Groom a horse to turnout inspection quality, to include appropriate hunt or button braids in the mane.
Longe a quiet horse and evaluate performance and movement.
Fit side reins.
Pull a mane.
Wrap a tail for travel.
Know how to select and maintain a trailer and tow vehicle.
Identify parts of the horse’s digestive system.
Identify different types of shoes and their uses, to include traction devices such as borium and studs.
Identify a minimum of five toxic plants native to this area.
Know location, appearance and treatment of unsoundnesses: navicular, splints, strained or bowed tendon, ringbone, sidebone, curb, bone spavin, capped hock. Discuss blemishes such as windpuffs and bog spavin.
Describe causes, signs, and treatment of laminitis/founder, tying up, choking, thrush, skin conditions.
Name five diseases of the horse and describe symptoms and preventative measures.
Estimate the age of a horse using teeth as a guide; discuss number of teeth, growth, and dental care.
Discuss stable and pasture management, to include: -- turnout schedules -- parasite management -- grass management -- different options for fencing and bedding -- routine facility maintenance -- daily care of horses.
Create a budget for keeping a horse for a year, to include: feed and board, routine health care, emergency care, tack and equipment, and showing and training expenses.
