Red Level - Checklist

Checklist of objectives for Red Level Horsemanship (Mounted)

Ribbon 1

  1. Brush, pick hooves, saddle and bridle, with assistance only if necessary, demonstrating awareness of basic horse safety.

  2. Mount and dismount independently (with mounting block if needed).

  3. Perform an emergency dismount at the halt and walk.

  4. Halt by disengaging horse’s hindquarters (“one-rein stop”), once on each rein.

  5. Demonstrate a pulley rein and a safety seat.

  6. Shorten and lengthen reins correctly.

  7. Perform walk-halt transitions, maintaining balanced position.

  8. Demonstrate the following maneuvers at walk:

  9. -- Change of direction across diagonal

    -- Half-turn-reverse

  10. Reverse half-turn

    -- Large circle

  11. Drop stirrups and pick up again, without looking down, at the halt.

  12. Ride in 2-point position at the walk.

  13. Ride simple ground pole course (3-5 fences) at walk, demonstrating jumping position and good approaches.

  14. Ride on the rail at a posting trot, once around in each direction.

Checklist of objectives for Red Level Horsemanship (Unmounted)

Ribbon 2

  1. Know and discuss safety rules in barn, pasture and arena.

  2. Describe safe riding attire; demonstrate how to correctly fit a helmet.

  3. Catch horse in stall and pasture, with safe technique.

  4. Demonstrate safe leading from near side, both in barn and through doorways/gates.

  5. Tie horse safely, using an effective quick-release knot.

  6. Demonstrate basic grooming to prepare a horse for a ride.

  7. Know names and functions of basic grooming tools.

  8. Demonstrate picking out hooves safely, with knowledge of reasons for basic hoof care.

  9. Know parts of the horse, to include: withers, poll, croup, hock, fetlock, etc.

  10. Know parts and functions of saddle and bridle.

  11. Know how to store tack correctly, and give at least two reasons for cleaning tack and equipment.

  12. Know basic rules for feeding.

  13. Be able to identify good and bad hay, grain, and water.