Horse Activities

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DOCUMENT CO L L E CT ION o GO N Cfli YCTION Horse Activities

Di CA p962 Club Series H-31 Cooperative Extension Service Oregon State University, Corvallis

CooperativeExtensionworkinAgricultureand Home Economics, F.E.Price,director. Oregon State University, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the State Department ofEducation cooperating. . Printed and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. .

CONTENTS

Page

4-H Horse Showmanship Guide ...... 3

4-H Horsemanship Guide ...... 6

4-H Horsemanship and Horse Training ...... 9

Special Activities ...... 15

Appendix ...... 22

Glossary ...... 23

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This 4-H horse activities bulletin combines informationon ñtting, showing, horsemanship, and horse training. In addition, special events and activities for 4-H club members are described. These activities include trail rides, tours, horse judging, demonstrations, drills, and square dances.

This publication was compiled by T. 0. Larson, OSU County Extension Agent. B. L. Potter, professor emeritus of agriculturaleco- nomics and well known Oregon horseman, contributed the sectionon horsemanship and horse training. A. W. Oliver, Paul Rutland, Ward Wells, Bob Adams, Ted Riches, Erma Weir, and the State 4-H Saddle Horse Advisory CommitteeLes Marks, Norbert Vandehey, Robert H. Stevely, and Dean Frischnechtall assisted in planning and devel- oping the horsemanship project. Illustrations are by thauthor and Mrs. Priscilla Wise. 4-H Horse ShowmanshipGuide

. Showing at Halter In a 4-H contest you must show Showing Your Horse your own horse. You must also do the Showmanship contests are fun andtraining and grooming yourself. You Be ready when your class is called are excellent training for you and yourmay have your horse shod by a profes-and enter the show ring promptly. horse. In a showmanship contest yousional horse shoer or you may haveIf show ring numbers are provided, are judged on your appearance, howassistance with trimming his feet. Ifmake sure you wear yours as directed you have groomed and trained youryou are under 13 years old you mayby the show manager. horse, and your ability to show yourhave someone help you clip or trim horse. The size and shape of youryour horse's fetlocks, mane, or other horse are not considered; only thoseparts that may need trimming. things you can do to improve his ap- Showmanship classes are usually de- pearance and handling are judged. termined by the age (year of birth) The purpose of 4-H showmanshipof the club member. Make sure you isto teach boys and girls courtesy, get into the right class. good grooming, poise, confidence, arid how to fit, train, and handle animals. A score card is used and the items Preparing for a Contest scored are given below. To prepare for a showmanship contest you and your horse must practice together a few minutes each day. Your club may want to hold a practice con- Basis for Scoring test before the show. Always lead from the left side of Club member your horse and walk forward. Hold CLUB MEMBER The club member should be neat,the lead about 6 to 18 inches from the Clean, neat, courteous, attentive, clean, poised, well groomed, courteous,halter with your right hand and carry confident ...... 25 prompt, alert, and attentive. the loose end folded in your left hand. Do not coil the rope around your hand. The horse ANIMAL AND EQUIPMENT The club member's horse should be Clean, good condition, feet prop- clean and well groomed. His feet should erly trimmed or shod, well be trimmed or properly shod. His fet- groomed, halter clean and ad- locks and mane may be trimmed. Con- justed to fit,gentle and well formation of the horse is not con- trained...... 25 sidered. Stallions may not be shown in 4-H contests. The horse to be shown should be SHOWING well mannered and trained to show Ability to show animal to good at halter. If a contestant cannot con- advantage, to lead, or to pose trol his horse, he will be asked to leave and handle animal as directed the show ring. by the judge ...... 50 Equipment 100 Your horse should be shown with a horse halter. (Bridles or hackamores can not be used.) The halter may In a showmanship contest you canbe of leather or rope. It should be lose points by being late, jerking orclean, sturdy, and adjusted to fit your striking your animal, crowding otherhorse. animals, getting out of line, not paying The lead strap or rope must be attention, being unable to control yourfastened to the lead ring of the halter. If you are older and stronger, you animal, letting him go to sleep, lettingIt may not be used as a cinch undercan fold the lead in your right hand him get out of position, or by over-the horse's chin. The lead should beand lead with one hand; but don't showingattracting attention to your-5 to 7 feet long. No whips or othertake chances on letting your horse get self rather than to your horse. equipment are allowed. away from you. Your horse should walk with his head at arm's length to the right of your right shoulder, ear to ear with you. Lead around the ring in a counter- r clockwise direction with your horse L on the outside. This will enable you to see the judge, and the horse cannot crowd you against the wall or fence. Keep your distance; do not crowd the horse ahead of you; and do not lag back. When you are asked to line up (the horse on the right end of the line should be placed first) place your horse in line with those to your right. Make a straight line. Do not crowd the horse next to you. Leave 6 to 8 feet between horses if possible. Do not use your feet to place your horse's feet. Train your horse to stand squarely with his weight on all four feet and with his head up. You should stand facing your horse while you are showing. In fact, it is felt that you are in the best possible position to know your horse is posed while standing in this manner. This is illustrated by the left and center exhibitors in the drawing above. You still can keep your eye on the judge and know where he is at all times.

When your horse is in place, step back a foot or so holding the lead about 2 feet from the halter. Do not I let him go to sleep, but do not throw ,' shavings or wave your hat or do any- / thing that will attract attention to you ( rather than to your horse. Keep an eye on the judge but do not let your horse get out of position.If your horse steps out of line, get him back 4. To place your horse's feet, take theinto position quickly. lead in your left hand and face your If the judge asks you to move your horse; then pull his head to the righthorse to another position in the line, or left and forward or back and youback him out quietly and lead him into can get him to move any foot in anyline in the new position. If you must direction. If necessary, you may presslead in close to another horse, speak on his shoulder with your right hand.to him first. If another horse is being If you want to stand alongside your ledin beside yours, speak to your horse and face the front you may, horse so he won't be surprised. but it is felt that facing your horse Always move quietly but promptly is best. When you stand alongside yourand with as little commotion as pos- horse while showing, you are in asible. Talk to your horse if you wish, z.. poor position to see him at all times.but not loudly. You may teach him to Some times you may find him asleepwalk, trot, back, and stand by voice cq or standing cock-ankled. command. II, II When stepping aside so the judge Be ready when you are asked to can see your horse, never go aroundlead out for an individual performance. to the right side. It is permissible toLead up to the judge at a brisk walk, Good Poor go in front of your horse. Then youturn your horse so he faces directly Show- Show. can step back to the left side and beaway from the judge, then stop and man- man- in position to keep your horse properlystand him about 10 feet from the ship ship posed at all times. judge. Lead straightaway at a brisk .

4 walk. Your horse should walk with your horse going straight away and his head at arm's length to the right straight toward the judge so that he of your right shoulder, ear to ear with can see the action rather than your you. Look forward, not back at your position alongside. Doing both cor- When you reach the turning rectly is ideal. .horse.point, stop your horse and turn to the right by walking around him; then lead him straight back to the judge. Stop about 10 feet from him. If he asks you to trot, turn in the same manner to the right; then lead out at a brisk trot.Stop, turn, and return to the judge. Sometimes the judge may ask you to walk out and trot back. Pay attention and be ready to do as he asks. The above club member illustrates poor position in showmanship. Walk- ing in front of the horse hides his foot action. The lead rope is held in a very sloppy manner. In trotting as in walking your horse try to keep an ear to ear position. It is more important, however, to keep When asked to back your horse, take the lead in your left hand and back him in a straight line for about two lengths. Then lead him forward to the judge. Many horses do not back well.Itis important that you train your horse to back gracefully. You are being judged all of the The club member shown above il- time you are in the show ring. Keep lustrates good position in showman- showing your horse until you are ex- ship when leading a horse. Note the cused from the ring and be a good rope lead neatly folded in his left hand. sportwin or lose.

