Wasatch Pony Club

Rating Prep – D2

Stable Management/ Leading/Longeing (Some of these standards are covered after Bandaging.)

Standards: Groom pony, pick out feet, with assistance if needed. Name five grooming tools and explain how to use them. Tack up and untack pony independently. Lead mount correctly in hand and while tacked up. Do walk-halt-walk transitions in hand. Lead mount in and out of stall safely, tie up in appropriate place with quick-release knot. List three examples of unsafe equipment.

Name three common stable vices.

Part I: Candidates demonstrate leading the pony in and out of the stall safely (with halter and lead

rope). Candidates tie pony up in an appropriate place with a quick release knot. [Manual, p. 141-144]

Part II: Q & A (Read each question aloud twice, emphasizing the words or phrases in bold type.

Candidates must choose the right word or phrase to make the sentence TRUE. Underlined word or phrase is the correct answer.)

1. Name 5 grooming tools and how to use them: hoof pick currycomb soft brush dandy brush hoof pick hoof brush sponges mane comb stable rubber water brush [Manual, p. 169-170]

2. Your pony should be groomed or at least checked over every day whether he is ridden or not. True or False . [Manual p. 171].

Part III: Candidates demonstrate grooming pony, following these steps in the correct order (*may be described verbally rather than demonstrated):

1. tie the pony

2. pick out the feet

3. use the curry comb

4. brush with the dandy brush

5. use the body brush

6. pick out the mane and tail

7. use the stable rubber

8. sponge the face & dock

9. remove grass or manure stains*

10. paint on hoof dressing*

11. use the water brush on the mane

[Manual, p. 170-173]

Turn-out Tack and Safety Check

Standards: Rider in safe and neat attire. Mount clean and neatly groomed, feet picked out, showing farrier care. Tack safe and clean, with attention to stitching, girth, stirrups (properly adjusted by Examiner if necessary).

Q & A

1. What are the four steps in tack care?

a. clean

b. condition

c. place

d. repair [Manual, p. 253-255]

2. What will you need to clean your tack?

a. small sponges and rags

b. small bucket with warm water

c. leather cleaner, like castile soap

d. leather protector, like glycerine soap

e. saddle rack

f. leather conditioner, like neatsfoot oil or Lexol [Manual, p. 256]

3. What are the steps in preparing for a thorough cleaning?

a. remove girth

b. remove stirrup leathers

c. remove irons

d. remove saddle pad

e. remove stirrup pads

f. take bridle apart [Manual, p. 256]

Stable Management /Bandaging

Give two reasons why you would bandage a mount’s leg(s). Apply (with assistance of examiner if needed) protective boots and bell boots, if appropriate, to mount’s leg.

Part I: Q & A

Give two reasons to bandage a pony’s leg:

· Support

· Protection

Part II: Candidates demonstrate correct application of protective boots and bell boots to pony’s leg. [Manual, p. 217-218]

Stable Management/ Leading/Longeing, cont. (Remaining standards from first section.)

Part IV: Candidates demonstrate tacking up, answering these questions before each step: (Read each question aloud twice, emphasizing the words or phrases in bold type. Candidates must choose the right word or phrase to make the sentence TRUE. Underlined word or phrase is the correct answer.)

1. When tacking up, the saddle pad goes on first. Put it on a little in front of or behind the withers and slide it back or forward into place. Set the saddle gently on the saddle pad. Pull the front of the pad flat on the withers or up into the gullet of the saddle to make an air space over the pony’s back. Go to the right side and check to see that everything is smooth or twisted. Fasten the saddle pad by slipping the tab over one of the billets. Pull the buckle guard down or forward. Go back to the near side and repeat, bringing the girth under, then buckle the girth to the first and second or last billets. If your pony “blows up” when you tighten the girth you should kick him in the ribs to make him let out the air or walk him in a circle so he forgets to hold his breath. [Manual, p. 148-150]

2. Put the halter around the pony’s neck when bridling. True or False

Put the rein over the pony’s head. True or False.

Hold your right arm over the pony’s head and hold the crownpiece in your right hand. True or False.

