Level_IV_Study

Level IV 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. The footfall pattern of gaits

Walk

hind foot, front foot (same side), hind foot, front foot (same side)

Example: if the horse starts with right hind foot the next foot is the right front foot, next it left hind foot then left front foot

Jog/trot

the diagonal pairs of legs together

Example: if the horse starts out with left hind and right front, the next beat is the right hind and left front

The difference between jog and trot is stride length and speed. The jog is a western gait that should be slow and collected allowing the rider to comfortably remain seated in the saddle. The trot used in hunt seat should show forward motion with a longer stride and medium speed, the rider will post at this gait (rise and sit in rhythm with the horse).

Additional variations: Extended jog (western) is a noticeable lengthening in stride with a slight increase in speed. Collected or sitting trot (hunt seat) is similar to the jog in western with slightly more forward motion, rider sits at this gait. Extended trot (hunt seat) should be a noticeable lengthening of the stride with slight increase in speed, rider may be required to post (hunt seat) or sit as in dressage.

Lope/canter -

outside hind leg, diagonal pair, inside front

Example: Horse going to the right on the right lead will start with left hind, then inside hind and outside front legs together, then right front leg.

The difference between a lope and a canter is stride length and speed. The lope is a western gait that should be slow and collected. The canter used in hunt seat should show forward motion with a longer stride and medium speed.

Additional variations: The hand gallop (hunt seat) is a definite lengthening in stride with an increase in speed showing control at all times.

2. The development of a horse breed

American Quarter Horse

These heavily muscled, compact horses could run a short distance over a straightaway faster than any other horse, and the fastest were called Celebrated American Quarter Running Horses by English colonists in the 1600s.  In 1940 a registry was formed to preserve the breed which officially became the American Quarter Horse. ~ www.aqha.com

1674    First quarter mile races held in the colonies

1756    Janus, a thoroughbred Stallion that influenced the early "Quarter Horse" imported to America.

1828    Copper Bottom, Stallion owned by Sam Houston foaled

1895    Peter McCue (foundation sire) foaled

1937    Wimpy P1 was foaled

1940    Leo (foundation sire) foaled

1940    Three Bars a Thoroughbred stallion very influential in the quarter horse was foaled

1940    Quarter Horse Association was founded

1941    First horse registered ~ Wimpy P1

1967    First Quarter Horse Congress held - world largest single breed show

1974    First World Show held

3. Correct method of bridling horse.

Stand on the horse's near side (left) even with the throatlatch. Horse should have halter on and either be tied or held by a helper. Unfasten halter and let nose piece slide down horse's nose. Then re-fasten halter around horse's neck. Hold bridle by the crownpiece in left hand and have reins loosely draped over your right shoulder. Be sure not to allow the reins to drag on the ground as you or the horse my become entangled. Place your right hand flat under the bit with tips of fingers pointing away from horse. Bring bridle up to horse sliding crownpiece over ears and slipping bit into horse's mouth. This does take some practice! Some horses may require encouragement to open up for the bit. Simply insert your thumb into the corner of their mouth. Fasten throatlatch loosely, you should be able to slip a fist snugly under it. Fasten cavesson (hunt seat) snugly around nose. You should be able to slip two fingers snugly underneath cavesson.

Bridling a hunt seat horse tightening the cavesson

4. 5 common western bits

Billy Allen Bosal

Correction bit Tom Thumb

Loose ring snaffle

5. 5 common hunt seat bits

            Dee-ring cooper roller snaffle

             Egg-butt Dr Bristol snaffle

                  Full cheek snaffle

         jointed Pelham

Kimberwicke

6. Give three examples of horse related careers and education needed for each.

horse trainer ~ years of riding experience, Universities and colleges offer courses

equine vet ~ DVM degree

riding instructor - years of riding experience, Universities and colleges offer courses

administration at breed association ~ training in field and/or college degree

writer for equine publication - College degree and experience

horse farm manager - Degree in farm management

breeding manager - Degree in reproductive science

There are hundreds of horse related careers, feel free to surf the net and find more horse related careers.

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