. 4-H Horsemanship Guide

In a 4-H horsemanship contest you Seat and Hands . must ride your own 4-H horse. Some shows will require that you have your You should sit the saddle easily and horse at least 90 days before the show.be relaxed. Your posture should be You must do the training and groom- erect but with your body comfortable ing yourself. and flexible. Good balance and grip Classes are usually determined by theare important in enjoying good horse- age(yearofbirth)oftheclub manship. member. Either western or English equipment is acceptable. Western and Eng- lish riders may be judged together or separately. Good horsemanship is very much the same regardless of the type of equipment used. You must be able to control your horse. If you cannot, the judge may excuse you from the ring. Stallions may not be ridden in a 4-H horsemanship contest. Stirrups should be short enough to allow your heels to be lower than your toes. Your heels should be tucked in Basis for Scoring close to the horse's body with your Clothing and equipment 15 points toes pointed slightly out. When your Seat and hands ------35 points legs hang free, the bottom of the stir- Performance ------50 points rups should be just below your ankles.

Clothing and Equipment Your horse should be obedient to Western classes your commands. Movements of the Type of clothing is optional, but you horse are governed by reining,leg must be neat and clean. Boots are pressure, shifting your weight in the desirable as a safety feature, but are saddle, and voice commands. not required. Spurs are also desirable but are not required. Hats and chaps are optional. Stock saddles must be used. Types of bits and reins are optional. Hacka- mores and hackamore bits are acceptable. Lariats and hobbles need not be carried. Tie downs, running martin- gales, and draw reins are not allowed. Use a plain leather curb strapno chain or other metal in curb straps will be allowed in western classes. English classes Your dress is optional but should conform to the class. Spurs are desirable, but not required. Hats may be worn. English or flat saddles must be used. Note the complete balance of the Types of bridles, bits, and reins arerider shown above as he sits astride Western classes optional.English-type bridleshouldhis horse. This is important in any Only one hand is used on the reins. have four reins, or if you use plainor all of the riding events one may beItshouldbe above and nearthe snafflebit, two reins may be used.engaged in. pommel.

6 In 4-H classes, the reins may be Both hands are used on the reins. divided with one or more fingers. The method of holding the reins is American horse show rules do not optional. Do not pull hard on the allow the dividing of reins, so you horse's mouth. want to learn to hold your reins .maytogether. Keep your free hand off the saddle. It must be remembered that a good horseman learns to use a light hand; thus his horse usually has a light mouth. the thumb and forefinger in a much more secure fashion. A 4-H member is allowed to separate the reins with one or two fingers if he thinks this will help him get better control. In this way your fingers work for you to cushion shock if the horse should jerk suddenly. Your wrist is flexible and therefore when you depress it to signal to the horse that you want him to slow down or stop he will naturally keep his head low which is a sign of good hands and good horsemanship.

Performance A grip where the reins enter the top part of the hand and come out the The main consideration in a 4-H bottom is not considered the best, for horsemanship contest is your ability to several reasons. You do not have the have your horse perform the usual ring best grip on the reins, and you can routine and any additional movements lose them if your horse throws his the judge may request. head.

Western classes Enter the ring at a relaxed, ground- covering walk. Jog (not too slowly), lope, and reverse as the ringmaster directs. Always drop to a walk when reversing. When you are reversing Sit the saddle at a jog and lope. Youyou usually turn in toward the center may post at a fast trot. Work yourof the ring; however, if your horse horse on a reasonably loose rein, butworks better turning to the outside, be sure to have contact with his mouththis is permissible. at all times. Line up as directed. Be alert. Keep your horse posed and looking his best at all times. Your horse should stand English classes quietly. You should post at the trot. When posting on a turn, you should be in the Do one to three figure 8's at a lope as saddle as your horse's right shoulderdirected. Keep your horse on the cor- The wrist is stiff and you have ais back. Then you will be riding on therect lead. 4-H'ers under 15 may use tendency to raise the hand when ap-outside diagonal. You change diagonalsthe interrupted change of lead (slow plying pressure, thus asking your horsewhen your horse turns the other wayto a walk for one or two steps). Mem- to raise his head. by sitting for one extra beat and risingbers over 15 should be able to make If you hold the reins as in the draw- on the other diagonal. Always dropthe flying change. Intermediate and ing illustrating the reins coming indown toa walk before making asenior riders may be asked to make from the bottom of the hand and outchange of gait when riding Englishthe flying change of lead. Juniors may the top, they are held more firmly with style. use the interrupted change.

7 English classes The rulesarethe same asfor iiY western classes but with the following S., exceptions: !.. I Always post at the trot. I 1 : &

Trot the figure 8 posting on the I correct diagonal. Canter the figure 8 using the inter- C 4 rupted change of lead.

Make a broad figure 8 as it helps j'4 your horse change leads as the direction is changed. -I Ride up to the judge, stop, and stand quietly. Back two lengths and return to the judge. Do not drag your horse back General Rules with the reins. You should have taught him to back with rein, voice, leg, and In a horsemanship contest, you may weight aids. lose points for jerking, striking, or Dismount and mount. Turn your abusing your horse; being unable to horse so the judge can see what you control your horse;crowding other are doing. Your horse should stand horses; having dirty clothes or equip- quietly until you are in the saddle. Do ment; using unsafe or improperly ad- not grasp the cantle with your right justedequipment;usingimproper hand when mounting. If your horse language; failing to follow the judge's should jump away from you, you or ringmaster's directions; not paying might have difficulty getting your leg attention; or allowing your horse to over your arm. go to sleep. Older members may be asked to You are being judged all of the time Older members may be asked tochange leads on a straightaway oryou are in the show ring. Keep your change leads on a straightaway, startstart on either lead, and in close plac-horse under control and looking his on either lead, stop from a lope, orings may be asked to two track rightbest until you leave the ring. Be a make a fast turn right or left. or left or side step right or left. good sport regardless of your placing.

. 4-H Horsemanshipand Horse Training

Horsemanship and horse training Thisisespecially true in changing are very much oneand the same. What from Englishto western or from a horse does isthe combined result western to English equipment. The fit of the skill of the rider and ofthe of the saddle is important. A saddle previous training of the horse. A green that fits one rider may not fit another, rider can do very little even with a regardless of type. Fit isespecially well-trained horse. The skillful rider important with western saddles since does not expect much from a green the seats are hard and unyielding. horse. In professional riding schools,riders are first taught thehandling of well- trained horses, but most of us have to Riding Aids train ourselves and our horse atthe same time. Horses are managed by reins, legs, and weight. By "legs" is meant any This bulletin presents some funda- leg movement from the slightest pres- mentals of horsemanship. Horseman- sure with the calf of the leg to a sharp ship, means getting the horse todo dig with the spurs. just what the rider wishes at all times with the least possible effort onthe The figure above indicates too long part of the rider and his horse. a stirrup; therefore, the rider does not have total contact. The figure below is down in the saddle and has contact with the horse with the proper leg areas. Riding Styles and Equipment

