Intro to Riding

T or F: According to the reading, rider should never practice without stirrups.

False

True of False: Traditionally, the horse should always be approached and led from the right side.

False

True or False: If the horse handler gets hurt it is always the horse's fault.

False

True or False: One does not need a plan when attempting a maneuver on a horse.

False

True or False: The excess rope should not be used to aid in acceleration of the horse forward on the lounge line.

False

True or False: The hand or rein aids should be used before the leg aids to be most effective.

False

True or False: The horse's eye position allows it to see with only binocular vision.

False

Fat, round horses require ______ stirrups while narrower horses require ______ stirrups

Longer, shorter

Before backing a horse the rider should always do what?

Look over their shoulder and assure nothing is behind them

Why is it so critical that a rider look forward in the direction that they are going?

Maintain balance, and so the horse knows where you are wanting to go

What is the direct rein of opposition used for when riding the horse?

Stopping, backing, or slowing the horse

What is the most important thing to check about your saddle prior to mounting your horse? You should be doing this multiple times...

Make sure it's tight

What are the 3 basic leg positions that a rider uses to communicate with the horse and what is used for each?

*At the girth - normal leg position and can used to encourage the horse to bend on a circle *Slightly behind the girth - used when asking the horse to accelerate or move one or both legs forward *Several inches behind the girth - used for specific control of the hindquarters, such as lateral maneuvers

Basically describe the 3 degrees of leg aids

*Passive- leg maintains contact, but does not exert pressure *Active- leg squeezes or kicks actively thus cueing the horse *Direct- leg squeezes or kicks demanding a prompt reaction from the horse

List 3 things you should check or be aware of prior to saddling your horse that were discussed in the reading:

-Dirt, rocks on the saddle pad and saddle. -Groom the horse -Make sure the saddle fits

Briefly list the 4 steps in stopping a horse using a direct rein of opposition using both hands as described in the reading.

1. Say Woah 2. Sit down 3. Pull back on reins 4. Release when horse responds

Once you have the halter buckled in the horse, how should the halter fit? (How much space should there be at the cheek)

1/2- 1"

What is the minimum amount of times the latigo must go through the girth/cinch?

2

When completing maneuvers how long should one wait to begin the maneuver after the command is given from the instructor?

3 seconds

What are two of the factors that a rider must consider about a horse's ability to carry and balance that rider.

Age, conformation, fitness

When leading your horse, how far away should you hold the snap of the lead rope with your hand?

6-8 inches

Roughly ___% of the horse's weight is carried on his forequarters while about ___% is carried on the hindquarters.

60, 40

Turns should be made to the right if the turn is greater than _____ degrees.

90

These horses have circular spots on their bodies. Some are solid colored with white spots, some are white with colored spots, some have spots all over while some only have spots in one or a few places. They can be leopard, blanket, frost, etc

Appaloosa

At what height should you tie your horse?

At the withers or slightly above

To make a horse move forward on the long line the handler should do what? A. step in front of the horse's midline B. step behind the horse's midline C. lead the horse forward D. step behind the horse

B. step behind the horse's midline

_______ is vital to sitting or posting the trot.

Balance

Your horse's ears are pinned back with her nose reaching forward. This is most likely an example of which of the following behavior: A. Interested/curious B. Divided attention C. Anger/aggression/irritation D. Intense interest/possible fear

C. Anger/aggression/irritation

__________ is a consequence that decreases the frequency of a behavior or response that follows. A. Positive Reinforcement B. Negative Reinforcement C. Punishment

C. Punishment

A rider should move to the ______ of the arena to make adjustments

Center

_______ _________ is the result of two paired stimuli being present at approximately the same time resulting in a learned response.

Classical Conditioning

Humans have lateral connections in their movements, but in horse riding they must have _______ connections

Diagonal

The rider's leg should be positioned where when sitting the trot?

Directly under the rider

If you want your horse to slow down from a trot to a walk what voice cue should you use and what is the major one you should not use, and why not use that one?

Easy, don't use Woah unless coming to a complete stop, it will confuse the horse.

If a rider were to squeeze with the calves and then not make the horse move forward while continuing to hold or squeeze with the legs, this is an example of:

Extinction

___________ is when a rider leaves the rail on a diagonal line toward the center of the arena and returns to the rail using a half circle thus traveling the opposite circle.

Flank maneuvers

______ is the large bulging muscle of the front leg. This muscle lies just below the shoulder of the horse and just above the knee.

