EM4842

BEGINNING
HORSEMANSHIP

by
JENNIFER
LEACH

1
 Acknowledgment

The author acknowledges Iris “Dolly” Hughes, former

director of the WSU Horse Program, for her wisdom and
knowledge about horse behavior, horse safety, and
horsemanship.

Washington 4-H Youth Development Policy

on Protective Headgear in the 4-H Equine Program
All Washington 4-H junior and intermediate youth participating in Performance Horse, Driving,
Trail, Western Games, Hunt Seat Over Fences, Rodeo, Team Penning, and Team Roping Projects and
activities will wear American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) and Safety Engineering Institute
(SEI) #1163 equestrian approved protective headgear, properly fitted with chin strap, when
mounted and riding in 4-H horse riding activities.
October 1, 1997, all 4-H youth in 4-H horse projects and activities will wear protective headgear.

2
INTRODUCTION
This handbook is written for
beginning riders, to help them prepare
and ride horses safely. It also includes
important information about the horse’s
senses and social behavior.
Use this handbook in conjunction
with the Washington 4-H Horse
Advancement program to provide
beginning riders with the skills and
knowledge to handle and ride horses
safely and competently.

3
4
 CONTENTS

CHAPTER I HORSE BEHAVIOR AND SENSES...........................................7

Vision.....................................................................................................7
Touch.....................................................................................................9
Hearing.............................................................................................10
Social Behavior..............................................................................................10

CHAPTER II PREPARING THE HORSE FOR RIDING.............................13

Parts of the Horse.........................................................................................13
Colors and Markings.....................................................................................14
Catching the Horse.......................................................................................20
Leading and Tying........................................................................................22
Grooming and Hoof Cleaning.....................................................................24
Saddling..............................................................................................27
Bridling...........................................................................................32
Mounting and Dismounting.........................................................................36
Unbridling and Unsaddling..........................................................................39

CHAPTER III HOW THE HORSE MOVES..................................................43

Center of Gravity...........................................................................................43
Gaits................................................................................................44
Stop..................................................................................................45

CHAPTER IV THE BASIC RIDING POSITION.........................................47

Seat and Upper Body Position.......................................................................48
Leg and Foot Position....................................................................................48
Hand Position................................................................................................49
Position in Motion........................................................................................50

CHAPTER V CONTROLLING THE HORSE................................................53

Cues...............................................................................................54
Application of Cues.......................................................................................55

CONCLUSION.............................................................................................57
DEFINITIONS................................................................................................58
BIBLIOGRAPHY................................................................................................61

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6
Chapter I

ORSE BEHAVIOR
and SENSES
• Vision
• Touch
• Hearing
• Social Behavior

Goals
When you have learned the material in this
chapter, you will:
• Know about the horse’s sense of vision
(sight).
• Know about the horse’s sense of touch.
• Know about the horse’s sense of hearing.
• Know about the horse’s social behavior.

Vision
The sense of vision (sight) is special in the
horse. Like people, the horse can see the same
scene with both eyes at once; this is called
binocular vision. But the horse can also see
separate pictures with each eye; this is called
7
 monocular vision. It is important to know about
the horse’s sense of sight to understand why a
horse reacts the way it does.

Monocular Vision
The horse’s eyes are set wide apart compared to
human eyes. This wide eye position allows the
horse to see areas to each side of its body. This
increased side vision was developed to protect the
horse from predators, so it could see danger
coming from either side without turning its head
(Fig. 1).

Binocular Vision
To judge distances, the horse uses its binocular
vision (looking at the same thing with both eyes
at once). However, the horse’s binocular vision is
not as good as its monocular vision. Some horses
have better binocular vision because their eyes are
set closer together. Other horses have to learn to
develop their binocular vision through
training. An example of this training would be
teaching a rope horse to follow cattle at the
correct distance, teaching a barrel racing horse
to judge the distance to the barrel to make a nice
smooth turn around it, or teaching a jumper how
to properly approach and jump a fence.

Some Facts About Vision

• A horse has a blind spot directly behind its
hindquarters.
• A horse can’t see directly below its head.
• A horse must lower its head to see faraway
objects.
• A horse must raise its head to see close
objects. Figure 1
• If an object is closer than four feet, the
horse can’t see it with its binocular vision.
• It takes time for a horse to adjust its
eyesight to a dark stall, a dark trailer,
a dark building, etc.
• A grazing horse can see almost all the way
around its body.
• A horse has a hard time focusing clearly
on objects, but it is very good at detecting
8 movement.
Touch
The horse has a well-developed sense of touch.
As a result, touch is the horse’s most important
sense for responding to cues (signals) from the
rider.
Sensitive Areas of Touch
The most sensitive areas to touch on a horse are
around the eyes, ears, and nose. The horse’s
survival depends on seeing, hearing, and
breathing, so the horse wants to protect its eyes,
ears, and nose.
Other areas sensitive to touch are the withers,
ribs, flanks, and legs. Horses that haven’t been
handled very much are very fearful of anything
touching or holding their legs. Horses are also very
fearful of anything touching their flanks, so it is
important not to let the rider’s legs or the back
cinch touch the sensitive flank area.
The sense of touch plays an important part in
riding. The horse responds to the rider’s hands
through the touch of the bit on its mouth and to
the touch of the rider’s legs on its ribs. But the
horse’s mouth and ribs have to be kept sensitive
through the correct and careful use of the hands
and legs. If the rider’s touch is light and gentle,
these areas will stay sensitive and the horse will
respond. But a rider who always jerks on the
horse’s mouth or kicks the horse in the ribs will
have a horse with an unresponsive mouth and
sides. It takes a conscious effort by the rider to
keep these areas responsive.
Another sensitive area that plays an important
part in riding is the horse’s withers and back. A
horse responds readily to shifts in the rider’s
weight. You can ask your horse to stop, turn, and
go forward by slightly shifting your body position
(weight), along with cues from your legs and
hands. Exaggerated weight shifts may throw the
horse off balance or confuse it. This is why it is
important for the rider to stay deep in the saddle
and sit up straight.

9
 Hearing
The horse has an excellent sense of hearing. In
fact, the horse’s sense of hearing is much better
than its sense of sight. Because of this, the eyes
and ears always work together. First, the ears will
point towards the sound so that the horse can
hear it better. Then the horse will try to see what
is making the sound.
The horse’s sense of hearing can be useful in
riding. The horse can be trained to respond to soft
voice commands such as “walk,” “jog,” “lope,”
and “whoa.” The horse may also respond to
“clucking” to make it go forward. These voice
commands work best when combined with gentle
leg cues, light hands, and shifts in weight.

Social Behavior
Horses have a very strong desire for the
company of other horses. This is a basic survival
instinct. A group of horses can protect themselves
from predators much better than one horse alone.
The basic desire of a horse to be with other
horses can cause problems for the rider or handler.
A horse separated from other horses may become
nervous and uneasy. As a result, it may not pay
attention to cues from the rider or handler. Many
times the horse will not want to leave the barn
because it feels safer there. This is called a “barn
sour” horse.
Fortunately, most horses learn they have
nothing to fear by being alone or leaving the
barn. But it takes time and careful handling to
change this basic behavior pattern.

10
Learning Review: Horse
Behavior and Senses
Vision
1. Explain monocular vision.
2. Explain how a horse sees a close or distant
object.
3. Explain how a horse sees while grazing.
4. Explain binocular vision.
5. Identify two areas (blind spots) where the
horse cannot see objects.
Touch
1. Identify the three most sensitive areas of
touch on the horse’s body and explain why
they are so sensitive.
2. Identify four other areas sensitive to touch.
3. Explain how the sense of touch plays an
important part in riding horses.
Hearing
1. Explain how the horse’s sense of hearing is
useful in riding.
2. Explain how the horse’s sense of hearing
compares with its sense of sight and how the
two senses work together.
Social Behavior
1. Explain why a horse has a strong need for
company.
2. Explain the major problem that occurs when
a horse is separated from other horses.
3. Explain why a horse becomes “barn sour.”

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 Ears
Poll
Forelock
Crest
Forehead

Face Withers
Tail
Cheek
Nostril Croup
Loin
Back
Neck
Buttock
Muzzle Throatlatch
Point of
Lower Hip
irth

Lip
Upper Barrel
rt G

Shoulder Quarter
Lip Point of
Flank Thigh
Hea

Shoulder

Chest
Stifle

Arm Hock
Elbow Foreflank Gaskin
Forearm

Knee Chestnut
Cannon
Fetlock
Ergot
Pastern
Hoof Coronet

Figure 2

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Chapter II

REPARING the
HORSE for RIDING
• Parts of the Horse
• Colors and Markings
• Catching the Horse
• Leading and Tying
• Grooming and Hoof Cleaning
• Saddling
• Bridling
• Mounting and Dismounting
• Unbridling and Unsaddling

Parts of the Horse

Goal:
When you have learned the material in this
section, you will know the parts of the horse.
Knowing the parts of the horse is the first step
in learning horsemanship. You must know the
parts of the horse to understand how to catch,
lead, tie, groom, saddle, and bridle a horse (Fig. 2).
13
 Learning Review: Parts of the Horse
1. Identify the following parts of the horse:
poll gaskin
cannon point of shoulder
crest croup
heart girth point of hip
withers loin
barrel forearm
elbow hock
flank throatlatch
chestnut quarter
back shoulder
ergot pastern
buttock muzzle
stifle fetlock
arm coronet
forehead face
nostril neck
chest knee
hoof foreflank
thigh tail
forelock cheek
upper lip lower lip

Colors and Markings

Goal:
When you have learned the material in this
section, you will be able to identify the colors and
markings of any horse.
You need a working knowledge of horse colors
and patterns. Familiarize yourself with the
following descriptions of the five basic horse coat
colors and their five variations.