. There are various "styles" of riding western, English, army, etc. Catalogs and stores are full of equipment of every possible variety. The equipment that is necessary for a 4-H saddle horse projectincludes some sort of bridle or hackamore to which the reins are attached, a saddle that is comfortable to both horse and rider, and a saddle blanket. A pair of spurs is often desirable. The horse does not care whether the riderwearsjodhpursorlevisor whether the saddle is western or Eng- lish. These items are a matter of per- Leg aids are made by moving your sonal preference. For good control of leg from the knee only. This way your the horse, the less leather between the upper leg has contact with the horse rider and the horse, the better. A at all times. heavy stiff saddle may be a handicap Reins, legs, and weight together are to a young rider. know as "aids." With a green horse, The fundamentals of horse control aids are used with such vigor that are the same regardless of the style The rider who is accustomed to onethe horse is more or less forced to of riding or equipment. If the ridertype of equipment may feel quite un-do what is wished. Excess pressure on has full control over the horse at allcomfortable when he tries somethingthe whole leg is necessary to teach the and at all gaits and all speeds,different. Yet in a few hours, he mayhorse to respond. As horse and rider the hOrse will do everything that isfeel entirely at home with equipmentbecome more accustomed to working timesphysically possible for a horse to do.which he thought impossible at first.together, the aids are applied with less and less force until eventually they Important Rules This method is regarded very highly by becomemeresignalsandalmost most good horsemen. unnoticeable. It is usually impossible to force a The western way of doing the same horse to do very much but he usuallything is to break the colt with a hacka- can be forced to do a little. Forcingmore;then ride with both bit and may be by actual power or by puttinghackamore for several weeks. During ehessa position where resist-this time the bit may be gradually brought into use, but the hackamore This leads to two very vital rules inis used for all necessary "rough stuff." horse training. First, never ask a horse After the horse has developed a to do anything new until you are in agood mouth, the hackamore may be position to see that he does it, anddiscontinued. A good mouth is one never give in until he does. Second,that is responsive to thelightesttouch when a horse has been induced to dobut yet never tender or sore. A well- something new, repeat the lesson untilschooled horse will yield his head to the habit is firmly fixed; then forcingthe slightest pressure of the bit and The drawings above illustrate pres-ot any kind is no longer necessary.never feel any pain. sure areas. On the left the areas of Thus, little by little, we finally have pressure are small; the center drawinga well-trained horse thatisareal shows moderate pressure;and thepleasure to ride. right hand drawing illustrates excess pressure areas. Bitting These aids are mostly just the rider's The word "bitting"isnot com- natural impulses which in time themonly used in the west but it should horse learns to follow just as a woman be.It means getting the horse well follows a man's lead in dancing. used to the bit before using it to con- It may take a lot of force andtrol him. A colt's mouth is always soft urging to get a green colt to lead withand a bit irritates it. Time will over- the halter, but in time he learns tocome this, but if the bit is severely lead with no more pull than the weightused while the mouth is still soft, a bad of the lead rope. mouth will result. The English and the army accom- The training of a horse is alwaysplish "bitting" by letting the horse done one step at a time. One thing isstand an hour or two each day with taught until it becomes a firmly fixedthe bit in his mouth. The reins may Horses that carry their heads high habit. That training may then be usedbe fastened to the surcingle or saddle. (see the drawing above) sometimes to help get the horse to do somethingThe colt will have been well gentledare hard mouthed. else. previously, and he will not be started under the saddle until he is well bitted, and then very slowly, and only for a short time at each lesson. In many cases good western trainers work their horses with a double bit and four reins.

The darkened areas on the horse in the illustration above are areas that are used in training your horse to Gentle pressures on the reins should yield to pressures of the heel, neck be used to gently ask the horse to lower rein, and hands in the areas of the his head and relax his jaw. This will withers. then tend to flex the horse in his poll.

10 mum use of aids, especially of the reins, he will astonish you when you put him into fast work. Starting and stopping is dull work but you cannot do too much of it. MI An essential part of early training S isto make the horse stand quietly whenstopped.Heshouldstand wherever placed without moving or The pair of hands on the left abovefretting. are relaxing and the fingers of the hands in the illustration to the right are Backing either becoming active or giving the Horses are often made to back horse the reins. This lets him knowby merely pulling hard on the bit. that you want him to go. Finger tipEventually the horse learns to back in control of your horse is as modernorder to escape the pain of the bit. today as it was several hundred yearsThis is not good horsemanship. ago.

Lateral fiexation is illustrated in the Training Your Horse drawing above. Getting attention For most purposes, a light steel bit If a horse is to respond to the aids with chains and soft, light reins arepromptly and without jumping, using desirable. The weight of the chainsonly a small amount of rein pressure, keeps a little steady pressure on theit is necessary first to get his attention. mouth even though the reins are quiteIn the army this is called "gathering loose. This light pressure helps de-the horse." It is brought about by a velop a light mouth. slight lift on the reins and if necessary a slight closing of the legs or even a a horseishandledcarefully,touch of the spur. If the horse is stand- heavy pulling on the bit should nevering in a bad position, he must get his Ifbe necessary."Fingertipcontrol"legs under him ready to go. Practice should be enough. will enable the rider to do this with- Do not back your horse as shown out actually starting the horse forward.in the illustration. Teach him to back. This training is a part of good horsemanship. Most of the time backing is Starting and stopping taught from the ground. To start a green horse forward at Teaching a green horse to back a walk, the rider should lean forwardshould always be started with the rider in the saddle and use his legs to urgedismounted. Stand in front of the the horse forward. The horse can behorse with the reins held close to the stopped by sitting down toward thebit and slowly push him backward. It back of the saddle, applying a slightwill help a great deal if he is pushed squeeze of the legs, and fixing theon the chest with the hand, or with a hands on the reins very lightly. Withstick or spur held in the hand. Once practice, the horse will learn to startstarted backward he should move from and stop smoothly and easily with sothe pressure on his chest rather than little use of aids that they cannot befrom continued pull on the reins. The seen. reins should finally be used merely as A green horse should be started ora signal to the horse to go backward stopped slowly with the least possibleand should not be used to force him use of the reins and spurs. Startingbackward. and stopping is the basis of all good A horse can be taught to yield to or horse training and the green horseto move away from pressure. When he should be started and stopped veryis touched on his chest and pressure is A fixed hand (illustrated above) iscarefully a number of times in everyused on the bit he yields to pressure used to tell the horse you want him lesson. and finally learns that a small amount stand or back when leg aids are If a horse learns to start and stopof pressure on the bit, plus a slight .toapplied. quietly and smoothly with the mini-squeeze of the legs, means to back up. 11 ofa forward urge from thelegs same with a horse at a walk or trot, (squeeze) and above all,a greaterexcept that the weight of the rider is forward shift of the rider's weight. not enough to force the horse to move If a man on foot leans forward, hisforward. The rider's weight will, how- legs will automatically move forwardever, encourage and make it easy for to catch his weight and he will behim to trot. The horse soon gets the walking.Ifheleansforwardstillhabit of yielding to shifts of balance more, his legs will come forward fas-and leg aids (squeeze) and horse and ter and he will be running. It is therider move together as one.

He should be backed dismounted until he not only backs freely but ceases to be nervous or afraid. After the horse backs welldis- mounted, mounted backing may begin. The ridershouldshifthisweight slightly to the rear. Be satisfied with a step or two back at first; more will come later. Anytime he does not back properlymounted, work himdis- mounted. It seldom takes long to teach a horse to back well, but if he is treated too roughly he may get sullen and cause real trouble. Once a horse learns to back freely, the backward movement can be kept up or made faster by use of the legs (or spurs). We think of the rider's legs as making the horse go forward but they can be used to produce move- . ment in any direction. It is often con- venient, especially in roping, to have a horse that will back at the command "back." This command should be used only when the rider is dismounted. The drawing above illustrates shift of weight as an aid in horsemanship. From the right the first position, a balanced seat on your horse; second position, walking; third, trotting; fourth, canter. Sitting down in the saddle along witha slight squeeze of the legs tells your horse you want to stop. Balance isvery important for a comfortable ride.