Forearm

The hand or rein aids control ______ of the horse

Front end

_________ is when a rider is to make a half circle off the rail and return to the rail traveling in the opposite direction.

Half turn

The leg aids control the ______.

Hindquarters

What part of the body is the horse's power supply? What two parts of the body does the horse use to balance with?

Hindquarters Head, neck

______ is the joint of the hind leg just below the gaskin and just above the cannon bone. It lies in the same area as the knee of the front leg. This joint bends back allowing the leg to reach forward.

Hock

When mounting your horse your right hand should be doing what?

Holding onto the horn

Why is it important to get the saddle placed correctly on the horse's back when you are saddling them?

Horse can move freely & rider stay in position

Why should you always talk to your horse as you approach them when catching.

Horses are fight or flight, you could spook them if you walk up and they don't know you're thee and then they can hurt you or run off.

Why is it so important that a rider constantly be aware of where their center of balance is relation to the center of balance of the horse?

It helps prevent confusion for the horse

Why is it that a horse naturally leans into pressure, and why is it so important that a rider understands this?

It is a survival instinct. It's important to know because a horse may revert back to its instinct and then they need to reinforce the behavior.

Why is the trot often referred to as the "training gait"?

It is good exercise for the horse, it is a good speed for the rider to learn to ride relaxed and the right way, it's easy for the horse.

Why do we never want to slide the saddle pay forward or toward the head of the horse when placing the saddle pay on the horse's back before we place the saddle?

It will mess up the hair and it can make the horse get sores. (pressure points)

When the stirrups are too ______ the rider is unable to use their knees and ankles as shock absorbers.

Long

If your saddle has a back girth or cinch when should it buckled and why?

Last because it won't hold the saddle into place.

When riding in pairs during hall maneuvers which side of the first rider and horse does the second rider and horse move up on to be parallel with the first rider and horse?

Left side

You are picking up your horse's left from hoof. Your ____ hand should remain on the body of the horse, while your ____ hand should run down the front of the front left leg to the horse's ankle/fetlock and pick up the hoof.

Left, right

What do longer shanks mean in a curb bit?

More leverage, you don't need to put as much pressure with your hands.

What characteristic of a horse construction makes their lateral balance much more easily offset that their longitudinal balance?

Narrow body

How should the excess rope be held in the hand and why?

Not wrapped around your hand. If something happens and the horse gets spooked you could get rope burn.

This is what the instructor says when they want the rider traveling next to the arena fence with their right or left hand side towards the center of the arena.

On the rail to the right or left

When riding in a group in the same direction what command should a rider use when needing to pass a horse in front of them? And what side should a rider generally pass on?

On your right/left. You would move toward the inside of the arena, the side depending on which direction you are moving.

When turning a horse using a direct aid of opposition using one hand describe what each hand and leg should be doing when turning to the left.

Open the left leg and close the right leg Pull rein with left hand, loosen right hand on rein

A horse has 4 doors. To get the horse to move a certain direction a rider must _______ the desired direction and _______ the others.

Open, close

______ _________ is based on the concept that a response that is followed by a reinforcing stimulus is more likely to occur again.

Operant Conditioning

According to the reading when putting your left foot in the stirrup before mounting your horse, what should you be aware of and careful not to do and why? (Hint: think about your toe)

Place your left foot into the stirrup far enough to be secure but not completely home in the stirrup. It is important that you do not poke the horse in the ribs with your toe as you turn to mount. Turn so that you are facing the horse and in line with saddle horn. Stand up and swing your leg over the horse's hindquarters, making sure not to kick the horse as you swing your leg over.

What are the two parts to an effective rein aid?

Pressure and release

Name three reasons discussed in the reading to lounge a horse:

Protect muscles, teach voice commands, teach new riders balance and proper seat position

The ______ is the area right next to the arena fence.

Rail

This request is used when riders are going in opposite directions or different speeds/gaits in the arena, and the individual wants to remain close to the arena fence thus requiring the other individual to move closer to the center of the arena. What is this request?

Rail please

A rider is bouncing quite a bit while trying to learn to sit the trot and the horse seems like it wants to run off. What should you main piece of advice be to the rider in order to help alleviate their bouncing and speed problem?

Relax

Don't forget the ________ when applying an aid, otherwise the horse will _______ you!

Release, disobey

According to the reading, why is it that your horse will work better in one direction on the lounge line than in the opposite direction.