Buckle the throatlash tightly. True or False. [Manual, p. 152-154]

3. Run up the stirrups whenever you are in or out of the saddle. [Manual, p. 151]

Part V: Candidates demonstrate walking, halting, walking and turning the pony in hand, answering the following questions before each step:

1. What should you do if you want your pony to move forward?

a. be in leading position by his neck.

b. say “Pony, walk on”.

c. push your hand forward under his chin. [Manual, p. 137]

2. What should you do to stop your pony?

a. say “whoa”

b. stop walking

c. hold your hand still [Manual, p. 138]

3. Should you turn the pony away from you or toward you? [Manual, p. 138]

Part VI: Candidates untack pony independently. [Manual, p. 156]

Part VII: Q & A (Read each question aloud twice.

Candidates must choose the right word or phrase to make the sentence TRUE. Underlined word or phrase is the correct answer.)

1. Stable vices are habits ponies learn from boredom or a special tool for closing stall doors. Ponies with stable vices are happy or unhappy. [Manual, p. 180]

2. Name three common stable vices and describe them: (Any three of the following answers.)

· cribbing (pony grabs a solid object with his teeth and sucks air)

· wood chewing (pony chews on wood, does not suck air)

· stall kicking (pony kicks wall on purpose)

· pawing (digging holes)

· weaving (pony sways from side to side) [Manual, p. 181-182]

3 List three examples of unsafe equipment. (Any three of the following answers.)

· dry leather with cracks or dry rot

· broken saddle tree

· broken, loose, or missing stitching

· stretched out, cracked or thin billets

· closed stirrup bars

· worn elastic or strings on girth

· loose keepers

· bent or worn buckles [Manual, p. 258-262]

Conditioning

Standards: Know basic condition of own mount. Describe ways to know if mount is properly cooled out.

Part I: Q and A (Read each question aloud twice, emphasizing the words or phrases in bold type.

Candidates must choose the right word or phrase to make the sentence TRUE. Underlined word or phrase is the correct answer.)

1. If the pony is terribly thin, his ribs show, and his backbone sticks up, he is in:

a. very fat or obese condition

b. fat condition

c. good or fit condition

d. poor or thin condition

e. very poor condition [Manual, p. 195-198]

2. If the pony is round everywhere and has a crease down his back, he is in:

a. very fat or obese condition

b. fat condition

c. good or fit condition

d. poor or thin condition

e. very poor condition [Manual, p. 195-198]

3. If the pony’s muscles are well-developed and his skin is loose and flexible, he is in:

a. very fat or obese condition

b. fat condition

c. good or fit condition

d. poor or thin condition

e. very poor condition [Manual, p. 195-198]

Part II: Candidate should describe condition of their own mount. [Manual, p. 195-198]

Part III: Describe ways to know if pony is properly cooled out.

· breathing should be regular

· chest should be cool and dry

· no visible veins in neck [Manual, p. 162]

Nutrition

Standard: Know 3-5 basic rules for feeding and explain feeding schedule for own mount.

Q and A (Read each question aloud twice, emphasizing the words or phrases in bold type.

Candidates must choose the right word or phrase to make the sentence TRUE. Underlined word or phrase is the correct answer.)

1. You should feed your pony small amounts often or one big meal. [Manual, p. 192]

2. Feed your pony plenty of hay/grass or oats. [Manual, p. 192]

3. Feed according to your pony’s appetite or size, condition, temperament and work. Manual, p. 192]

4. All changes in feed should be made gradually over 10 days to 2 weeks or immediately. [Manual, p. 192]

5. Feed on a regular schedule, once a week or every day. [Manual, p. 192]

6. Feed only clean, good quality hay and grain or whatever costs less, no matter how dusty it is. [Manual, p. 193]

7. Do or Don’t ride your pony when his stomach is full [Manual, p. 193]

8. Do or Don’t learn how your pony normally eats. [Manual, p. 193]

9. Which of these should be available at all times?

a. Salt

b. Water

c. Grain [Manual, p. 193]

10. Candidate should describe feeding schedule and requirements of own pony. [Manual, p. 192-193]

Foot & Shoeing

Standards: Know reasons for daily foot care. Give two reasons why the farrier regularly checks your mount.

Q and A (Read each question aloud twice, emphasizing the words or phrases in bold type. Candidates must choose the right word or phrase to make the sentence TRUE. Underlined word or phrase is the correct answer.)