If a horse is nervous and anxioushow not to start him into the trot. to go, it may be necessary to hold himSome riders who do not like to trot, back with the reins instead of push- punish the horse for breaking into ing him forward with the legs. Thethis gait. This kind of treatment shows forward shift of weight, however, isthat the rider does not know how to necessary. put his horse into a canter except by The rider should practice startingmaking him go faster. the trot from the walk until both horse A slow trot may be ridden by sit- and rider take the trot smoothly andting down flat in the saddle. A faster easily every time. Then he should prac-trotwithalongstridemustbe tice starting the trot from a standstill."posted." In posting, the rider allows The trot Some riders do not care to ride ahimself to be lifted out of the saddle The trot is a straight forward move-horse at a trot, but learning to start aat every other step. In order to keep ment like the walk but faster. It ishorse into a trot properly is importanthis balance in posting he may have to started in the same way but needs moreif for no other reason than to knowkeep a tight rein.

12 The gallop on the right lead is just the same as the gallop left, but left is substituted for right and right for left. If you look down over the horse's shoulder at his forelegs, you can tell . which leg is farthest ahead "leading." With e.vperience, you learn to tell by the feel of the horse without looking at his legs. With rough-going horses the difference in the feel of the two leads is very marked. With a smooth going, well-schooled horse the difference in feel is very slight. A horse can gallop naturally on either lead, but he often forms the habit of using just one lead. In such a In the illustration on the left the heel, hip, and shoulders are all in a linecase, he will not like to gallop on the for comfort. In the center illustration the rider is much too straight and stiffunaccustomed lead and if forced to, it and therefore his body will have to absorb all the bounce. The position in thewillbe rough and awkward. This illustration on the right is better but the heels are too far ahead to allow postingroughness and awkwardness, however, with proper ease. disappear with a little practice. The horse can be started into a gallop much more easily and smoothly if the rider knows what lead he wishes English saddles are better for post-ward, the left forefoot hits the groundthe horse to take. The left lead is ing than western saddles but westernand the weight rolls forward on thatstarted as follows: Shift the weight to- saddles of the roping type are satis-foot. By that time the right hind footward the right hindquarter and at the factory. If the rider rises with theis well under the horse and ready tosame time give the head a slight lift horse's right shoulder and is sitting inpick up the weight and start the sec-with the reins. Use the right leg (or the saddle as the horse's right foot hitsond "leap." Since the leap starts fromspur) well back in order to push the the ground, we may say that he isthe right hind foot and ends on thehindquarters to the left and at the Sposting "on the right diagonal"; if heleft fore, the forward motion of thesame time urge the horse to the faster rises with the horse's left shoulder hehorse tends to be slightly to the left.gait. At the same time the left leg is posting "on the left diagonal." The saddle moves forward in a sortshould be slightly forward toward the of left-handed spiral. The rider tendshorse'sshoulder,thustwisting the Gallop or canter to twist in the saddle, not to the left,rider slightly in the saddle. Hold the The gallop, especially a slow gallopas might be expected, but to the right.head slightly to the right if necessary. (canter or lope), is more difficult toHis left leg tends to move forward andThe basic idea is to start the horse start properly than the walk or trot.away from the horse, while his rightslightly toward theleftinstead of In a state of nature, the horse uses theleg tends to move backward and to-straight ahead and to lighten the left trot for intermediate speeds and theward the horse's flank. The motion offorequarter by shifting the weight to- gallop, is used as a fast gait, or run.the rider's body is therefore towardsward the right hindquarter. This is, In order to handle a horse properly,his left and not quite as he is facing.of course, impossible until after the the rider must know what a gallop horse has been taught to move his really is. The gallop is not a straight hindquarters away from the spur as forward gait like the walk, but a diag- willbe explainedlater.The rider onal, one-sided gait. Being one sided, should never forget that the gallop is there must be two kinds of gallops, a started with the weight slightly back right and a left. and not forward as for the walk or In the "gallop left" or gallop on the trot. "left lead," the horse goes forward by a series of leaps. Each leap is about as The greenerthehorse and the follows: the right hind foot is placed greener the rider, the more exagger- well under the horse; the weight is ated the aids must be. With a well- lifted and moved forward with this schooled horse and rider, aids can be right hind foot; as the weight comes applied so lightly that they can hardly forward and down, the right forefoot be observed. and the left hind foot hit the ground If the horse is in the habit of using together with the left forefoot well out just one lead, notice which lead and in front "leading" and stilloff the A horse in the right lead is illus-then practice starting on that one lead ground; then as the weight rolls f or-trated above. until it can be done smoothly and eas-

13 ily and until it is pretty much "second As soon as a green horse is going The rider'sgreatestdifficultyin nature" to both rider and horse. Atwell, he should be introduced to asgoing over isto avoid jerking thc first,start the horse into the gallopmany scary things as the rider can find,horse's mouth when he lands. When a from the trot; later, from the walk;always provided there is room enoughhorse lands, he lowers his head and and finally from a standstill. Go backso that the horse does not have to getsticks his nose out. The rider must frequently and practice starting himtoo close. The best plan is to walk thetherefore have a loose rein and a very. into the walk or the trot so that therehorse back and forth past the thing offlexible arm. Otherwise, he will unin- will be no confusion. A horse shouldwhich he is scared, but to keep him fartentionally give the horse a bad jerk. never trot when you wish him to gal-enough away so that he does not rebel. The rider's seat should be as easy, lop or gallop when you wish him toAs he gets used to it, he may be passedcomfortable, and as natural as possible. trot. If he does, the horse or the ridercloser and closer and then made toHe should lean forward as the horse or both need more training and prac-stand and look at whatever he has beentakes off, rise slightly as he goes over, tice. afraid of until he loses all interest andand straighten up or even lean back- If the horse has already been taughtthereby loses all fear. Since the objectward as he lands. The beginner should to gallop freely with either lead, theof this procedure is to relieve fear,balance himself by one hand placed rider may as well learn both from thethe horse must not be given any un-lightly on the front of the saddle and start. Otherwise teaching the horse tousual whipping or spurring. should never balance himself with a gallop on the unaccustomed lead should A green horse should never be puttight rein. With practice the rider will be postponed until the rider is thor-into a scary place where he either must soonbeabletoridethejumps oughly familiar with starting on thego into it at once or balk. Special caresmoothly and easily without jar and accustomed lead. must be taken to avoid hurting a greenwith no fear of falling. As this skill is Starting a horse on an unaccus-horse unintentionally in a difficult lo-acquired, the touch of the hand on the tomed lead is never easy. Aids mustcation or letting a fast moving carsaddle will be unnecessary. be much exaggerated and some addi-splash water or gravel on him. The average saddle horse should not tional help may be necessary. One help The object of this type of training isbe jumped over 2feet. He can do is to trot the horse toward a fence atnot merely to get the horse used tothis with ease, and he should never about a forty-five degree angle andscary things. It is also valuable in fix-learn that there is anything that he then shove him into a gallop just as heing the horse's habit of going wher-cannot jump. Jumping a horse to his comes to the fence. The fence tends toever the rider asks and teaching himupper limit is always apt to spoil him make him move sideways to the linethat he will not be asked to go whereand should never be attempted except of his backbone. Another trick is tohe will be in danger. by an expert. trot him in a small circle and increase the speed until he breaks into a gallop. A horse will gallop on a circle much Jumping fl more smoothly and easily if he is lead- Spoiled Horses ing with the inside leg.If not too We do not have jumping classes in badly spoiled by long work on just onethe 4-H horsemanship program. How- A spoiled horseisone that has lead, he will lead naturally with theever, most youngsters like to try jump-learned from experience that he does inside leg when going in a circle. Thising their horses. Jumping is discussednot have to do what the rider asks him can be accomplished sometimes byhere to call your attention to some ofto do. This fault may sometimes be working your horse on a longe. the hazards in jumping your horse,overcome with care and patience but Once a horse is put into the gallopnamely, jerking the horse's mouth. it may not be worth the time and trou- on the unaccustomed lead he should While show-ring jumping is strictlyble. No one would spoil a horse in- be kept at a gallop on that lead forforexperts,any ordinary pleasuretentionally, but itis often difficult to several minutes--preferably on a largehorse should jump 2 or 2feet withavoid doing so unintentionally. circle. This wears off his awkwardnessease. The rider will be jolted at first and tends to give him confidence onbut will soon get the knack and will the unaccustomed lead.This actionenjoy jumping. may have to be repeated many times. A green horse should be put over Safety Rules Once the horse can gallop smoothlya 1-foot jump a few times until he and confidently on the unaccustomedknows what is wanted. The jump can Safety in riding as well as in work- lead, he may be started in either lead. then be raised to 2 feet. ing with your horse is one thing that The horse should come to the jumpcannot be overemphasized. When work- at an easy gallop. He may be urged ifing around your horse always speak to he hesitates. If he tries to run aroundhim so that he will know you are near. Overcoming Fear the jump, take a rein in each hand andThis will eliminate the possibility of spread the hands as far as possible sobeing stepped on or being crushed A horse is naturally timid and easilythat the pull on the reins will be to theagainst the side of the stall, manger, or frightened or startled, but he is a crea-sides instead of to the rear. In thisthe barn wall. A startled horse always ture of habit and will soon get used toway his head can be held straight for-jumps from one side to the other. almost anything. ward. Always avoid riding too close to the