Right handed or left handed

You are longing your horse in a right circle. Which hand should the line going to the horse's head/halter be in? Which hand should the rest of the rope be in?

Right, left

Which grooming tool would you use on the large muscular areas in a circular motion to stimulate circulation and bring dead hair and dirt to the surface? A. Rubber curry B. Hoof pick C. Hard bristle brush D. Soft bristle brush

Rubber curry

When the stirrups are too ______ it makes it difficult for the rider to relax and keep their heels in alignment with the ear, shoulder and hip.

Short

Describe the difference between the curb bit and the snaffle bit

Snaffle-direct bit, rider has to use both hands on the reins. Less leverage Curb- can be used with one hand on reins. Most leverage

Why is it so important that a rider have their stirrups adjusted to the proper length?

So their legs are under them to absorb the bounce and so that they can balance.

When mounted on your horse what are the two main ways described in the reading to check that your stirrups are the proper length? (hint: one has to do with your heels, the other your seat)

Stand in your stirrups, with your heels down, to be sure that the stirrup length is correct. You should have a slight bend in both the knee and ankle when you are standing as well as when you are sitting in the saddle.

Now that you have the saddle on your horse and the girth set at the proper length what should you check concerning the horse's withers before you tighten the girth so as to not make the horse sore?

Tent the pad over the horse's withers

Describe how the open or leading rein is applied to the horse.

The active hand moves out away from the horse's neck to guide or lead the horse in the desired direction. The opposite hand remains loose and is pushed forward allowing the horse to bend.

What is the major piece is different between the western and english bridle?

The english has a noseband.

Often a rider will cling to the horse around the barrel with their legs and pulling on their reins to maintain their balance. What is the horse's response?

The horse will go faster to escape the pressure and become irritated from their bit being pulled.

Describe how the rider should check for the proper stirrup length before they mount their horse.

The rider may check the stirrup length against the length of his arm. Place the bottom of the stirrup under the arm against the armpit and reach to the saddle. The rider's fingertips (usually the 2nd joint of the index finger) should reach to the area where the strips tie into the saddle. Always step in front after adjusting the stirrups to make sure both are even.

Briefly describe the two primary blind spots a horse has, which is presented in the reading.

They can not see directly in front or behind them ,

When mounting your horse your left hand should be doing what?

They should be holding the reins

Why is it helpful to know where the horse;s ears are facing?

To know where there attention is

When learning to sit the trot the rider often feels as if they are bouncing and will soon bounce off the horse. What is the rider's first reaction? And what will this reaction cause?

To squeeze their legs to hold on, this will cause the horse to go faster

What is wrong with a rider's stirrups if he/she feels as if he/she is about to fall forward while riding?

Too far back

What is wrong with a rider's stirrups if he/she feels as if he/she is about to fall backward with riding?

Too far forward

True of False: The sense of touch does suffer fatigue.

True

True or False: When using the direct rein of opposition with one hand, the active hand stops one side of the horse and the other hand, yielding, allows the rest of the horse to turn toward the active hand.

True

Correct order to back up a horse:

Verbal cue to back, close hands on the reins exerting backward pull evenly with both hands closing the front door, apply pressure evenly and squeeze with both calves and heels, relax the rein pressure.

When should/at what distance should one begin to pass the rider and horse in front of them?

When there is one horse length between your horse and the rider in front of you.

When saddling a horse, what is an easy way to tell the girth is in the center of the horse before you tighten it?

When you hold the girth under the horse, the D ring should line up with midline.

List the four forms of vocal communication:

Whining, Blow, Squeal, Nickering

What are the 3 areas of the horse's mouth that are effected by the bit?

corners, tongue, bar

You are riding at a trot to the left and you are told you need to be posting. Which front leg and which back leg should you be riding and falling with?

moving together at trot

It is much easier to give directions to a _______ animal, so first ________ ____ movement then provide ________.

moving, verbally cue, direction

Sitting on your horse is the same as _____, except that _________________________

standing, your knees are bent

When leading your horse you should walk with your shoulder even with the horse's: A. nose B. croup C. shoulder D. throatlatch

throatlatch

The backup is a ___ ____ ______ gait.

two beat diagonal

The trot is a ___ _____ _______ gait with a _______ phase.

two beat diagonal, suspension

Your horse is tied to the rail while you are saddling it. What is the first thing you should do prior to putting the bridle on?

untie the horse