A Stable Situation: needs and habits of the horse

Aside from food, which was covered in last week's post, a horse needs shelter and security.  These topics were both covered in previous posts (see links). For the Horsemanship 1 test we ask about

10. Stabling: needs and habits of the horse

Along with reference to food, secure fencing, and shelter, we want to see candidates mention the need for regular exercise, health and hoof care, and care for the horse's mental state.  Horses are creatures of habit, and are much more content with a regular routine.  They are also herd animals, so need companionship, and are usually happier in their work when they have formed a good relationship with their riders and handlers.

At this level we are not looking for a thorough knowledge of stabling practices, farriery, vet care or conditioning -- all that comes at higher levels in the program!

This week in Riding & Horsemanship

The curriculum for class #2 is:

Horsemanship
Level 1: parts of the saddle & bridle; review grooming & tacking up
Level 2: care & cleaning of tack; assembling & storing
Level 3: full grooming kit; snaffle bits
Level 4: complete grooming; martingales, nosebands, breastplates & curb bits
Level 5: stable vs grass kept horse; feed programs for conditioning; feed quality

Riding
Level 1: two-point postion; rising & sitting trot;changes of rein
Level 2: review trot diagonals; canter transitions; stirrupless work
Level 3: serpentines, trot poles, x-rails & low jumps in 2-point
Level 4: deepening seat; sitting trot w/o stirrups; gymnastics & grid-work
Level 5: turn on forehand; simple change through canter-trot-canter; course of small fences

Open Barn & Work Party

For a change of pace we're holding our monthly Open Barn and Work Party on the holiday Monday instead of Sunday.  This is a chance to come down and work independently on your riding, horsemanship, or mounted combat skills.  For those of you who would like to lend a hand building fences, attacking blackberries, painting jump rails, or otherwise sprucing up the place, your help is most welcome!