14 heels of the horse ahead of you. Thisthe horse the advantage. Insurance will eliminate the possibility of being Using excess speed is not a sign of In order to protect your club, sev- kicked or having your horse kicked. good horsemanship, so keep your horseeral insurance companies provide good Avoid quick starts or stopping on un-under control and enjoy every minuteinsurance for leaders and members on ground, thereby eliminating falls.of your ride. a low cost-per-day basis. In Oregon .sureA little good judgment along this line Keep your equipment in good repairan insurance company is also making will eliminate broken boneswhich theand be sure it is ready to go when youinsurance available for your horse at rider rather than the horse usually re-start your ride. All of these things willa low cost. Insurance information can ceives. The difference in the weight ofmake your 4-H horse club experiencebe obtained from your county 4-H the horse and that of the rider givesa happy one. Extension agent.

Special Activities

Special events and activities stimu-checks and approves the horses you If you condition yourself as well as late and maintain interest among in- are to use. your horse before the trail ride, you will enjoy it even more. dividual club members. They are an The following equipment should be effective teaching tool. They provide an opportunity for boys and girls toassembled for your trail ride: gain confidence in themselves and de- Rain clothes Matches Judging Horses velop good sportsmanship by workingExtra cloth ing Soap and towels and playing with others in the group. warm Toilet paper It should be the ambition of every In order to develop leadership amongSleeping bag or Small amount of members they should all participate in saddle horse club member to become a bed roll bailing twine or good judge of horses. This requires the planning and execution of all pro- Duffle bag to pro- wire grams. study in order to know the parts of a tect sleeping bagSaddlebags horse and have a knowledge of stand- Plastic or canvas Hobbles ards within each of the breeds. Many Hoof pick cover for gear of the horse associations have pamph- Tours Pup tent for eachHalter lets giving characteristics of the dif- . two riders 30 feet of i-inch ferent breeds in detail. They will be Sharp knife rope A tour can be conducted by your Curry comb and glad to give or send one to you or to Whetstone your club library. club to the home of each member to Flashlight brush see how he takes care of his saddleMap of the area A few leather Don't miss a judging tour as a real horse and equipment. 4-H membersPocket compass thongs learning experience. Judging is an art keep "on their toes" if they know thatMess kit or can- Oats for your based on observation. It is the weigh- the leader and club members will drop teen horse ing of good and undesirable points of in to see how they are doing. Other one animal against another and then types of tours might include trips to balancing these points. This is where horse-breeding farms, ranches, horse If your trip is in a national forest,your knowledge of what is required shows and fairs, experiment stations,the following are required: one axe,to make up a near-ideal horse comes in saddlernakers, and training stables. one shovel, and one bucket. handy. Remember, you can't become Members can get more out of a The following items are optional:an expert judge of any kind without tour if they are asked to take notescamera, paper towels, chewing gum,lots of work. Many of our best judges on what they see, take their camerasmosquito repellent, fishing gear, andhave been studying and judging for a along, and follow the tour with a dis-a first aid kit with extra bandages forwhole lifetime and are still learning. cussion on what they have learned. sprains. One camp cooking outfit can be used but theresponsibilityfor The following suggestions will help bringing food usually is divided amongto make you a good member of a judg- all of the participants. ing team. Trail Rides Dehydrated foods are used when possible to save space and weight. It1. Stand at a distance to get a clear- is very helpful if older members and cut picture of the type and body Committees are needed to plan and conformation of the animals. Al- check the area in which a trail ride ismothers can plan the menus for the whole trip and then purchase the food ways get a rear, side, and front view to take place. Check to be sure you of the animals from a distance. have all of the necessary permits ornecessary. It is surprising how far you needed to allow you to docan make $2 stretch when you plan2. Work on a comparative basis. That .licenseswhat you plan. Be sure your leaderyour trail ride menus carefully. is, compare one animal to another.

'I 3. Pick a top and bottom animal if possible. Remember the type you are Demonstrations Games for Riders looking for when judging a class. The saddle horse project offers many Eight games for 4-H riders are 4. A final look at the class from a dis-opportunities for good demonstrations.listed on pages 11 and 12 of the "4-H tance should be made before makingThese demonstrations can be made byHorse Project Leader's Guide," Club. your final placing. individuals or by a team. Demonstra-Series H 23(L). In addition to those 5. Do individual work and don't let ation techniques can be found in PNWlisted, several more game suggestions minor detailinfluence yourfinal24, "4-H Demonstrations." are a ribbon race, sack race, stake in a placing. barrel race, keyhole race, and apple Some suggestions for demonstrationwater-bucket race. 6. See the horses at a walk and a trottopicsarelistedbelow, and many Games are enjoyable and they are since correct action is desirable. other good demonstration ideas willgood training if they require horse- 7. In giving your reasons, here are aoccur to you and your leaders. manship skills rather than speed to few things to keep in mind: win. Beating and whipping horses to Approaching, haltering, and leadingobtain sheer speed is objectionable and Never use the words "better," "I a horse should not be a part of any game. think," or "I guess." Saddling andbridling;adjusting Always hit the big pointsfirst. stirrups Have a mental picture of the class Mounting and dismounting; proper Drills in mind but do not memorize your seat and posture of rider reasons. Use of aids in controlling the horse 4-H saddle horse clubs all like to Never criticize an animal too se- voice, legs, hands, position ofparade and take part in drills. All reg- verely. body ular drills are based on two kinds of Enter the judge's room with a Changing leads linessingle file 2md abreast. All pat- smile and be courteous. You are Teaching a colt to lead terns on the field are built on combin- telling a friend what you saw in Caring for and grooming your horseations of these two lines varied by the class, and he is for you rather Grooming your horse (mane, tail,speed and coupled in some drills with a than against you. hair coat, and feet) standstill. The standstill is self-explanatory. It The following saddle horse terms Trimming hooves and caring formeans the stationary position of a line may help "smooth up" your reasons feet or group ofridersfor a required for picking certain horses: Dealing with feet, legs, and blem-length of time. Refinement and femininity ishes A single-file line can be managed by. Short back and loin Blemisheswhere they are locatedless experienced riders, can be ridden Long level croup and how they interfere with aat varying speeds with ease, and can Ample chest horse's movements be turned into various patterns quickly. Well sprung ribs Various gaitswalk, trot, canter An abreast line is more impressive. Deep wide chest Teaching a horse to back It is almost necessary as the starting Full heart and girth Selecting and caring for equipment point for the very effectivepivots, Well muscled arm, forearm wheels, and peel-off s. It takes practice Sloping pastern Adjusting and repairing equipmentto keep a line of 4-H horses proceed- Sloping, long, and well-muscled sewing and riveting ing horizontally for any distance. shoulder Using bridles and bits The directions and illustrations given Large feetwide on the heels What to look for in buying a horse are idea providers. They show more or Balance and symmetry Judging horses less basic drills and you, as individuals Clean, large, flat bone Showing horses properly or as a club, can work out other drills Well set, clean hocks Preparing for a trail ride that you can perform. Drills are fun, Straight stride and while you are riding as a group Style and character about the head Learning to tie pack hitches you will be using basic aids for good Oily texture of hooves Using rope around your horse horsemanship to control your horses Small and alert ears Telling the age of your horse while riding.