Coat Colors:
The five basic horse coat colors are:
Bay
Black
Brown
Chestnut
White
White markings on the legs may occur with any
basic coat color pattern.
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1. Bay—A bay horse is one whose color is hardest
to describe, but easiest to distinguish. It is a
mixture of red and yellow, being the color of a
loaf of well baked bread. A light bay shows more
yellow, a dark bay more red. The darkest is the
mahogany bay, which is almost the color of blood,
but without the red overtone.
It’s easy to tell a bay from a chestnut; bays
always have black manes and tails; chestnuts
always have red (or flax) manes and tails. The
body color of a mahogany bay and a chestnut
can be the same, but the mane and the tail color
clearly identify the coat color.
2. Black—A black horse usually has black eyes,
hoofs, and skin. The points are always black. Tan
or brown hairs on the muzzle or flank indicate
that the horse is not a true black but a seal brown.
3. Brown—Many brown horses are mistakenly
called black because they are dark. A close
examination of the hair on the muzzle and
around the lips will quickly tell whether the horse
is brown or black. The mane and tail are always dark.
4. Chestnut (sorrel)—A chestnut horse has a
basically red coat. Its mane and tail are normally
the same shade as the body. If the mane and tail
are lighter in color than the body, the horse is
termed a flax or flaxen chestnut. The mane and
tail of a chestnut horse are never black. Chestnut
color varies from bright yellowish red to a rich
mahogany red.
5. White—The true white horse is born pure white
and dies the same color. Very little, if any, seasonal
change takes place in its coat color. Age does not
affect it.
The American Albino Horse Club registers
“Albinos.” These are white horses with clear white
body color, brown eyes (rarely blue), and pink
skin. They also register “Albinos Type A” horses
having a very pale ivory body color and white
mane and tail. Their eyes are blue and their skin
is pink. A third group of light-colored horses is
called “Albinos Type B.” Their body color is a
very pale cream; mane and tail darker than body
(cinnamon-buff); eyes are blue. If during the life of
a white horse, hairs of a color other than white are
found, the chances are that the horse is not white,
but grey or roan.
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 Color Variations:
Five major variations to these basic coat colors
exist:
Appaloosa
Dun (Buckskin)
Grey
Palomino
Pinto & Paint
Roan
1. Appaloosa—An appaloosa horse may have a
variety of spotting patterns, but it must have at
least three other coloring characteristics:
Mottling of the skin around the nostrils, muzzle.
Striped hoofs: alternate vertical stripes of white
and dark.
White around the eyes.
The spotting patterns can be either:
Leopard color pattern: white coat with dark
spots scattered over the horse’s body; or
Blanket color pattern: white “blanket”
over the croup, loin, and back, with
dark spots in the blanket.
2. Dun (Buckskin)—A dun horse has different
shades of yellow. It may vary from a pale yellow
to a dirty canvas color with mane, tail, skin, and
hoofs grading from white to black. Duns always
have a stripe down the back.
There are special colors of duns ranging from
cream, the lightest, through palomino color, to
duns with black points. A coyote dun is one with
black points and black line. A zebra dun is one
with black points and a zebra stripe or stripes on
legs and withers. A red dun is a dun of reddish-
orange cast often with a red stripe down its back
and red mane and tail. In the Thoroughbred Stud
Book, these horses are listed as sorrels; sometimes
ranchers refer to them as claybanks.
Grulla. This is a dun horse with roan
characteristics whose yellow hairs are mixed with
brown or black. They always have black points.
They are a smooth greyish blue like a mouse, not a
blue-roan or grey; the color is more subtle and
always permanent. Some seem purple or smoke-
colored. Most are black-lined and have zebra
stripes on legs and withers.

16
 3. Grey—Most so-called white horses are really
grey. Many people even call an old grey horse an
albino, especially if it has light skin, hoofs, and one
or more white eyes. Born blue or almost black, more
and more white hairs come into this coat until, by
the age of 8 or 10, this horse will appear almost
white. The dapple generally comes between the
second and fifth year. Young grey horses are often
called roan; when the horse has a great deal of black
still in its coat, it is called steel grey. When small
specks of black are present, it is called flea-bitten;
when more white shows, the horse is silver grey.
4. Palomino—The palomino has a golden body
color, varying from bright copper, to light yellow,
with a white mane and tail. True palominos have
no black points. The breed description lists the ideal
color to be that of a “newly minted [copper] coin.”
5. Pinto & Paint—Paint and pinto horses have
four color patterns. The major factor in these color
patterns is the white spotting.
Tobiano pattern: white crosses over the horse’s
back and extends downward. The head is
marked like that of a solid-colored horse, such
as a blaze, star, or snip. All the legs are white
and body spots are regular, oval-shaped, and
distinct.
Overo pattern: white does not cross the back and
one or more legs are dark. The head markings
are often bald, apron, or bonnet-faced. The tail
is usually one color.
Piebald: pinto/paint horses with black
pigmented skin and coat color.
Skewbald: pinto/paint horses with brown
pigmented skin and coat color.
6. Roan—A roan horse is any horse whose coat
carries white hairs intermingled with one or more
base colors. Many are born and die about the same
color. Whether a horse is light roan or dark roan
depends on the proportions of white hairs in
comparison to the colored. Most roans are
combinations of bay, chestnut, or black with white
hairs intermingled. They are known, in order, as
red, strawberry, or blue roan. The roan coloration
is generally not uniform and some patches on the
body will be darker than others.

17
 Color Patterns of Head and Points:
1. Head
When discussing or describing an individual
horse among many, it is necessary to be more
specific than just using a general color term. Instead
of just saying “the dark sorrel,” it may be necessary
to say “the dark sorrel with the blaze face.”
Star—a small, clearly defined area of white hairs
on the forehead.
Star
Snip—a small patch of white that runs over the
muzzle, often to the lips.
Stripe—a long narrow band of white working
from the forehead down toward the muzzle.
Blaze—a white stripe down the face to the lips.
Bald Face—one which has white over most of the
flat surface of the face, often extending toward
the cheeks.
Terms for Eyes and Face. Normally horses have a Snip
rich brown eye with a black pupil, and no white
shows around the edge. When this coloration
varies, many adjectives are used to distinguish the
difference. When the eyeball is clear, some shade
between white and blue, it is normally termed
chinaeyed, glass-eyed, cotton-eyed, or blue-eyed.
If one eye is defective, it is called a wall-eye. In
some places wall-eyed refers to the white in the
face covering the eye area. Orey-eyed is also used Stripe
to denote a horse who shows, because of fright
or because its pupil is overly contracted, white
around the rim.
2. Leg Markings
Coronet—a white strip covering the coronet band.
Pastern—white extends from the coronet to and
including the pastern.
Ankle—white extends from the coronet to and
including the fetlock. Blaze
Half stocking—white extends from the coronet to
the middle of the cannon.
Full stocking—white extends from the coronet to
and including the knee or hock.

18 Bald Face
3. Mane and tail
Black points always indicate a dark mane and
tail, while white points or light points refer to a
light mane and tail.
Flax or flaxen, when applied to mane and/or tail,
indicates a straw yellow or dirty white. It is normally
caused by a mixture of dark hair in the white.
Silver refers to a mane or tail that is white with a Coronet
few black hairs, giving it a silver cast.
True white manes and tails have only white hairs.
Rat-tailed is a horse with little hair in its tail.
Broom-tailed or bang-tailed is a horse with a
heavy, coarse tail.
Learning Review: Colors and Markings
1. Discuss or identify the following basic coat Pastern
colors:
bay
black
brown
chestnut or sorrel
white
2. Discuss or identify the following variations to
the basic coat colors:
dun
grey Ankle
palomino
paint (pinto)
roan
3. Discuss or identify the following head
markings:
star
snip
stripe
blaze
bald face Half Stocking
4. Discuss or identify the following leg markings:
coronet
pastern
ankle
half stocking
full stocking

Stocking
19
 Catching the Horse
Goals:
When you have learned the material in this
section, you will:
• Know the parts of the halter.
• Know the correct method to catch a horse.
• Know the safety precautions for catching a horse.
• Know how the safety precautions are related to
the horse’s senses of vision, touch, and hearing.
To catch a horse means to come up to a horse
with a halter and properly place the halter on
the horse’s head. But catching a horse safely and
correctly is not so simple. To catch a horse the
right way, you must know how a horse sees, hears,
and responds to touch. You must also know the
parts of the halter and leadrope (Fig. 3). Figure 3
Catching a horse safely involves three stages:
1. Organizing stage: getting the halter ready.
2. Approach stage: getting next to the horse to
catch it.
3. Haltering stage: putting the halter on the
horse.

Organizing Stage
Catching begins by getting the halter and
leadrope ready before entering the stall, pasture,
or paddock where the horse is. Get ready by: Figure 4
1. Putting the unbuckled halter in the left hand
with the crownpiece of the halter sticking up;
2. Then putting the end of the leadrope in the
first two fingers of the left hand so the end of
the leadrope is sticking up (Fig. 4).