1. What should you do to properly care for your pony’s feet?

a. pick out the feet

b. check the feet

c. condition the feet

d. have a farrier trim or shoe the pony regularly [Manual, p. 199]

2. A farrier is a horse doctor or a horse shoer. [Manual, p. 199]

3. Why should the pony’s feet be picked out every day?

a. He may pick up a stone

b. His foot could be hurt

c. To keep feet clean so he doesn’t get thrush

d. To check his shoes [Manual, p. 199]

4. Which of the following are correct steps to picking up the pony’s front foot?

a. Stand beside the pony’s leg facing the tail.

b. Kick his hoof.

c. Run your hand down his leg to the tendons, squeeze and say “pick it up”.

d. Hold the foot by the pastern.

e. Drop the foot as soon as you are done. [Manual, p. 201]

5. A pony will or will not look out for your feet when he sets his foot down. [Manual, p. 204]

6. Which are reasons why the farrier should check your pony regularly?

a. To see if the pony’s feet need trimming or shoes need a reset.

b. To tell if your pony’s feet are in good condition.

c. To tell if your pony’s feet are balanced. [Manual, p. 204]

Health/Veterinary Knowledge

Standard: Name some symptoms of a sick or injured mount that would cause you to seek help.

Q and A (Read each question aloud twice, emphasizing the words or phrases in bold type.

Candidates must choose the right word or phrase to make the sentence TRUE. Underlined word or phrase is the correct answer.)

1. Why would you have your pony routinely checked by a vet?

· Check out a new pony before you buy him.

· Yearly checkup to make sure he is healthy. [Manual, p. 209]

2. Which of these are reasons to call a vet?

a. your pony sneezes

b. your pony is in distress

c. you know that there is a problem but you don’t know what to do

d. you are not sure if it is an emergency [Manual, p. 209-210]

Travel Safety

Standards: Know the basic rules for riding on public roads in your state. Name two ways you can help your mount be safe in a trailer.

Q and A (Read each question aloud twice, emphasizing the words or phrases in bold type.

Candidates must choose the right word or phrase to make the sentence TRUE. Underlined word or phrase is the correct answer.)

1. Which of these are CORRECT rules for riding on public roads?

a. try to stay off the pavement whenever possible

b. ride on the center line of the road

c. watch out for trash and ditches and pass along a warning

d. keep to a walk

e. ride single file, not side by side

f. everyone should ride on the same side of the road

g. wave to passing cars to show that you are friendly [Manual, p. 220-221]

2. Cross the road in a single file or all at the same time. [Manual, p. 220-221]

3. When you ride on public roads, you must obey traffic laws or your mother. [Manual, p. 220-221]

4. Which of these things keep a pony safe in the trailer?

a. his tack

b. strong halter and lead rope

c. bandages or shipping boots on his legs

d. tail bandage

e. eye goggles Manual, p. 223]

5. What things should you take for your pony when traveling?

a. Hay net with hay

b. Water bucket

c. Equine first aid kit

d. Extra lead rope

e. Muck bucket and rake

f. Tack and grooming kit [Manual, p. 223-224]

Pony Parts/Conformation/Lameness

Standards: Name and locate any 15 parts of the mount. Name and describe six colors of mounts. Name and describe five markings of ponies. Name four horse or pony breeds.

Part I: Q and A (Read each question aloud twice, emphasizing the words or phrases in bold type.

Candidates must choose the right word or phrase to make the sentence TRUE. Underlined word or phrase is the correct answer.)

1. Name and describe six colors of mounts: [See Manual p. 232-233 for descriptions.]

· black

· brown

· bay

· chestnut (sorrel)

· grey

· roan

· dun

· palomino

· pinto

· appaloosa

2. Name and describe five horse markings: [See Manual p. 233-234 for descriptions]

· star

· snip

· blaze

· strip

· bald face

· brand

· freeze brand

· scar

· white coronet, etc

3. Name four horse or pony breeds.

· Arabian

· Thoroughbred

· Quarter Horse

· Appaloosa

· Warmbloods

· Welsh Pony

· Shetland Pony

· Connemara Pony

· Pony of the Americas

[Manual p. 240-242]

Part II: Using the model horses, have candidates point out 15 parts of the horse. [Manual, p. 231] The following questions may be practiced verbally when candidate is unmounted, in preparation for the Riding Test Expectations part of the mounted rating prep.

Riding on the Flat

Standards: Ride on flat using Riding Test Expectations. Mount and dismount independently (using mounting block if necessary.) Shorten and lengthen reins at halt and walk. Perform balancing and suppling exercises for a rider at walk and halt and discuss 1 or 2 reasons for doing this. Ride at the walk, performing simple turns and large circles. Ride without stirrups at the walk. Ride at the trot on correct diagonal, performing simple turns and large circles. Ride at the canter in both directions in an enclosed area and be aware of leads. Discuss performance with Examiner, indicating whether or not mount was on correct lead.

