Level II Study Page

This online lesson program is not intended to be a substitute for riding lessons, instead is is intended to be a thorough introduction for non-riders and a valuable educational tool to riders.  Horses can be unpredictable at times and can cause harm to inexperienced handlers, please seek a professional instructor or trainer when applying your knowledge learned during this online lesson program.

1.    Correct grooming procedure

Curry comb-Use vigorously in a circular motion starting on the neck and working towards the hindquarters.  Grasp the curry comb under the handle with fingers curled over the edge.  The curry comb is used to loosen dead hair and dirt.  Curry comb is to be used on fleshy parts of the horse, not on face or bony parts of legs.

Hard body brush-Again this brush is to be used vigorously, only this one is used in the direction of hair growth (the same as when you are petting a dog).  Again start behind head and work towards hindquarters.  This brush may be used gently on face if horse has caked on mud on jowls, do not use around eyes or muzzle.  Use a strong flipping motion on the rest of the body to remove the loosened hair and dirt from remaining body parts.

Soft body brush-Use on all body parts.  This brush is to remove light dust and shine the coat.

mane and tail comb-Simply comb through mane and tail.  If you want your horse to have a long and full tail do not use this on the tail except when tail is wet and only after washing and applying a conditioner that will help detangle the tail as you carefully comb.

hoof pick-see item #2 of this study page

finishing cloth-This item is good for removing any dust that settled back on your horse while grooming.  It is not necessary to use daily, but is great at horse shows. 

2.    Correct method of picking and cleaning out hoof

Standing on the horse's left side, facing the horse's hindquarters, place left hand on horse's shoulder.  Slide hand down horse's leg and grasp above ankle and squeeze.  As you do this slightly lean into the horse's shoulder so that the horse shifts it's weight off of leg.  Pick foot up and cradle hoof in left hand.  Grasp hoof pick in right hand so that pick points away from yourself.  Remove debris from hoof by scrapping hoof pick in the direction of the horse's toe (front of hoof as it sits on the ground).  When all of debris is removed you will see an upside down "V" on the bottom of the hoof, called the frog.  Be careful not to dig deeply in this area, as this is the most sensitive part of the hoof.  Lower hoof to the ground and slowly move back to the hip area.  Again place your hand on the horse and slowly slide down the back of the lag ending above the ankle joint.  Squeeze slightly, lean should into horse's hip, as the horse picks of the hoof, slide left hand under hoof and stretch leg to the rear of the horse.  Do not try and bring hoof out to the side as this will cause discomfort to the horse.  Pick debris out in the same manner as the front hoof.  When complete slowly lower the leg down to the ground.  While cleaning out hooves keep your feet clear of the area your horse needs.  Keep toes pointed in the opposite direction as the horse's feet. 

1.                                2.                                3.                                4.

1.  Correct position to clean out front foot

2.  Clean front foot showing the frog

3.  Correct method of holding and cleaning out hind foot

4.  Clean hind foot

3.     Beats per gait

           

           

         

4.    How the 5 natural aids communicate with the horse

Eyes ~ The direction in which your are looking directly affects your body position therefore communicating direction and speed control to your horse.  Example:  If you are looking in the direction you wish to go, your body is in a balanced position, if you are looking down towards the ground you weight shifts forwards and your heels come up out of their recommended position.

 

Voice ~ Verbal communication such as "smoothing", "kissing", "clucking" or asking for a stop by saying "whoa".

 

Hands ~ Controls the reins therefore controls speed and direction.

 

Seat ~ Shifting your weight from one seat bone to another can indicate change in direction as in a slow turn to either side or as in asking for a fast spin as in a reining pattern.  Also communicates speed and lateral (side to side) control.

 

Legs ~ Legs are used to ask for changes in direction along with speed control.

 

The 5 natural aids are all used in conjunction to communicate quietly and softly to the horse.  The rider will normally use all aids to prevent one aid from looking obvious.  Proper horsemanship is all about making your communication with the horse as invisible as possible.

5.    Correct attire for riding

Riding helmet - Specifically designed for equine riding.

Long pants - No sweat pants as they are too slippery against saddle, overall type pants are not recommended as they tend to rub legs uncomfortably.  We recommend jeans for western riding and breeches for hunt seat riding.  Shorts are not allowed.

Boots - We recommend "cowboy" boots for western riding and tall boots for hunt seat riding.  Hiking boots are not acceptable as they can get stuck in the stirrup.  Boots must have hard sole and at least 1/2" heel.

Shirt - Please wear a shirt that is made for activity, no spaghetti straps or tube tops.  Tops should cover stomach completely.

Hair - Long hair should be contained with a pony tail holder or barrette.  Short hair should be pulled back under helmet.

Examples of appropriate riding attire

6.       Parts of tack

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