Approach Stage
This is the most important part of catching.
If the horse is not approached correctly, it may
become hard to catch. If you don’t approach the
horse safely, you could get hurt. Remember, the
horse can’t see an object closer than four feet in
front of its face or an object directly behind the
hindquarters. Also, the horse is sensitive to touch
around the ears, eyes, and nose—so go slowly as
20 you approach these areas. Figure 5
 The approach stage is divided into five steps:
1. Walk up to the horse’s left shoulder, making
sure the horse sees you.
2. Firmly place your right hand with the lead
rope on the horse’s shoulder (Fig. 5).
3. Slide the leadrope over the neck until one or
two feet of rope are hanging on the horse’s
right side.
4. Move the leadrope up the neck; then grasp Figure 6
both parts of the rope together with your
right hand (Fig. 6).
5. Now rotate the rope in a clockwise direction
(toward you) so the right hand and the end of
the leadrope are at the top of the poll (Fig. 7).
Safety Precautions:
Never approach the horse:
• At its head because this is a sensitive area to
touch and the horse can’t see you clearly.
• Directly behind because the horse can’t see Figure 7
you and may kick.
• At the hip because this will make the horse
move forward and also it can’t see you clearly.
Always speak to the horse to be certain it knows
you are there and to reassure it.
Haltering Stage
The halter will still be in the left hand. The right
hand is at the poll holding the leadrope to keep
control of the horse. Move the halter under the
horse’s neck so the right hand can grab the
crownpiece and place it over the poll. Then slide Figure 8
the noseband up and over the horse’s nose (Fig. 8).
Finish by fastening the crownpiece to the buckle
on the halter. Be sure the noseband of the halter is
about 1 1/2 inches (2 finger widths) from the
cheekbone (Fig. 9).

Figure 9
21
 Learning Review: Catching the Horse
1. Identify the following parts of the halter:
crownpiece
cheekpiece
throatlatch
noseband
leadrope
2. Demonstrate how to organize the halter and
leadrope in preparation for catching the
horse.
3. Demonstrate the safe way to approach a
horse for catching, including putting the
leadrope on the horse.
4. Demonstrate the correct way to halter a
horse while still maintaining control of it.
5a. Explain why the horse’s sense of sight may
cause problems when you try to approach or
halter a horse.
5b. Explain why the horse’s sense of touch may
cause problems when you try to approach or
halter a horse.
5c. Explain how the horse’s sense of hearing can
help when you approach a horse.

Leading and Tying

Goals:
When you have learned the material in this
section, you will:
• Know the correct method of leading and tying
a horse.
• Know the safety precautions for leading and
tying a horse.
• Know how the safety precautions are related to
the horse’s senses of vision, hearing, and
touch.
It is important to lead a horse correctly. Knowing
the right way to lead will help you keep proper
control of the horse and avoid being run over or
stepped on.

22
Leading Position
To lead a horse, take a position on the left side
of the horse, with your shoulder even with the
horse’s throatlatch (Fig. 10). Have your right hand
on the leadrope about 8 to 10 inches below the
snap. Keep some slack in the leadrope, so the
horse can carry its head in a natural position.
Your left hand holds the extra leadrope folded in a
figure eight.
Safety Precautions:
• Never wrap the leadrope (or bridle reins)
around your hand, wrist, or body.
• Always turn the horse to the right (away from
you), so the horse won’t step on you.
• If the horse pulls back suddenly, do not rush to Figure 10
the horse’s head or grasp the halter. This will
frighten the horse and may cause it to pull
back more.
• If the horse rears up, let go with the hand
close to halter, hold onto the folded end, and
wait for the horse to calm down. Then go back
to your original position.
Leading
To move the horse forward, give a slight pull on
the leadrope in a forward direction. At the same
time, give a low clucking sound, then stop pulling
as the horse steps forward. Using light pressure,
continue pulling and releasing until the horse is
moving steadily. The horse should walk or trot
beside you, not behind you. Remember, do not let
your horse lead you! To stop the horse, pull the
right hand and leadrope back toward the horse’s
chest, stop walking, and say “whoa.” Do not pull
down on the leadrope, because this pulls the
horse’s head down and out of position.
Tying
Once the horse is caught, tie the horse to
something that is safe, secure, and solid. Use the
quick-release knot (Fig. 11) and tie it so the knot
is at least as high as the horse’s withers (Fig. 12).
Many times, the safety of your horse will depend
on its willingness to stand tied. Your first lessons
in tying horses should be provided by your 4-H
leader or another experienced handler.

Figure 11 23
 Safety Precautions:
• Do not tie to: fence boards, wire fences,
gates, wobbly or rotten posts, cars,
machinery, etc.
• If a horse is pulling back on the leadrope
while tied, approach to the side and back of
the shoulder to urge the horse forward. Do not
approach the front, which may cause the
horse to pull back more.
• When the horse is tied, do not work around its
head from the throatlatch forward. The head
is very sensitive and the horse may pull back. Figure 12
• Always tie with a halter and leadrope—never
with bridle reins, rope, twine, etc.
Learning Review: Leading and Tying
1. Demonstrate the correct method to lead and
tie a horse.
2. Identify and demonstrate safety precautions
for leading and tying a horse.
3. Explain why you should not approach a horse
at its head when it is tied.

Grooming and Hoof Cleaning Hard-bristled brush

Goals:
When you have learned the material in this
section, you will:
• Know the basic grooming equipment.
• Know the correct procedure to groom a horse Soft-bristled brush
and clean its feet.
• Know the safety precautions for grooming a
horse and cleaning its feet.
• Know how the safety precautions for
Hoof pick
grooming and hoof cleaning are related to the
horse’s senses of vision, touch, and hearing.
Grooming
Grooming involves removing dirt and mud from
the horse’s body. A horse that is not groomed may Mane and tail comb
get sores in the saddle and girth area. Grooming also
stimulates the hair follicles to secrete oil, which
helps keep the coat in good condition.

Curry comb

24
Equipment
The basic grooming equipment is a curry comb,
a hoof pick, a hard-bristled brush, a soft-bristled
brush, and a mane and tail comb (Fig. 13). The
curry comb is used to remove mud or caked dirt.
(Never use the curry comb on the horse’s face or
below the knees or hocks.) The hard-bristled brush
is then used to remove the loose dirt. (Never
use the hard-bristled brush on the horse’s face;
however, it can be used below the knees and
hocks.) The soft-bristled brush is used to remove
the finer bits of dirt and dust. It can be used
anywhere on the horse, even the horse’s face. To Figure 14
groom the mane and tail, first separate the tangles
with your fingers or a brush, then comb with the
mane and tail comb.
The Grooming Process
1. Approach the horse at the left shoulder,
making sure the horse sees and hears you.
2. Slowly move to the throatlatch area and begin
the grooming process (Fig. 14) by first brushing
the neck, then brushing the back and cinch
area, and finally brushing the hindquarters and
legs (Fig. 16). It is very important to clean the
back and girth area so the horse won’t get sores
from the saddle or cinch.
3. Repeat the process on the right side. To move
to the right side, place your left hand on the Figure 15
horse’s hip and walk closely around the
hindquarters (Fig. 15). Also talk to the horse
while you are doing this.
Safety Precautions:
• Never brush the horse’s head while the horse
is tied. This is a sensitive area and the horse
may pull back.
• Always stay behind the forelegs because the
horse may strike (Fig. 14).
• Always walk close around the hindquarters,
keeping your hand on the horse and talking
so it knows you are behind it (Fig. 15).
Remember, this is the horse’s blind area.
• Always stay in front of the hindlegs so you
won’t get kicked (Fig. 16).
• Always have a 90° angle or more between the
horse and the tie area (fence, wall, etc.). This is Figure 16

25
 so you won’t get pinned if the horse suddenly
moves over (Fig. 17).
• Never walk under the horse’s head or neck Right
when it is tied. The horse may pull back, then
lunge forward and pin you against the tie rail,
fence, wall, etc.
Hoof Cleaning Wrong
A special part of grooming is cleaning the hoof.
If the feet are not cleaned properly, the horse may
Figure 17
develop an infection called thrush. Cleaning the
feet means removing dirt and rocks from the sole
and the frog area. This also helps prevent bruised
soles. It is very important to clean the cleft of the
frog and the commissure (Fig. 18) because this is
where thrush begins.
Hoof Cleaning Process
FRONT FOOT:
1. Begin with the left front foot. Put your left
hand at the horse’s shoulder and push lightly.
This puts the horse’s weight on the other foot
(Fig. 19).
2. Slowly move your hand down the leg to the
cannon bone and squeeze between the
tendon and cannon bone. The horse will lift
its foot (Fig. 20).
3. Grasp the toe for more control, then put your Figure 18
hand under the front of the hoof to hold it.
Clean the bottom of the foot with the hoof
pick (Fig. 21) by smoothly pulling the pick
from the heel toward the toe.
4. After cleaning, put the foot down slowly so
your horse knows the foot is being released.
HIND FOOT:
1. Move to the flank area and put your hand at
your horse’s hip.
2. Slowly move your hand down the leg to the
cannon bone and squeeze the tendon, just as
you did with the front foot.
3. When the horse gives its leg, step back to the
flank area and bring the leg with you to
maintain safe control of the hind leg.
4. Then step forward and put your inside knee
Figure 19
(the one next to the horse) under its raised leg
(Fig. 22).
5. Grasp the toe and place the foot on your
knees. Clean it like the front foot.
26
 Safety Precaution:
• When cleaning the foot, always move the
hoof pick from heel to toe. Never move the
hoof pick from toe to heel because you may
jab the horse’s leg or fetlock.
Learning Review: Grooming and Hoof
Cleaning
1. Identify the following grooming equipment
and explain what it is used for and where it is
used on the horse: hard-bristled brush, soft- Figure 20
bristled brush, mane and tail comb, hoof pick,
and curry comb.
2. Demonstrate the correct and safe method to
groom a horse.
3. Demonstrate the correct and safe method to
clean a horse’s feet.
4. Explain why a horse does not like to be
brushed on its face with a curry comb or hard-
bristled brush.
5. Explain the purpose of grooming the horse
and cleaning its feet.
6. Explain why it is important to talk to and
touch a horse when moving around its
hindquarters.

