Blue Level - Checklist

Checklist of objectives for Blue Level Horsemanship (Mounted)

Ribbon 1

  1. Know and demonstrate a minimum of four exercises that can be used to improve the seat.

  2. Ride ring figures at the walk and trot, with correct diagonals.

  3. Demonstrate knowledge of aids used for asking horse to correctly bend.

  4. Ride accurate trot/canter transitions.

  5. Ride a 20m circle at the walk, trot, and canter, with correct diagonals and leads.

  6. Ride at the walk, trot and canter without stirrups.

  7. Ride simple gymnastic grids up to 2’, to include one small oxer.

  8. Trot into a related distance and canter out.

  9. Ride a ground pole course at the canter, with simple changes of lead as necessary.

  10. Jump a course of 5-7 fences at 18”, at the trot, with good approaches, developing the ability to plan a course.

  11. Has completed two horse shows in this calendar year

  12. Has completed one clinic in this calendar year

Checklist of objectives for Blue Level Horsemanship (Unmounted)

Ribbon 2

  1. Groom a horse to turnout inspection quality (no braiding necessary).

  2. Perform a safety check on a younger rider under supervision.

  3. Know how to adjust different types of tack, including:

  4. -- Martingales

  5. Identify different types of bits, to include both snaffle and leverage bits.

  6. Apply a polo wrap and discuss its purpose.

  7. Know how the following injuries are treated: stone bruise, laceration, puncture wound, abscess, swollen tendon, injured eye.

  8. Discuss life cycle and prevention of internal and external parasites.

  9. Know names and functions of farrier tools used in trimming and shoeing.

  10. Know basic horse movement, to include number of beats in each gait, footfall pattern, faulty movement, and methods of detecting unsoundness.

  11. Discuss what conformation is and why it is important, to include basic faults of the forelegs and hind legs, back, shoulder, neck and head.

  12. Discuss reasons for lunging, safe lunging practices and equipment. Demonstrate how to hold and give aids with a line and whip.