horse bowl, horse demonstration, horse public speaking, hippology, Competitive Trail Riding and Ranch Horse Versatility, riding for the disabled and for members without a horse, the horseless horse project is available. Once enrolled in the horse project, you can choose any or all these options. Basic Requirements of the 4-H Horse Program The member must: • Own or lease one or more horses (light horse, pony, draft donkey or mule); see lease agreement details in the Colorado 4-H Rule Book. Horses must be identified with the State 4-H Horse Identification Sheet by May 1st of the current year. • Feed, care for, groom, exercise and assume the responsibilities for your horse when possible. • Keep accurate records and note project progress in the 4-H Horse Project Record Books for horses that you have identified with a horse project ID form. • Exhibit or participate with your 4-H Horse Project horses during the 4-H year. • It is recommended that you give a Demonstration or Speech, or participate in Horse Judging, Horse Bowl, Hippology or other 4-H activities (at least at the club level). These activities are NOT limited to members owning horses or members enrolled in the horse project any 4-H member may participate. *These rules do not apply to the Horseless Horse Project. Being a top horseman or horsewoman requires learning all you can about horses and setting and achieving goals for you and your horse. With humane training methods, a well-trained horse will respond to your wishes and give you its best. 1 Additional information is available to 4-H Horse Project members and leaders from the Colorado State University Extension Office or your county Extension office. The State 4-H website http://www.colorado4h.org/ also provides information. Available literature includes Colorado 4-H Horse Show Rule Book, 4-H Horse Project E-record Book, as well as others please check with your local Extension office for a complete listing of publications and an order form. Other suggested publications and books: • The Horse, by J. W. Evans, A. Borton, H. Hintz, and L. D. Van Vleck, Second Edition, Freeman Company, New York. • Feeding and Care of the Horse, Lon Lewis, Second Edition, Williams & Wilkins, Media, PA. • Horse Industry Handbook, American Youth Horse Council, Louisville, KY. Humane Policy Statement for 4-H Horse Project It is the responsibility of every 4-H member to ensure that proper care is taken of their horse according to acceptable methods of good equine husbandry, as set forth by Colorado State University Extension and the Colorado Department of Agriculture. A healthy horse requires sufficient food, water, shelter and correct health care. Cruel and inhumane training methods are not appropriate in the Colorado State Extension 4-H Horse Program. Specific equine husbandry guidelines and humane training methods are provided in this Colorado 4-H Horse Project Manual. Protective Headgear Policy A certified equestrian helmet with safety harness fastened in place is required in all activities and practice sessions