Saddling Figure 21

Goals:
When you have learned the material in this
section, you will:
• Know the parts of the Western and English
saddles.
• Know the correct method of saddling a horse.
• Know the safety precautions for saddling a
horse.
• Know how the safety precautions for saddling
are related to the horse’s sense of touch.
An incorrectly saddled horse is like a person who
has to wear poorly fitted boots. The same way our
feet begin to hurt and get sores, the horse’s back
begins to hurt and it gets saddle and cinch sores.
Correctly saddling a horse requires a saddle that Figure 22
is properly fitted (both for the horse and for the
rider), a saddle blanket or pad, and knowing the
parts of the horse and of the saddle. The two types
27
 of saddles are Western (Fig. 23) and English (Fig. Seat Jockey
24). Because they do not have exactly the same Horn Seat Cantle
parts, the saddling process is a little different for Fork Rear
each type. Gullet Housing

Before the saddling process begins, the horse Latigo Skirt

should have been groomed, especially in the Keeper
saddle and cinch (girth) area.
Skirt
Western Saddling Saddle
Strings
The Saddle Blanket Dee Ring
Back
The saddle blanket is approximately 12 inches Latigo Billet
by 18 inches and should be at least a quarter of an
Fender
inch thick. It should be clean; dirty blankets can Front Cinch
cause sores. Place the blanket well forward on the Stirrup
withers. It should lie evenly, with equal amounts Cinch Ring
of material on the horse’s left and right sides.
Back Cinch
Then slide the blanket back until the front edge
is about 4 to 6 inches in front of the withers. Connector Strap
This is done to smooth down the hair while still Figure 23: Western Saddle
protecting the wither area. The blanket should lie
flat, with no wrinkles, so that it doesn’t rub sores
on the horse’s back. It helps to pull the blanket up
in the gullet of the saddle to prevent binding over Cantle
the withers and to allow air circulation under the Pommel
Seat Rear
saddle. Panel

The Saddling Process Gullet

The saddling process involves four steps that

Stirrup
must be done in order. Front Leather
Panel Keeper
1. Get the saddle ready by putting the cinches
and right stirrup over the seat and out of the
Stirrup
way. Also, clean any dirt, sawdust, etc., off the
Leather
sheepskin lining.
2. Bring the saddle to the horse’s left side. Gently Knee
place the saddle on the horse’s back, leaving 4 Roll
inches of blanket in front of the saddle. Girth Stirrup Stirrup
Iron Pad
3. Move to the right side to let the cinches down
and to check that they are not twisted. The
cinches may also need to be adjusted. The center Stirrup Bar
of the front cinch should be in the center of the
horse’s heart girth area and the cinch ring Flap lifted to
should be above the foreflank (Fig. 25). show sweat flap &
4. Go back to the left side and begin the cinching billets
Billet
process: Guard
a. Put the left stirrup over the saddle horn and Sweat Flap
Billets
out of the way.
Figure 24: English Saddle
28
 b. Reach under the horse and grab the cinch
ring and pull it to the left side of the horse.
c. Thread the end of the latigo through the cinch
ring and then through the front dee ring of the
saddle. Then go through the cinch ring again.
d. Tighten the cinch by pulling the end of the
latigo until it is snug.
e. There are two ways to fasten the latigo; you
can use either one. One way is to put the
tongue of the cinch ring into one of the holes
in the latigo and then pull the latigo to be
certain the tongue is locked into place (Fig. 26).
The other way is to tie a cinch knot (Fig. 27). Center of
f. Finally, reach under the horse, grasp the back Cinch
cinch, and buckle it to the back billet on the
left side. The back cinch should be snug and
the connector strap attached. Figure 25
Some important points to remember about
saddling:
• Be sure there is enough room between the
gullet of the saddle and the withers of the
horse. (Rule of thumb: If the rider weighs less
than 150 lbs. then two fingers should fit
between the gullet of the saddle and the
withers of the horse. If the rider weighs more
than 150 lbs. then three fingers should fit
between the fork and the withers.) If there is
not enough room, then add another blanket!
• The front cinch ring should always be above
the horse’s elbow area (in the foreflank area).
Safety Precautions: Figure 26
• Always fasten the front cinch first, then the
back cinch.
• Be sure the connector strap is fastened
between the front cinch and back cinch. This
is so the back cinch doesn’t go into the horse’s
sensitive rear flank.
• The front cinch should not be too tight or
fastened too quickly. This makes some horses
“cinchy,” so they lie down or flip over
backwards.

Figure 27 29
 The Final Cinch Tightening
Do not tighten the front cinch extremely tightly
at first. After the horse is saddled, lead the horse a
few steps and tighten the cinch a little more. Then
lead the horse a few more steps and tighten the
cinch again so that it is tight enough for two
fingers to fit between the latigo (not the cinch)
and the horse. It is important to cinch the horse
slowly so it doesn’t become cinchy.
English Saddling
The Saddle Pad or Blanket
Horses with high, thin withers will need a
saddle blanket, saddle pad, or pommel pad placed
under the English saddle. This is to prevent the
gullet of the saddle from resting on the withers.
Place the saddle blanket or pad well forward on
the horse’s neck, then slide it back into the withers
area to smooth down the hair. There should be
3 to 4 inches of blanket in front of the English
saddle; the blanket should also extend beyond the
back of the saddle (Fig. 28).
The Saddling Process
The saddling process with the English saddle
involves five steps that must be done in order:
1. Get the saddle ready by putting the girth over Figure 28
the seat. The irons should have already been
run up the stirrup leathers and placed under
the skirt flap so they are out of the way.
2. Work from the horse’s left side. Gently place
the saddle on the horse’s back. The front end
of the saddle should be close to the upper rear
edges of the horse’s shoulder blades (Fig. 28).
Be sure to leave 3 to 4 inches of the blanket or
pad in front of the saddle. The blanket should
also extend past the rear of the saddle.
3. Move to the right side. Bring the girth down
and check that nothing is twisted. Also check
to make sure the billets are properly attached
to the girth buckles. Most saddles have three
billets and two girth buckles. Horses that have
narrow chests and big bellies should have the
girth buckled on the last two billets to the rear.
This will prevent sores in the foreflank. With a
broad-chested horse, you can use the two front

30
 billets. To prevent irritation to the horse’s
withers, push the pad or blanket well up into
the gullet of the saddle.
4. Go back to the left side to begin the cinching
process:
a. Reach under the horse and grasp the girth.
Bring it up to the left side of the horse.
b. Lift the skirt and fasten the billets to the
girth buckles. Be sure to buckle the same
two billets that correspond to the two
billets on the off side (the horse’s right
side). If a leather girth is used, the folded
edge should be to the front.
5. When you first buckle the girth, adjust it so
that you can fit one finger between the girth
and the horse’s barrel.
Remember, some horses can become very
sensitive to the saddling process. So after the horse
is saddled don’t forget to lead it several steps and
check to see if the girth needs to be tightened. As
with the Western saddle, it is important to cinch
the horse slowly so it doesn’t become cinchy.
Learning Review: Saddling
1. Identify the following parts of the Western
saddle:
horn back billet
front cinch fender
dee ring back cinch
seat jockey stirrup
seat cantle
saddle strings fork
skirt latigo
latigo keeper rear housing
connector strap gullet
2. Identify the following parts of an English
saddle:
pommel stirrup leather keeper
sweat flap cantle
rear panel girth
seat stirrup leather
keeper gullet
stirrup iron front panel
billets stirrup bar
billet guard knee roll
stirrup pad

31
 3. Demonstrate the correct way to saddle a horse. Headstall
Headstal
l
4. Identify and demonstrate safety precautions Browband
Browban
d
for saddling a horse.
5. Explain how the final cinch tightening process
and the horse’s sense of touch are related.
6. Explain how the horse’s sense of touch and the Throatlatch
placement of the back cinch are related.

Bridling
Curb Strap
Goals:
Bit
Curb Bi
t
When you have learned the material in this Reins
section, you will:
• Know the parts of the bridle.
Figure 29: Western Headgear
• Know the correct procedure for bridling a horse.
• Know the safety precautions for bridling a horse.
• Know the different types of bits. Split-ear
Split-ear
• Know how the safety precautions for bridling Headstall
Headstall
are related to the horse’s sense of touch.
The Bridling Process
Cheekpiece
Bridling a horse involves placing the bit in the
horse’s mouth and putting the headstall over the
ears. If bridling is done wrong, it will cause
discomfort to the horse’s mouth and ears. This Curb Bit
Bi
t
makes the horse hard to bridle. To bridle a horse
correctly and safely, you must know the types and
parts of Western headgear (Fig. 29 and 30) and Curb Chain
English headgear (Fig. 31, 32, and 33), and the
different types of bits. You must also know the
anatomy of the horse’s mouth and the correct
position of the bit in the mouth. Figure 30: Split-Ear Bridle
The bridling process is divided into four stages:
Browband
Browban
d
1. Beginning
2. Organizing
3. Bridling
Cavesson
4. Finishing or Throatlatch
Throatlatc
h
Note: The basic bridling process applies to both Noseband

Western and English.