16 HORSE GOING LEG EINL) IN THIS DIRECT/OAfl

SINGLE FILE LINE

SPIRAL

ABREAST

4T TROT OR CANTER STAND STILL FROM SINGLE FILE LINE TO_ABREAST_LINE PIVOT PEEL OFF (ALWAYS DONE AT RUN)

cc() cb'

CAR TWHEEL

( SLOWS SPEED

E--INCREASES SPEED

FIGURE EIGHT FROM TWYS TO FOURS fl 17 Drill directions 1. Divide the club; half ride around the ring each way, single file. 2. Meet the other group; cross the field in twos. . 3. Divide and go around therail, single file. On next round pairs go right and left and around the rail by twos. 4. Cross the field again in fours. 5. At fence, turn right and left in fourslead four to right, second four to left, etc. Extra riders make a line of one, two, or three riders / 2 at the rear but ride as four. 6. As you approach ends of field, go _p-;- / , back into a single line. ( (_ I 7. In single file, go into circles. 8. At whistle blast, reverse horses, turning them out from center of ring. J 9. Go out of circles into straight line across length of field; then face horses to right, moving in until horses are stirrup-to-stirrup.

10. At whistleblast,move horses 4 5 around pivot; stop when each half is at original position of the other . half. 11. Peel off: (A) horse trotting or running around whole team, fol- lowed by (B) horse; (C) horse follows, trailed by (D) horse, etc. Before moving out, a 4-H sign can be made with your horses. This pleases the audience. 12. As horses peel off, go into single file, move around rail at increasing Q speed, and go out of gate. \-__-,1 7 8

1' ,._:cT_ '\

k ,J

' / 1 /1

I, . Square Dances

Your club may want to try squareSix." When the First Couple reach dancing on horseback. This would givetheir home place,all couples swing you an opportunitytoteach youronce around with the Waltz Swing, horses a lot of movements with the usethen dance a Left Hand Swing with of aids such as right shift, squeezingCorners, and again swing Partners of legs, and leg and heel pressures.once around with a Waltz Swing, the WorkingoutsquaredanceswithFirst Couple moving across the set as horses is an enjoyable and challengingthey swing, while the other three coup- activity. les swing in place. ( The square dances described in this When the First Couple reaches the () bulletin will have to be adapted to theThird Couple, they separate, the lady use of horses, but the illustrations willto her right and the gentleman to his help you see how this can be done. left, passing between the Third Couple and the couples on either side of them, 'x ) \ ___ Square dancing on horseback takesto the outside of the set, then dance a lot of imagination and improvisation.around the outside of the formation to Probably the best way to get startedtheir home place, "Cutting off Four" would be to enlist the help of an en- Cut off Two thusiastic square dancer in your corn- munity. Any good square dance records can be used; a few suggestions are the Chinese Breakdown, Ragtime Annie, The active dancers continue around Soldier's Joy, and Cripple Creek. The the outside of the formation to their caller should adjust his calls and tempo home place, "Cutting off Two." When to the speed of the horses. ,___ -' the First Couple reach their home ,/ place, all couples swing once around I '1c \ with a Waltz Swing, after which they CUT OFF SIX, DESCRIPTION I Allemande Left and then Grand Right . and Left half around the set to meet The First Couple bows to Partners their Partners and Promenade home. and then swings once around with a Waltz Swing, moving across the set as they swing, passing through the Third Couple to the outside of the set where they separate, the First Lady dancing to her right and the First Gentleman to his left, around the outside of the Cut off Four set to their home place, "Cutting off

/ / I When the First Couple reach their / home place,allcouples swing once

/ 'j around with a Waltz Swing, then dance I. a Left Hand Swing with Corners, and again swing Partners once around with a Waltz Swing, the First Couple moving to the center of the set as they swing, while the other three couples I j I swing in place. When the First Couple reaches the center of the set, they separate, the lady to her right and the gentleman to / / his left, and dance through the Side --j 4 ---- Couples, who separate from their Part- Allemande left with your left hand, ners to allow the active dancers to pass Cut off Six between them to the outside of the set. and then Right and Left Grand

19 -- VENUS AND MARS, DESCRIPTION As the First Lady and Gentleman I'4 ' meet again after one revolution in their .' L$r,/ The Starformscircleshalfwaynew Stars, they again exchange places, .4 I I'.., _..*-. . I around, and then reverses to a Left-each couple following in turn with the 4 , 4, Hand "Kentucky Star" which circlesgentlemen passing in front of the la- I... 4.. until all reach their home place, wheredies on this second exchange of Stars. 4% the First Lady only breaks from the When the First Lady and Gentle- 1 eight-hand Star (which continues toman meet again after one revolution

0 revolve), and describes a clockwise cir- a . I of the Stars, they break toPromen- cle around her home place with herade, each couple following in turn. ,I right hand extended to form the hub of an imaginary Right-Hand Star. The t..,o' First Lady must be certain that her rate of turn as she institutes and leads the Right-Hand Star of the ladies is QQ the same as the rate of turn of the Grand Right and Left Kentucky Star; both formations must revolve at the same speed. As the ladiesin turn reach the FirstCouple'spositionintheset, The call is repeated with the Second,they break from the eight-hand Star, Third, and Fourth Couples in turnand step into the Right-Hand Star leading the dance. which was instituted bytheFirst The terms "Cut off Six" (Four orLady, taking their places behind the Two)" refer to the total number ofsame lady who was ahead of them in The Square dancers which the leading or activethe Kentucky Left-Hand Star. couple dances around in these move- As the First Lady and First Gentle- ments,eachactivedancerpassingman meet in their respective Stars, around three dancers to "Cut off Six";they break from these Stars, and ex- two dancers to "Cut off Four"; andchange places with each other, with the one dancer to "Cut off Two." gentlemen passing behind the lady as they cross from Star to Star. Each couple follows in turn as they meet, . both Stars continuing to revolve at a constant rate of turn.

CALL FOR CUT OFF SIX

First Couple bow, First Couple Swing, Go down the center and split the ring, the Lady goes right and the gent goes wrong, now Cut off six as you come along. Swing when you meet and everybody Eight-hand Star Swing...... LeftHandSwingyour Corner Girl and Swing your own with a pretty little whirl. Venus The same old couple, as you did before, Jl Go down the center and cut off four. U CALL FOR VENUS AND MARS Around the outside to your home and Everybody swing your own.Now, Eight to the center and cross right hands, Left Hand Swing your Corner Girl and Kentucky style, as pretty as you can. Swing your own with a pretty little whirl. Turn right back to a Left-Hand Cross, The same old couple, as you always do, Kentucky way, don't get lost. Go down the center and cut off two. First Little Lady lead out to her right Around your Corners to your home and and form two Stars, Everybody swing your own. Now, One like Venus, one like Mars. On the Corner with your left hand, a Ladies lead in, gents lead out, Right to your Partner, Right and Left Grand. ," Change those Stars around about. Meet old Sal, meet old Sue, / 'A' Ladies lead out, gents lead in, Meet that girl with a run-down shoe and I 'Mars Change those Stars around again. Promenade 'em two by two, { Find your sweetheart, find your mate, Walk 'em home like you always do. t V Take that girl and Promenade eight. (Repeat the call for the Second, Third, and / Promenade your Partners all, / Fourth Couples in turn, calling "Next couple ... Take 'em right around the hall. bow, next couple swing," on the first four Promenade around the town, beats of the call.) When you get home, just settle down. .