Q and A (Read each question aloud twice, emphasizing the words or phrases in bold type.

Candidates must choose the right word or phrase to make the sentence TRUE. Underlined word or phrase is the correct answer.)

1. Your “seat” means the way you sit, your balance, and the way you use your body when you ride or the way the saddle fits your body. [Manual p. 49]

2. Balancing and suppling exercises warm up your muscles and make them stronger so you won’t get sore or fall off. [Manual p. 50]

3. Which of these are suppling exercises:

a. Foot circles

b. Leg swings

c. Around the world [Manual p. 51-53]

4. When you ride without stirrups you should cross the stirrups in front of the saddle so you can find

them in a hurry or they don’t bang the pony’s sides. [Manual p. 50]

5. When turning:

a. Use your eyes to look where you want to go

b. Use your inside leg to keep from cutting the corner

c. Jerk your inside rein to make the pony turn [Manual p. 56]

6. When the pony is going around the ring, you should check diagonals by looking at the inside or outside shoulder. [Manual p. 60]

7. To change diagonals, you will sit two or three beats [Manual p. 61]

8. The correct aids for a canter are:

a. Sit tall and deep

b. Kick your pony’s sides

c. Put your outside leg back [Manual p. 61-62]

9. Sit down or Stand up to ride the canter. Look at the inside or outside shoulder for the lead. [Manual p. 64]

Riding Over Fences

Standards: Ride over fences using Riding Test Expectations. Maintain jumping position at the trot on the flat and over ground poles. In an enclosed area, ride a simple stadium course of four to five obstacles not to exceed 18”. Discuss with Examiner ways to improve ride.

Q and A (Read each question aloud twice, emphasizing the words or phrases in bold type.

Candidates must choose the right word or phrase to make the sentence TRUE. Underlined word or phrase is the correct answer.)

1. Your stirrups should be one hole longer or shorter than your regular stirrup length for jumping. Bend forward from your hips or waist, let your shoulders come over your knees or your pony’s withers. Your legs and feet should be under or behind your body. [Manual, p. 67]

2. The Five Jumping Basics: “Balance” or “Control” means you must be in good balance with your pony, neither ahead nor behind. “Eyes” means to look at your pony’s ears or the target. “Sink” means to sink your heels or eyes down and let your seat or hands move back toward the saddle. [Manual, p. 68-69]

3. Your “angles”, which are at your hips, knees ankles, or chin, should be the same to absorb the push off and landing of the jump. “Release” means release the pony’s mouth to let him stretch his legs or neck. You should release your pony just as he refuses or jumps. “Finish” means to complete your job as a rider by sitting up, looking where you want to go, and keeping your pony under the jump or control. [Manual, p. 69-72]

4. When you put two or more lines of jumps together it forms a course or map. Start your course with a large circle or good swat with the crop. [Manual, p. 77-78]

Riding in the Open

Ride safely and considerately on public and private property, in a group, at the walk and trot. Ride with control, up and down hills, at the walk and trot. Jump simple and natural obstacles, not to exceed 18”. (No ditches or banks.)

Q and A (Read each question aloud twice, emphasizing the words or phrases in bold type.

Candidates must choose the right word or phrase to make the sentence TRUE. Underlined word or phrase is the correct answer.)

1. When riding outside you must be in control or ready to run. Be sure you can jump or stop your pony. [Manual, p. 79]

2. When riding uphill your pony needs to stretch his neck, so you must sit up tall or in jump position. [Manual, p. 79]

3. When riding downhill, stay in jump position or balance. Do or Don’t lean back and brace your feet in front. [Manual, p. 79-80]

4. When riding with a group, keep one pony space or ¼ mile behind the pony ahead of you. Stay in line or by two’s when riding on a trail. Ask before you pass or trot. If you see something dangerous, ignore it or warn others. [Manual, p. 82]

5. Do or Don’t ask permission to ride on private land. Do or Don’t ride on someone’s lawn or garden. Do or Don’t stay near the edge of a field. Do or Don’t close any gate you open. Do or Don’t play ‘round up’ with cows. Do or Don’t jump all jumps in a field that are on your level. [Manual, p. 84-85]