Beginning Stage
The beginning stage of bridling starts with
untying the horse and putting the halter around
the horse’s neck. Reins
Reins

Figure 31: English Headgear

32 with Snaffle Bit
 Crownpiece or
Safety Precautions: Headstall
• Always untie the horse so it won’t pull back
Browband
when it is approached at its head.
• Always keep the halter around the horse’s neck Cheekpiece
and the leadrope over your left arm to keep
Throatlatch
control of the horse while bridling.
Cavesson or
Organizing Stage Noseband
The organizing stage involves three steps:
Pelham Bit
1. Begin by placing the left hand on the bit and
right hand at the top of the headstall. Curb Chain
2. Hold the bridle next to the horse’s head to see
if the bridle will fit (Fig. 34). Lip Strap
3. Before putting the bit in the horse’s mouth, Figure 32: English Headgear
warm the bit in your hand. Then place the with Pelham Bit
first two fingers of your left hand under the Crownpiece or
bit, and the last two fingers on the chinstrap; Headstall
keep your thumb free to open the horse’s Browband
mouth. (With an English bridle, you may
Cheekpiece
want to unfasten the curb chain first.)
Throatlatch Bradoon
Bridling Stage Snaffle
Cavesson or
Now you have the bridle organized and you are Noseband
ready to begin bridling your horse. The bridling Weymuth
stage involves five steps: Curb Bit Snaffle Rein
1. Slowly approach the horse’s head from the left. Curb Chain
Place your right hand with the top of the
Lip Strap
headstall between the left ear and left eye or at
the poll. Curb Rein
2. Place the bit between the upper and lower lips
Figure 33: Double Bridle or
with your left hand. Put your left thumb into
Weymouth Bridle
the corner of the horse’s mouth to open it
(Fig. 35.) The horse has no teeth between the
incisors and molars (Fig. 36), so if you are
careful your thumb won’t get smashed!
3. When the horse opens its mouth, guide the bit
with the first two fingers of your left hand and
at the same time pull the headstall with your
right hand. As the bit slides into the horse’s
mouth, slip the chin strap under the lower lip
and place it in the chin groove with the last
two fingers of your left hand. (For the English
bridle this will not be necessary if the curb
chain has already been unfastened.)
Note of caution: Do not hit the horse’s teeth
with the bit. It is irritating and will make the horse
hard to bridle. Figure 34
33
 4. Once the bit is in place, keep the headstall
tight with the right hand. Then take the
headstall in your left hand. Push one ear
forward (push at the base of the ear) and put
the headstall over that ear. Then push the
other ear forward and put the headstall over it.
Note of caution: Handle the ears with care or
the horse will get hard to bridle.
5. Fasten the throatlatch strap. For English, also
fasten the curb chain and the cavesson.
Finishing Stage
1. Check to see that the bit fits correctly in the
horse’s mouth. You should find:
• One wrinkle in each corner of the mouth
(more wrinkles mean that the bit is too
tight); Figure 35
• A 2-finger width between the chinstrap
and the chin;
• The bit is the correct width for the horse’s
mouth. Molars
2. If the bridle fits correctly, remove the halter
from the horse’s neck. Bars or
interdental
Types of Bits
space
Basically there are two types of bits, a curb bit
and a snaffle bit. The curb bit (Fig. 37) has shanks
attached to the mouthpiece. When the rider pulls Bridle teeth:
the reins, the leverage of the shanks increases the canines (only in
pressure applied by the mouthpiece; so a gentle male horses)
pull can give added pressure to the horse’s mouth. Incisors
The snaffle (Fig. 38) is a bit without shanks. With Figure 36
a snaffle, how hard the bit presses on the horse’s
mouth depends directly on how hard the rider
pulls the reins. Mouthpiece
with port
The pelham bit (Fig. 32) combines the effects of
the curb and snaffle types. The shanks, or cheeks,
have two rings for attaching two sets of reins.
When you pull the reins attached to the rings at
the level of the mouthpiece, the bit acts as a snaf- Shanks
fle (direct action). When you pull the reins at-
tached at the lower end of the pelham shanks, the
bit acts as a curb (leverage action).
Curb Bit
The shanks on the curb bit give the rider leverage
action on the horse’s mouth. When the reins are
Figure 37: Curb Bit
34
 pulled, the shanks act as levers to press the bit Jointed-mouthpiece
down on the horse’s tongue and the bars of its
mouth (Fig. 39). At the same time, pulling the
reins also applies pressure on the chin groove and
the poll. Any bit with reins attached to the end
of the shanks is considered a curb bit. This is true
even if it has a jointed mouthpiece.
Note of Caution: A curb bit without a chinstrap Rings
is useless.
Some important facts about curb bits: Figure 38: Snaffle Bit
• Curb bits can be more severe than snaffle bits
because the leverage action increases the force
applied.
• The action of the curb bit results in indirect
pressure on the horse’s mouth.
• The longer the shanks, the more leverage
(more severe).
• A curb bit should not be used as a training bit.
• It takes time and training to change a horse
from a snaffle bit to a curb bit.
Snaffle Bit
Chin strap
A snaffle bit is any bit that does not have shanks
(Fig. 38). As a result, it is a direct action bit. Chin groove
A snaffle has rings and usually has a broken
mouthpiece (jointed). When the reins are pulled it Bars
applies direct pressure only on the corners of the Tongue
mouth, the tongue, and the bars.
Some important facts about snaffle bits: Figure 39: Curb Bit
and Reins
• A snaffle bit applies direct pressure on the
horse’s mouth.
• A snaffle is used to train or school horses.
• A snaffle is not as severe as a curb bit.
Learning Review: Bridling
1. Identify the following parts of a bridle:
browband reins
cavesson cheekpiece
throatlatch curb chain
chinstrap bradoon
lip strap curb rein
snaffle rein
2. Identify the following type of bits:
curb bit pelham
snaffle bit Weymouth curb bit

35
 3. Explain the difference between a curb bit and
a snaffle bit.
4. Demonstrate the correct way to bridle a horse.
5. Describe and demonstrate safety precautions
for bridling a horse.
6. Explain how poor bridling techniques might
cause a horse to become difficult to bridle.

Mounting and Dismounting

Goals:
When you have learned the material in this
section, you will:
• Know the correct way to mount and dismount
for Western and English.
• Know the safety precautions for mounting and
dismounting.
Mounting a horse is the method used to get
on a horse. It requires timing, strength, and
coordination to do it smoothly. Mounting usually
takes place from the left side. However, there will
be times you may need to mount or dismount
on the right side, so it would be a good idea to
practice on both sides.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Techniques for mounting
and dismounting may vary, depending on the
rider’s height and size. Your 4-H leader can tell you
how to modify the techniques described here to fit
your own build.
Western Mounting and Dismounting
To Mount from the Left Side
1. Before mounting, be sure the cinches are tight.
2. Then stand with your left shoulder next to the
horse’s left shoulder and shorten the reins
enough to feel the horse’s mouth. The reins
should be short enough to keep the horse
from moving forward, but not so short they
make the horse back up. Both reins should be
the same length. If one rein is shorter than
the other, it may cause the horse to move
away from you or into you.
3. Place your left hand in front of the withers and
grasp the mane.
4. Turn the left stirrup clockwise with the right
hand and put the left foot in. Be sure the toe of
36
 the left foot does not jab the horse in the ribs
(Fig. 40).
5. Hop on the right foot to a position facing the
side of the horse; then, all in the same motion,
push off the right foot, grab the saddle horn
with the right hand, pull on the mane with the
left hand and swing lightly up (Fig. 41).
6. Once up, swing the right leg over the horse’s
rump, at the same time pushing down on the
horn with the left hand to keep in balance.
Then sink gently into the saddle.
7. Put the right foot into the right stirrup.
Some important points about mounting:
• Keep your shoulders square.
• Keep your upper body straight. Figure 40
• Do not pull too much on the saddle horn.
• Really push off the right leg.
To Dismount on the Left Side
1. Have the reins in your left hand on the
horse’s neck in front of the withers and have
your right hand on the horn.
2. Slide the left foot partway out of the stirrup
so the foot won’t get stuck after stepping
down (Fig. 42).
3. Slightly rise out of the saddle and take the
right foot out of the stirrup.
4. Now pass the right leg over the horse’s rump,
step down to the ground, and take the left
foot out of the stirrup.
English Mounting and Dismounting
To Mount from the Left Side Figure 41
1. Before mounting, be sure the girth is tight.
2. Next, shorten the reins so you can feel the
horse’s mouth. The reins should be short
enough to keep the horse from moving
forward, but not so short that the horse
moves backwards. The reins should also be
the same length—if one rein is shorter than
the other, it may cause the horse to move
away from you or into you.
3. Stand with your left shoulder next to the
horse’s left shoulder. Place your left hand in
front of the withers and grasp the mane.