'AI] DUCK AND DIVE, DESCRIPTION -- - s This square dance can be done with one set. Two is better and many more (!s, \ can work into line for the fun part of I Sthis dance, the Duck and Dive. You can start this dance out with / A the Allemanade Left and the Grand 'A H Right and Left and finish this way / also. I From foot always start in The first call is Couples 1, 2, and 4 / lead out to the right of the ring to / form your lines. Couple 1 sets up in I front of couple 3. Couple 2 sets up facing opposite Couple 1 and Couple 4 faces Couple 2.

7 / N / N / N I(/ / N S / S

Ii /

I s... I k / I -'' F=: ___,- From head always go out --- 70 FOLLOW COUPLE 2 /0 -J

,t®t, -'C'2 ---N - S

Couples 1-2-4 out to the right of the U , I ring I CALL FOR DUCK AND DIVE Single filgirts follow gents All balance, all swing and Promenade around the right of the ring. _ Allemande Left and Grand Right and Left. Then you can start your Duck and (Couples 1, 2, and 4 lead out to the right of Dive. The Head Couple always goes the ring to Duck and Dive positions.) out and the Foot Couple goes in. Courtesy Turn Duck and Dive and swing (Courtesy Turns When you get to the end of the line, at the wall). Girl turn in Duck and Dive. you do the Courtesy Turn (gentleman (Back to square position.) turns to his right, the lady to her left boyaround Allemande Left and Grand Right and Left on the insideboth ends). the outside, and Promenade home.

21 Appendix

Horse associations sometimes have good materials for your club library. A list of breeds and the location of the main associations or clubs follows.

Breeds of Light Horses Characteristics Location of Headquarters American Saddle Horse Three and five gaited saddle horses for American Saddle Horse show and bridle path Breeder's Assn. 9295 Fourth Street Louisville 2, Kentucky Arabian Parade stock or saddle horse Arabian Horse Club of America 120 South LaSalle Street Chicago 3, Illinois Appaloosa Parade and stock horse Appaloosa Horse Club, Inc. Moscow, Idaho Hackney Heavy harness or carriage horse American Hackney Horse Society Room 1737, 43 Broadway New York, New York Morgan Combination roadster and saddle or The Morgan Horse Club, Inc. stock horse 90 Broad Street New York 4, New York Palomino Parade and stock horse The Palomino Horse Assn. Box 446 Reseda, California, or Palomino Horse Breeders of America Box 79 Mineral Wells, Texas Pinto Parade and stock horse The Pinto Horse Society Box 206 Concord, California Quarter horse Quarter racing and stock horse American Qtiarter Horse Association 1405-6 West Tenth Ave. Amarillo, Texas Standardbred Racing in harness United States Trotting Association trotters and pacers, 1349 East Broad Street fine harness, or roadsters Columbus 5, Ohio Tennessee walking horse Plantation walking horse Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' Association Lewisburg, Tennessee Thoroughbred Racing under saddle-flat or steeple- The Jockey Club chase; hunting, polo, saddle 250 Park Avenue New York 17, New York Shetland ponies Saddle or harness use for children American Shetland Pony Club Lafayette, Indiana Welsh ponies Saddle or harness use for children Welsh Pony Society of America 409 West Engineering Building University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan Glossary Aids.The legs, hands, weight, and voice, as used in control- Crest.Upper, curved part of neck, peculiar to stallions. a horse. Criollo. A breed of South American horses; a small, sturdy Alter.To castrate a horse, to geld. horse used as a cow pony. lingAmble. A slow, easy pace. The front and rear feet on a side Cross. A dark stripe across the shoulders. move in unison. Crossbred.Sire and dam of different pure breeds. A entire. A stallion. Cross-firing.When diagonal feet of pacers strike. Appaloosa. A breed of horses characterized by leopard-spot Cross reins.Method of holding single reins where reins over- markings. Developed by the Nez Percé Indians. lap in hands across horse's neck. Croup.Part of the back just in front of base of tail. Back.To step a horse backward. Crow hops.Mild bucking motions. Balancier.The head, neck, chest, and shoulders of a horse. Curb. A swelling just below the hock joint. Bald-faced.Face marked by wide white stripe from fore- Curb. A bit used to restrain a horse. The branches of a curb head to nose. bit. To curb; to restrain. Banged tail.Hair of tail cut below the dock or bony part of the tail. Dam. The female parent of a horse. Bars.The straight part of the mouthpiece of a bit. Defect.Any mark or blemish that impairs usefulness; un- Bearing rein.Neck reinrein pushed against neck in direc- soundness. tion of turn. Docked.Bones of the tail cut in shortening the tail. Bight of the reins.The part of the reins passing between Dressage.Advanced exercises and training in horsemanship. thumb and fingers and out the top of the hand. Dwelling. A slight pause in the stride before the foot touches Bishoping.Drilling new cups in old teeth to mislead judg- the ground. ment of horse's age. (After a horse trader named Bishop.) Ergot. A horny growth behind fetlock joint. Black points.Mane, tail, and legs black or darker than rest Ewe-necked.Top profile of neck concave like a ewe's. of horse. Blaze. A white stripe down the face to the lips. Favor.To favor; to limp slightly. Blemish.Any mark or deformity that diminishes the beauty Fenders.The wide pieces of leather along the stirrup leathers. but does not affect usefulness. Feral. A wild horse. Has escaped from domestication and be- Bowed. The toes pointing outward. A swelling of the ten- come wild, as contrasted to one originating in the wild. dons of the lower legs. Filly. A female foal up to 3 years. Brand. A mark of identification. A private registered mark Flag.To slap a horse with saddle blanket or piece of tarpaulin burned on cheek, shoulder, or hip. A number burned on in training. upper neck as in army horses. Temporary brands are made Flame. A few white hairs in center of forehead. by burning a number on the hoof or painting a mark on the Flat-foot.When the angle of the foot is less than 45 de- skin with silver nitrate. Brands are now tattooed on inside grees. of upper lip to avoid disfiguring body. Flat race. A race without jumps. Broom tail. A western range horse; a poor, ill-kept horse of Floating.Filing of rough, irregular teeth to give a good uncertain breed. grinding surface. Brushing.Striking the region of the fetlock with the other Foal.Colt or filly under 9 months old. foot causing injury. Forefooting.Roping an animal by the forefeet. Buckeyed.Eye protruding; horse usually cannot see well. Forehand.The fore part of a horse; the forelegs, head, and shoulders. Calf-kneed.Where forelegs appear to bend back at knee. Forging. When the toe of the rear foot strikes the sole or Canter.The Canterbury gallop. A three-beat gait, a moderate, the shoe of the forefoot. easy, collected gallop. Fox trot.A short-step gait, as when passing from walk to Cantle.The back of a saddle. trot. Cannon.The long lower leg bone below knee and below hock. Cavesson. A nosebrand on a bridle. A stiff noseband on a Gaits.The manner of going. The straight gaits are walk, trot, halter used with longe strap in training. canter, and gallop. Five-gaited horses walk, trot,canter, Cavy. A collection of horses. A pony; Cayuse. rack, and do one of the slow gaits: running walk, fox trot, Cayuse. An Indian pony. (From tribe of Indians of same or stepping pace. name.) Gallop. A three-beat gait resembling the canter but faster, 12 Center fire. A western saddle with cinch hung from center. miles per hour. The extended gallop may be a four-beat Chaps; chaparajos.Seatless overalls made of leather, some- gait and is about 16 miles per hour. times fur covered, for protection when riding in brush or Gaskin.The inner muscular part of the hind leg above the for protection from cold. Also spelled chciparreras, chapar- hock. eros. Geld.To geld; to cut or castrate a horse. Chestnuts.The horny growths on inside of horse's leg. Gelding. An altered or castrated horse. Cinch; cincha. A wide cord girth used on western saddles. Gestation period.The length of time for the development Chukker. A seven-and-one-half-minute period in a polo game. of the foal from time of breeding, usually about 11 months. (From Hindu meaning "a circle.") Get.The progeny of a stallion. Clever.Gentle, good-natured, easy to handle. Girth.The measure of the circumference of a horse's body Cob. A stylish, high-actioned horse used for driving and back of the withers. A leather, canvas, or corded piece riding. around body of horse to hold saddle on. Cold-blooded. A horse with ancestry from the big-headed Glass eye.Blue or whitish eye. northern races of horses, not of hot-blooded Arab ancestry. Goose-rumped.Having narrow, drooping rump. Collection.Controlled gait.Bringing the horse'sfeetto- Go short.To take short steps, indicative of lameness. gether in a true gait. Grade. An animal, one of whose parents is a registered pure- Colt. A male foal. bred and the other of unknown ancestry or containing some Combination horse.One used for saddle and driving. blood of the same breed as the purebred parent. Conformation.Structure, form, and symmetrical arrange- Green horse.One with little training. ment of parts as applied to a horse. Grullos. A breed of grey horses (pronounced "Grew-yo"). SCow-hocked.Hocks close together, feet wide apart. Gymkhana. A program of games on horseback.

