Learn about horse anatomy, identify 15 parts and their functions, explore four horse breeds and their unique characteristics to earn this merit badge.

Requirements

  1. 1. Horse and Barn Safety

    Horse and Barn Safety

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a.

      Describe the safety precautions you should take when handling and caring for a horse.

    2. b.

      Describe the fire safety precautions you should take in a barn and around horses.

  2. 2. Horse Anatomy

    Parts of the Horse

    Name 15 parts of a horse and discuss the function of each with your counselor.

  3. 3. Breeds and Purpose

    Breeds and Special Traits

    Name four breeds of horses. Explain the special features for which each breed is known.

  4. 4. Horse Health

    Colic and Common Health Problems

    Describe the symptoms of colic. Name and describe four other horse health problems.

  5. 4. Horse Health

    Conformation, Lameness, and Unsoundness

    Explain what conformation is and why it is important. Explain the difference between lameness and unsoundness.

  6. 4. Horse Health

    Hoof Care and Horseshoes

    Explain the importance of hoof care and why a horse might need to wear shoes.

  7. 7. Daily Horse Care

    Grooming and After-Ride Care

    Demonstrate how to groom a horse, including picking hooves and caring for a horse after a ride.

  8. 7. Daily Horse Care

    Feeding a Horse

    Explain how to determine what and how much to feed a horse and why the amount and kind of feed are changed according to the activity level and the breed of horse.

  9. 9. Tack and Mounting

    Saddles, Bridles, and Mounting

    Do all
    Do the following:
    1. a.

      Name 10 parts of the saddle and bridle that you will use, and explain how to care for this equipment.

    2. b.

      Show how to properly saddle and bridle a horse.

    3. c.

      Demonstrate how to safely mount and dismount a horse.

  10. 10. Ground Handling

    Approach, Lead, and Tie

    Explain and demonstrate how to approach and lead a horse safely from a stall, corral, or field and how to tie the horse securely.

  11. 11. Basic Riding Skills

    Walk, Trot, Halt, and Dismount

    Do all
    On level ground, continuously do the following movements after safely mounting the horse. Do them correctly, at ease, and in harmony with the horse.
    1. a Walk the horse in a straight line for 60 feet.
    2. b Walk the horse in a half-circle of not more than 16 feet in radius.
    3. c Trot or jog the horse in a straight line for 60 feet.
    4. d Trot or jog the horse in a half-circle of not more than 30 feet in radius.
    5. e Halt straight.
    6. f Back up straight four paces.
    7. g Halt and dismount.

  12. 12. Careers and Lifelong Riding

    Choose Your Path

    Choose 1
    Do ONE of the following:

    1. Careers Working With Horses

      Explore careers related to this merit badge. Research one career to learn about the training and education needed, costs, job prospects, salary, job duties, and career advancement. Your research methods may include—with your parent or guardian’s permission—an internet or library search, an interview with a professional in the field, or a visit to a location where people in this career work. Discuss with your counselor both your findings and what about this profession might make it an interesting career.

    2. Horsemanship as a Hobby or Lifestyle

      Explore how you could use knowledge and skills from this merit badge to pursue a hobby or healthy lifestyle. Research any training needed, expenses, and organizations that promote or support it. Discuss with your counselor what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you pursued this.