Figure 42
37
 4. Turn the left stirrup clockwise with your right
hand and put the left foot in. Be sure the toe
of that foot does not jab the horse in the ribs
(Fig. 43).
5. Hop on the right foot to a position facing the
side of the horse (Fig. 44) and, all in the same
motion, push off the right foot, grasp the
cantle with your right hand, hold the mane
with your left hand, and swing lightly up Figure 43
(Fig. 45).
6. Once up, swing the right leg over the horse’s
rump and sink slowly into the saddle. Then
place the right foot in the stirrup.
7. Adjust both reins and assume the basic riding
position.
To Dismount on the Left Side
There are two ways to dismount, either stepping
down or sliding down. They both begin the same
way.
1. Begin by putting both reins in the left hand
and placing it on the horse’s neck.
Figure 44
2. Place the right hand on the pommel, slide
the left foot slightly out of the stirrup, then
remove the right foot from the stirrup. Next,
swing the right leg over the horse’s back
without touching it.
3a. To slide down, shift the right hand to the
cantle and keep the weight of your body on
your hands (Fig. 46). Then remove your left
foot from the stirrup and drop lightly to the
ground.
3b. To step down, continue the motion of the Figure 45
right leg swinging over the horse’s rump and
just step down. Then in one smooth motion
take the left foot out of the stirrup.
4. After dismounting, run the stirrups up the
leathers and bring the reins over the horse’s
head.
Safety Precautions When Dismounting,
English and Western:
• Be sure your left foot is slightly out of the
stirrup before stepping down. This helps you
get it out of the stirrup easily if the horse
moves.
Figure 46

38
 • Face the horse’s body or its head when your
right foot touches the ground so you will be
in balance if the horse moves forward.
• Remember that the techniques described in
this handbook for mounting and dismounting
are basic.
The best techniques to use may vary,
depending on the rider’s height, size, and
experience. SAFETY is the most important
feature in mounting and dismounting.
Learning Review: Mounting and
Dismounting
1. Demonstrate the correct procedures of
mounting and dismounting.
2. Describe and demonstrate safety precautions
for mounting and dismounting.

Unbridling and Unsaddling

Goals:
When you have learned the material in this
section, you will:
• Know the correct method of unbridling a horse.
• Know the safety precautions for unbridling a
horse.
• Know the correct method of unsaddling a
horse.
• Know the safety precautions for unsaddling a
horse.

Unbridling
Following the correct method is as important for
unbridling a horse as it is for bridling. Unbridling
a horse the wrong way causes discomfort to the
horse’s mouth and ears. This can make the horse
hard to bridle. The unbridling process applies to
both Western bridles and English bridles except
when noted.

39
 Unbridling Procedure
To unbridle, do the following six steps in order.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Unbridle before you
unsaddle (Fig. 47).
1. Working from the horse’s left side, fasten the
halter around the horse’s neck and put the
leadrope over your left arm. Then unfasten
the throatlatch of the bridle. For English
bridles it will be necessary to unfasten the
cavesson and curb chain.
2. Pull the top of the headstall carefully over the
horse’s ears with your left hand.
3. Let the horse open its mouth so the bit can
drop out. Do not pull the bit out of the
horse’s mouth. Figure 47: Unbridling
4. Move your left hand straight down the
horse’s forehead to let the bit drop straight
out of the horse’s mouth. Do not let the bit
hit the horse’s teeth.
5. Put the bridle over your left arm and put the
halter on the horse.
6. Finally, tie the horse to a tie rail, fence, or
other safe object.
Safety Precautions:
• Do not unbridle the horse while it is tied.
• Put the halter around the horse’s neck and
the leadrope over your left arm to control
the horse.

Unsaddling
Western
The unsaddling process involves ten steps that
must be done in order.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Unbridle before you unsaddle.
1. Put the left stirrup over the saddle horn and
out of the way.
2. Unbuckle the back cinch first.
3. Release the front cinch.
4. Fold the latigo and put it back through the
dee ring of the saddle. This gets it out of the
way so you won’t step on it.
5. Bring the left stirrup down.

40
 6. Go around the horse’s hindquarters to
the right side and put the front and back
cinch over the seat of the saddle.
7. Go back around the horse’s hindquarters to
the left side.
8. Put your hand under the saddle blanket and
lift the blanket and saddle up off the horse’s
withers and pull both of them off the horse.
9. Set the saddle out of the way or put it away.
10. Groom the horse and check for any saddle or
cinch sores.
Safety Precaution:
• When unsaddling a horse be sure to undo the
back cinch first.
English
Important Note: Unbridle before unsaddling.
1. Lift the left saddle skirt and unfasten the girth
from the billets. (The irons should have
already been run up after dismounting.)
2. Move around the horse’s hindquarters to the
off side (right side) and either place the girth
over the seat or remove it.
3. Move around the horse’s hindquarters back
to the near side (left side), lift the saddle and
pad off the horse’s withers, and pull them off.
4. Set the saddle out of the way or put it away.
5. Groom the horse and check for any saddle or
girth sores.
Learning Review: Unbridling and
Unsaddling
1. Demonstrate the correct method of
unbridling and unsaddling a horse.
2. Identify and practice safety precautions when
unbridling and unsaddling a horse.

41
42
Chapter III

OW the HORSE
MOVES
• Walk
• Jog or Trot
• Lope or Canter

Goals
When you have learned the material in this
chapter, you will:
• Know about the center of gravity.
• Know three gaits of the horse.
• Know the beats and footfalls of each gait.
Knowing how a horse moves will help you
become a better rider. If you know the beats and
footfalls of each gait, you will be more effective in
applying cues so the horse will respond better.

Center of Gravity
The center of gravity of any object is the point
around which it is balanced. For a horse, this
means that half of the horse’s weight is always in
front of its center of gravity, and half the weight
is behind the center of gravity. When a horse is
standing still, its center of gravity lies directly 43
 behind its withers (Fig. 48). The center of gravity
is far forward because 60% of the horse’s weight is
carried on the forequarters and only 40% on the
hindquarters.
When the horse goes into motion, the center of
gravity shifts. For example, the center of gravity
for a race horse shifts forward as the horse
extends its head and neck, taking weight off the
hindquarters to allow maximum power. The
center of gravity for a reining horse shifts back,
as the horse puts more weight on its hindquarters
and lightens its forequarters, allowing it to make
Figure 48: Center of Gravity
quick turns and sliding stops.
Important Note: The rider’s center of gravity
should be exactly over the horse’s center of
gravity. When the horse shifts its weight, so
should the rider. This allows the horse to perform
or work at its best. 3 1
Gaits
Walk
The walk (Fig. 49) is a four-beat gait. As the
horse walks, its legs are brought forward one by
one and in the proper order (sequence). This keeps 2 4
its body in balance. The sequence of steps is:
step 1: Right front
step 2: Left hind Figure 49: Walk
step 3: Left front
step 4: Right hind
Jog or Trot
The jog or trot is a two-beat diagonal gait (Fig.
50). (“Jog” is the Western term for a slow trot.) At 2 1
each step the horse’s body is supported by two
legs, one on each side.
The sequence of steps for the jog or trot is:
step 1: Right front and left hind at the same time
step 2: Left front and right hind at the same time

1 2
Figure 50: Jog or Trot

44
Lope or Canter
The lope or canter (Fig. 51) is a three-beat gait.
(“Lope” is the Western term for a canter.) The
front foot that moves ahead farther than the other
front foot is called the lead foot. A horse can lead
3 2
either with the left front foot (left lead) or the
right front foot (right lead). When the horse works
in a circle it must be in the correct lead. If the
horse is circling to the left (counter-clockwise) it
must be in the left lead. If the horse is circling to
the right (clockwise) it must be in the right lead.
The sequence of steps for the lope in the left 2 1
lead is:
step 1: Right hind Left Lead
step 2: Left hind and right front at the same
time
step 3: Left front (lead foot)
The sequence of steps for the lope in the right
lead is:
2 3
step 1: Left hind
step 2: Right hind and left front at the same
time
step 3: Right front (lead foot)

Stop 1 2
When a horse is asked to stop it needs to shift
its weight back. To do this, the horse raises its Right Lead
head and puts one or both hind feet on the
ground forward of their normal standing position. Figure 51: Lope or Canter
At the same time it flexes its hocks and its stifles so
it can crouch with its hindquarters. This way, the
horse can put most of its weight on its hindquarters
and come to a smooth, balanced stop.
When the horse is forced to stop unexpectedly,
it doesn’t have time to reach its hind legs far
enough forward to shift its weight over the hocks.
The horse has to bounce to a stiff-legged stop with
all the weight on the front legs. This kind of stop
is uncomfortable and makes the rider bounce
forward and out of position.

45
 Learning Review: How the Horse Moves
1. Explain the beats and footfalls of the walk,
the jog or trot, and the lope or canter.
2. Explain why the horse’s center of gravity is
located directly behind the horse’s withers
rather than the midpoint of its back.
3. Explain why the horse’s center of gravity
shifts forward for a race horse and why it
shifts back for a reining horse.

46
Chapter IV

he BASIC RIDING
POSITION
• Seat and Upper Body Position
• Leg and Foot Position
• Hand Position
• Position in Motion

Goals
When you have learned the material in this
chapter, you will:
• Know the correct seat and upper body position.
• Know the correct leg and foot position.
• Know the correct hand position.
• Know how the horse’s sense of touch is related
to the rider’s hand position and seat position.
• Know how the seat position and the leg
position affect the hand position.
The basic riding position includes the correct
positioning of the rider’s legs, hands, seat, and
upper body. The basic riding position applies to
every style of riding, whether it is Western, English
(hunt seat or saddle seat), or Western games.
Correct position depends on three factors:
balance, flexibility, and contact with the horse. 47
 This chapter describes the basic riding position
and how it varies in different riding styles—
Western (Fig. 52), hunt seat (Fig. 53), and saddle
seat (Fig. 54). For more specific information about
different styles of riding, refer to the books listed
in the bibliography.