23 Hack. A horse ridden to a hunt meet. A pleasure riding horse. Posting.The rising and falling movement of the rider in Hackamore. A bitlessbridleof various designs used in cadence with the horse. breaking and training. Jacquima. Pounding.Striking the ground hard in the stride. Hand. A measure of the height of horses; a hand's breadth Pull leather.Holding to the saddle with hands while riding equals 4 inches. a bucking horse. Haw. A third eyelid or membrane in front of eye which re- Purebred. A horse with known ancestry from a definite breed moves foreign bodies from the eye. and having no mixed heritage from other breeds. Head shy.Applied to a horse that is sensitive about the head; jerks away when touched. Rack. A gait with a 1-2-3-4 beat, sometimes called the single- The leather bridle straps exclusive of bit and foot. Head stall. Reata.Spanish for lasso. reins. Ray. A black line along the spine. Herd bound. A horse who refuses to leave a group of other Remuda. A collection of saddle horses at a roundup from horses. Advanced training and exercise of the horse. which are chosen those used for the day. A relay of mounts. High school. Roached back.Thin, sharp, arched back. Hobble.Straps fastened to the front legs of a horse to pre- Roached mane. Mane cut off so part is left standing upright. vent him from straying from camp. Rolling.Side motion of the forehand. Hogged.Short-cut mane. Rowels.The toothed wheels on spurs. Hoof.The foot as a whole in horses. The curved covering of Rubberneck. A horse with a very flexible neck, hard to rein. horn over the foot. Honda. A ring of rope, rawhide, or metal on a lasso through Running walk. A four-beat gait faster than a walk, often over 6 miles per hour. which the loop slides. Horse.General term for an animal of the horse kind. Also Scalping.Hitting the coronet of the hind foot against the used in referring to an animal not a mare. toe of the front foot. Horse length.Eight feet;distance between horsesina Sickle-hocked.With a curved, crooked hock. column. Side-wheeler. A pacer that rolls the body sidewise as he Jack.Swelling on hind leg below hock; bone spavin. paces. Jacquima.Spanish bridle; a hackarnore. Single-foot. A term formerly used to designate the rack. Jockey.The leather flaps on the side of a saddle. Skewbald. A mixed-colored horse or pinto in brown and white. Larninae.The horny-grooved inside of the hoof. Snip. A white streak on the nose. Lariat.From Spanish, Ia rcata, meaning "the rope." A rope, Snaffle. A straight bar bit, usually hinged in the center. often of rawhide, with running noose, used for catching Snaffle-key bit. A snaffle with small metal pieces dangling cattle. from center used in training colts to the bit. Lead.The first stride in the canter. Spavin. A small abnormal enlargement on the inside of the Lead strap. A strap or rope attached to the halter for lead- hock caused by a sprain or violent effort. ing. Speedy cut.An injury of a horse's foreleg below the knee Light of the sort.When the color is lighter than the stand- caused by striking the splint with the shoe of the other foot. ard color. Splint. A small swelling on side of leg where splint bone is Longe. A strap, rein, or rope about 30 feet long, attached to attached to cannon bone. halter or cavesson, used in breaking and training. Spread.To stretch or pose. Stallion.An unaltered male horse. Mare.Female horse. Star. A white spot in the center of the forehead. Martingale. A strap running from the girth between front Stargazer. A horse that holds his head too high and his nose legs to the bridle. The standing martingale is attached to the out. bit. The running martingale has rings through which the Stepping pace. A slow pace, one of the slow gaits. reins pass. Stockings.White markings on lower part of the legs. Maverick. An unbranded stray. Stride.The distance between prints of the same foot. Sunfisher. A bucking horse that twists his body in the air. Near side.The left side. Surcingle. A broad strap about the girth, to hold the blanket Neat's-foot.An oil made from suet, feet, and bones of cat in place. tie, used for softening leather. Tack.Saddles, bridles, equipment. Off side.The right side. Tack up.To put on bridle and saddle. Open behind.Hocks far apart, feet close together. Tackroom. Room where saddles and equipment are kept. Orloff. A breed of Russian trotting horses. Thoroughpin. An enlargement in the depression in front of Outfit.The equipment of rancher or horseman. the hamstring tendon. Swelling shows on both sides and may Outlaw. A horse that cannot be broken. cause lameness. Overo.Spanish term for a type of Pintocolors patched, Thinned tail.Hairs of tail thinned by pulling. often with a smeared appcarance. Throat latch or catch.Small strap on bridle under throat. Trappy.High, quick stride. Pace. A two-beat gait in which the legs on a side act to- Tobianos.Spanish term for pintos of kind where colors are gether; thus the left front and the left hind foot move for- in solid areas. ward at same time. Tree.The wooden or metal frame of a saddle. Passenger.One who rides a horse without control, letting the Trot. A 1-2 gait where suspension is on two diagonal legs at horse go as he wishes. a time; speed about 8 miles per hour. Piebald. A horse of mixed colors,especially one having Tucked up. patches of black and white. Thin and cut up in the flank like a greyhound. Pigeon-toed.Toes pointing in. Walk. A 1-2-3-4 beat gait of a speed of 4 miles an hour or a Pinto.Meaning "painted," a mottled, piebald, or calico pony. little faster; a flat-footed walk. Pony. A horse under 14.2 hands. Walk-trot horse. A three-gaited horse; walk,trot, and Pointing.Standing with front leg extended more than nor- Canter. mala sign of lameness. Wallleyed.Iris of the eye of a light color. Poll.The top of a horse's head just back of the ears. War bridle.An emergency bridle made of rope. Polochain. A chin chain of flat, large links. Wrangling. Rounding up; saddling range horses. Port.The part of the mouthpiece of a bit curving up over the tongue. Zebra.Parallel dark marks on legs.