Seat and Upper Body Position

To develop and maintain balance, the seat
should be deep in the saddle and close to the
horse’s center of gravity. It is important to sit deep
in the saddle on the crotch rather than on your
buttocks. Sitting back on the buttocks puts you
behind the center of gravity. This makes it more Figure 52: Western Riding
difficult for the horse to move. Position
A strong, balanced riding position comes
through many hours of riding, along with
suppling and muscle strengthening exercises. For
flexibility, it is important to keep the body straight
without being stiff, and supple without being
slack. The rider’s head and eyes should be up and
looking straight ahead. The shoulders should be
back, not rounded or stooped forward.
Leg and Foot Position
The legs and feet should hang beneath the hip
bones. If they are too far forward it causes the
upper body to move backwards. If the legs are too
far back it causes the upper body to go forward.
However, some saddles are made in such a way
that the legs will have to hang slightly forward. Figure 53: Hunt Seat Position
The feet should be positioned so the balls of the
feet are on the stirrups and the heels are lower
than the toes. The feet should be placed in the
stirrup at a natural angle that best suits the rider’s
build. If the toes are pointed outward, the calves
of the legs will grip too much. This pressure will
cause the horse to move forward. If the toes are
pointed too far inward, the wrong part of the
thigh will be in contact with the saddle. This
makes it hard to stay in the saddle. For hunt seat,
flex the ankles to maintain slightly
more calf contact.

Figure 54: Saddle Seat Position

48
 Contact means “sticking” to the horse. It
doesn’t mean “gripping” or “squeezing” the horse.
As much as possible of the rider’s body should
be kept in close contact with the saddle and the
horse. This can be done by relaxing and stretching
the thigh muscles. When the thigh muscles are
relaxed, the rider can sit deeper in the saddle.
Gripping too hard with the upper legs squeezes
the rider’s body up out of the saddle. Gripping
too hard with the knees puts the lower legs out of
position. When the lower legs are out of position,
the upper body will be either behind or ahead of
the horse’s center of gravity.
The stability of the leg and foot depends on the
correct stirrup adjustment. To test stirrup
adjustment, take one foot out of the stirrup and
let your leg hang loose. For Western and hunt seat,
the bottom of the stirrup should hit the rider’s
ankle bone. For saddle seat, the stirrup should be
a little longer so that the knee will be only slightly
bent when riding.
Hand Position
The hands are part of the communication
between the horse and rider. It is through the
hands, legs, seat, and body motion that you tell the
horse to stop, turn, speed up, or slow down. The
hands must communicate a light and supple touch
to the horse’s mouth. Quiet hands depend on a
balanced seat and a stable leg position.
The major differences between Western and
English riding positions are the hand positions and
the way the reins are carried. There are also different
hand positions for hunt seat and saddle seat.
Western Hand Position
The position of rein hand for Western should be
Figure 55: Western Hand
directly above the saddle horn (Fig. 55). This helps
Position
keep the rein hand quiet so the horse’s mouth
won’t get jerked. If the rein hand is behind the
saddle horn or too high above the saddle horn, the
horse’s speed is hard to control. If the rein hand is
in front of the saddle, the rein is too short, giving
too much contact with the horse’s mouth. This
means that the horse will not want to go forward.

49
 Important Note: The correct rein length is
different for each gait. Riders can also change rein
length to control the horse’s movements. For
more information, refer to the books listed in
the bibliography.
For riding Western there are three types of reins:
romal reins, split reins, and roping reins (Fig. 56).
Romal reins are held with the hand closed around
the reins, which come up through the bottom of
the hand. The romal part of the rein is held in the
other hand, with about 16 inches between the two
hands (Fig. 55).
There are two ways to hold split reins. One way
is to hold them exactly like romal reins. The other
way is to have the reins go through the top of the
hand and come out through the bottom of the
hand (Fig. 57). The free end of the reins (bight)
falls on the reinhand side. The rider may have one
finger between the reins.
Roping reins are held with the reins coming up
through the hand.
English Hand Position
In hunt seat, the hands should be above and
slightly in front of the withers. The hands should
be two to three inches apart, and halfway between
horizontal and vertical. The forearm should be in
a straight line to the horse’s mouth (Fig. 53). The
Figure 56: Western Reins
arm and hand should not be rigid or moving.
For saddle seat, the hands should be held higher
above the horse’s withers to encourage a higher
head set. The exact height of the hands depends
on how and where the horse carries its head. The
hands should be in an easy position, somewhere
between vertical and horizontal (Fig. 54).
Position in Motion
The body position of the rider while the horse
moves through the various gaits is different for each
style of riding. The major difference between English
and Western is at the trot or jog. For Western, the jog
is slow and the rider can sit quietly. For English (both
hunt seat and saddle seat), the horse usually extends
its stride, which makes it difficult for the rider to sit Figure 57: One Way to
to the trot. For this reason the rider does a posting Hold Split Reins
trot, moving up and down with the motion of the
horse (Fig. 58). The posting motion should not be a
50
 mechanical up-and-down movement nor swinging
backwards and forwards. It should be a slight,
smooth, and quiet up-and-down motion with the
horse. Remember that the trot is a diagonal,
two-beat gait. The horse’s left and right shoulders
rise alternately, one after the other. The rider
should rise with the shoulder on the outside rail
of the ring; this makes posting at the trot much
easier for horse and rider.
Hunt Seat
At the walk, keep your upper body vertical
(straight up and down) and your seat close to the
saddle. At the posting trot, lean your upper body To post, move forward and up from the
forward and rise slightly in the saddle. At the vertical position (shaded line) as the
canter, the upper body position is halfway horse goes into a trot.
between that of the posting trot and the walk.
Saddle Seat
At the walk the rider moves slightly with the
horse and the upper body is vertical. The body
motion at the trot is rising slightly (posting) in
the saddle with the hips under the body and
the upper body vertical. At the canter the rider
maintains a close, quiet seat with upper body
vertical.
Western
The position of the rider’s body at the walk, jog,
and lope is a quiet, vertical posture with the seat
close to the saddle. The rider should sit at the jog
and not post. The forward motion of your horse’s
hindlegs helps push you up and forward
Summary of the Basic Riding Position to make posting easier.
In all riding styles the rider should sit straight
and tall in the saddle without being stiff. Think Figure 58: Posting Trot
of a straight line drawn through the rider’s ear,
shoulder, hip, and ankle. The back should be
straight and the legs directly under the hips. The
hips should be flexible and move with the motion
of the horse. There is a slight bend to the knee and
the heels are lower than the toes.

51
 Learning Review: The Basic Riding
Position
1. Practice the correct seat and upper body
position.
2. Practice the correct leg and foot position.
3. Practice the correct hand position.
4. Explain how the rider’s hand position and seat
position are related to the horse’s sense of touch.
5. Explain how the rider’s seat position and leg
position affect the hand position.

52
Chapter V

ONTROLLING the
HORSE

• Hands
• Legs
• Seat (Weight)
• Voice

Goals
When you have learned the material in this
chapter, you will:
• Know the four cues for riding and
controlling a horse.
• Know how to apply these cues.
• Know how these cues are related to the
horse’s senses of hearing and touch.

53
 Cues
Cues are the signals by which the rider tells the
horse what to do. They are signals which the horse
must be taught to understand and obey. These are
natural cues that do not need special equipment
like whips or spurs:
1. Hands Sidepass
2. Legs
3. Seat or weight
4. Voice
Hands
The rider’s hands communicate commands to a
well-trained horse by applying pressure or contact
to the horse’s mouth. The horse can respond in
several different ways, depending on the kind of
pressure or contact. The hands can ask the horse
to stop, or they can help control the horse’s speed,
or they can help in asking the horse to turn. Haunch Turn
Riders may have heavy hands, passive hands, or
good hands.
1. Heavy hands are hands which always disturb
the horse. This is usually the result of an
unsteady seat or a fear that the horse will get
out of control.
2. Passive hands do nothing. They are light but
ineffective, because they leave the horse alone
all the time. These hands belong to riders with
a good balanced seat, but no knowledge about
how to ride a horse.
3. Good hands are quiet but effective. These
riders combine the use of hands and legs.
Good hands get the best results without Forehand
upsetting the horse. Pivot

Legs
The rider’s legs communicate motion to the
horse. Squeezing with both lower legs (calves) will
make the horse go forward. If the horse is properly
trained, leg pressure, combined with proper
contact on the horse’s mouth, will produce the
following types of movements (Fig. 59):
Bending

Figure 59
54
 1. Sidepass (horse moves sideways)
2. Haunch turn (horse pivots on its hindquarters)
3. Forehand pivot (horse pivots on its
forequarters)
4. Bending (horse bends its body to the inside of
a circle)
Seat (weight)
Slight shifts in the rider’s weight will help the
horse in going forward, backing, or sidepassing.
When the rider’s weight shifts slightly forward this
helps the horse in moving forward. If the rider’s
weight shifts slightly back this helps the horse in
backing. It is important to learn how to sit
naturally and softly and to use body movements
in harmony with the movements of the horse.
Remember to use only slight shifts in body
movement, not exaggerated weight shifts that
may throw the horse off balance.
Voice
The horse will also respond to voice cues such as
“walk,” “jog (trot),” “lope (canter),” and “whoa.”
It is important to use the voice quietly but firmly.
The horse has a very good sense of hearing, so
never yell or scream — the noise may frighten it.

Application of Cues
Always apply the lightest possible cue that will
get the horse to respond. Do not jerk the horse’s
mouth or kick the horse’s sides. The cues applied
on a trained horse should be almost invisible to
the onlooker, but clear and definite to the horse.
Every use of cues should include the complete
harmony of the rider’s hands, legs, seat, and voice.
For the best performance from the horse, all cues
are used together, not each one by itself.
Walk
To get the horse to walk:
1. Maintain a slight amount of contact on the
horse’s mouth.
2. Squeeze with the calves of both legs.
3. Shift your body weight slightly forward.
4. Tell the horse to “walk.”

55
 Once the horse is walking:
1. Release the leg pressure.
2. Release a little of the pressure on the horse’s
mouth.
Jog or trot
To get the horse to jog or trot:
1. Maintain a slight amount of contact on the
horse’s mouth.
2. Squeeze with the calves of both legs (use more
pressure than you do for the walk).
3. Shift your body weight slightly forward.
4. Tell the horse to “jog” or “trot.”
Once the horse is jogging (trotting):
1. Release the leg pressure.
2. Release a slight amount of pressure on the
horse’s mouth.
Lope or canter
For the horse to lope or canter in balance it
must be in the correct lead. A horse that is circling
to the left (counterclockwise) must be in the left
lead. A horse circling to the right (clockwise) must
be in the right lead.
To get the horse to lope or canter in the left lead:
1. Maintain a slight amount of contact on the
horse’s mouth.
2. Apply leg pressure with the right calf.
3. Shift your body weight slightly forward. Do
not shift your weight to the left.
4. Tell the horse to “lope” or “canter.”
To get the horse to lope or canter in the right lead:
1. Maintain a slight amount of contact on the
horse’s mouth.
2. Apply leg pressure with the left calf.
3. Shift your body weight slightly forward. Do
not shift your weight to the right.
4. Tell the horse to “lope” or “canter.”
Once the horse is loping (cantering):
1. Release the leg pressure.
2. Release a slight amount of pressure on the
horse’s mouth.

56
Learning Review: Controlling the Horse
1. List the four natural cues.
2. Explain each cue.
3. Tell which cues depend on the horse’s sense
of touch.
4. Explain how the cues can help the horse’s
movements and how they can hinder the
horse’s movements.

Conclusion
This handbook presents safe and basic tech-
niques you can use to catch, lead, tie, groom,
saddle, bridle, mount, and dismount from a horse.
A basic understanding of the horse’s vision, hear-
ing, touch, and social behavior will help you with
ground handling and riding. Knowing the parts
of the horse, saddle, and bridle will also help your
horsemanship abilities. Understanding how the
horse moves and knowing about the horse’s center
of gravity will help you develop a better sense of
balance, which in turn will make you a better rider
and handler.
The methods in this handbook have been tested
by experience. Practicing these safe horsemanship
techniques will ensure that you and your horse
will have an enjoyable, safe, and productive time
together. For more information about riding and
horsemanship refer to the bibliography.

57
 Definitions
Bight - the part of a rein that hangs free.
Binocular Vision - seeing the same thing with
both eyes at once. This gives good depth perception.
(Compare Monocular vision.)
Bridle - the headgear with which a horse is
controlled by its rider, including headstall, bit, and
reins.
Canter - a three-beat gait, like a gallop except
smoother and slower.
Center of gravity - the pivotal point of any
object’s weight. Half of a horse’s weight is in front
of its center of gravity and the other half is behind.
When a horse stands still, its center of gravity is just
behind the withers.
Circle - in show riding, to make a complete circle,
start by turning the horse toward the center of
the ring, and continue in the original direction of
riding.
Conformation - the physical shape or build of a
horse.
Connector strap - a strap used on Western
saddles to keep the front cinch and back cinch
connected.
Cooling out - cooling a heated horse by walking,
brushing, giving small drinks of water, and sponging
the horse off after it has worked hard enough to
sweat. Water is only given in very small amounts
and the horse is never allowed to drink its fill.
Direct reining (plow rein) - controlling a horse
by direct pulls on the reins, with one rein in each
hand (e.g., pulling the right rein with the right hand
to turn the horse right). (Compare Neck reining.)
Forehand - the part of a horse that is in front of
the rider.
Gaits - the different patterns of foot movement
and speed with which a horse may travel, e.g., walk,
trot, and canter. Each gait has its own rhythm of
footfalls.
Gallop - a fast three-beat gait.
Gelding - a castrated male horse.
Grooming - the process of cleaning and caring
for a horse’s skin and coat, including currying,
58 brushing, and the cleaning of the feet.
 Halt - same as Stop.
Halter - a headstall with noseband and
throatlatch, to which a leadrope can be attached.
Hand (unit of measurement) - four inches. A
horse’s height (at the withers) is usually stated in hands.
Hands - a rider’s skill and manner of handling the
reins (e.g., good hands, heavy hands).
Hardmouthed - not responsive to the bit.
Headstall - the part of a bridle or halter that goes
over the head.
Inside - in show riding, all the area between the
horse and the center of the ring.
Jog - a Western term for a slow trot.
Lead - to walk beside the horse, guiding it with
rope and halter.
Leadrope - a rope attached to a halter, used to
lead or tie the horse.
Line up - command for all riders to come to the
center of the ring or circle and form a line facing the
instructor or judge.
Lope - a three-beat gait; the Western equivalent of
Canter.
Mare - a female horse.
Monocular vision - seeing a different area with
each eye. (Compare Binocular vision.)
Neck reining (indirect rein) - a system of reining
in which the horse responds to the weight of the rein
on its neck, not to a pull on the bit. The reins are held
in one hand; to turn the horse, move the rein hand
in the direction you want the horse to go (e.g., left for
a left turn). Used mostly in Western riding. (Compare
Direct reining.)
Near side - the left side of a horse (horses are
usually handled from this side).
Off side - the right side of a horse.
Outside - in show riding, the area between the
horse and the outer boundary of the ring on the
side away from the center; sometimes called the rail
or wall.
Posting - the movement of the rider up and down
in the saddle in rhythm to the trot, usually in English
riding. 59
 Rail - see Outside.
Rein hand - the hand used to hold the reins
(usually the left).
Reverse - in show riding, to change the direction
of riding by turning the horse either toward or away
from the rail.
Romal - a length of braided rawhide attached to
the end of connected reins.
Roping reins - a single continuous rein attached
to the bit at both ends.
Sit the trot - to keep the seat deep in the saddle
during the trot; the opposite of Posting.
Split reins - reins whose ends are not connected.
Stable manner - ideally the good temper and
obedience all horses should display when being
handled, groomed, saddled, etc.
Stallion (stud) - an intact male horse capable of
breeding.
Stop (or halt) - command to stop a horse from
any gait and remain standing until further
instruction.
Stud - same as Stallion.
Tack - horse equipment, e.g., saddles, bridles, and
grooming equipment.
Take the rail left - command to ride to the rail
and follow it with the rider’s left hand to the center.
Thrush - degenerative condition of the frog
caused by bacteria, characterized by a thick, black,
foul-smelling discharge.
Trot - a two-beat diagonal gait, in which one
forefoot and the opposite hind foot move at the
same time.
Walk - a four-beat gait, in which only one foot
clears the ground at a time.
Wall - see Outside.

60
Bibliography
American Horse Shows Association. Rule Book.
New York, published every two years.
Coggins, Jack. The Horseman’s Bible. 2d ed., revised
by M.A. Stoneridge. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday,
1984.
Deacon, Alan. Horse Sense: A Complete Guide to
Riding and Horse Management. London: Frederick
Muller, 1971.
Dulaney, George. Know All About Tack. Omaha:
Farnam Horse Library, 1974.
Ensminger, M.E. Horses and Tack. Boston:
Houghton Mifflin, 1977.
Evans, J. Warren et al. The Horse. San Francisco: W.
H. Freeman, 1977.
Hundt, Sheila Wall. Invitation to Riding. New York:
Simon and Schuster, 1976.
Hunt, Ray. Think Harmony with Horses. Fresno,
Cal.: Pioneer, 1978.
Jackson, Noel. Effective Horsemanship for Dressage,
Three Day Event, Jumping and Polo. Princeton: Van
Nostrand, 1967.
Kulesza, Severyn R. Modern Riding. New York: Arco,
1975.
Littauer, Vladimir S. Common Sense Horsemanship.
New York: Arco, 1972.
Miller, Robert W. Western Horse Behavior and
Training. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1974.
Morris, George H. Hunter Seat Equitation. Rev. ed.
Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1979.
Prince, Eleanor F. and Gaydell M. Collier. Basic
Horsemanship: English and Western. Garden City,
N.Y.: Doubleday, 1974.
Schafer, Michael. The Language of the Horse: Habits
and Forms of Expression. New York: Arco, 1975.
Smythe, R. H. The Mind of the Horse. Brattleboro,
Vermont: Stephen Greene Press, 1965.
Sports Illustrated. Horseback Riding. Rev. ed.
Philadelphia and New York: Lippincott, 1971.
Understanding Horse Psychology. Omaha: Farnam
Horse Library.
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 U.S. Army. Cavalry School, Fort Riley, Kansas.
The Cavalry Manual of Horsemanship and Horsemas-
tership. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1962.
For additional information, refer to publications
listed under “Horse Science Series” in 4-H Projects
and Publications (EM2778).

•
Jennifer Leach is the 4-H/Youth Development
Agent in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties. Prior
to this she coordinated the riding program at WSU
and trained horses and taught riding for 10 years.

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 Issued by Washington State University Extension and the U.S. Department of Agriculture in further-
ance of the Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Extension programs and policies are consistent with
federal and state laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, sex, religion, age, color,
creed, national or ethnic origin; physical, mental or sensory disability; marital status, sexual orien-
tation, and status as a Vietnam-era or disabled veteran. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported
through your local Extension office. Reprinted June 1997. Reviewed July 2015.

EM4842

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