Horsemanship
Merit Badge Workbook
This Scoutmaster Bucky Merit Badge Workbook is based off the 2020 Scouts BSA Requirements.
Requirement 1: Do the following:
Requirement 1a: Describe the safety precautions you should take when handling and caring for a horse.
Requirement 1b: Describe the fire safety precautions you should take in a barn and around horses.
Requirement 2: Name 15 main parts of a horse.
Requirement 3: Name four breeds of horses. Explain the special features for which each breed is known.
Requirement 4: Describe the symptoms of colic. Name and describe four other horse health problems.
Requirement 5: Explain what conformation is and why it is important. Explain the difference between lameness and unsoundness.
Requirement 6: Explain the importance of hoof care and why a horse might need to wear shoes.
Requirement 7: Demonstrate how to groom a horse, including picking hooves and caring for a horse after a ride.
Requirement 8: Explain how to determine what and how much to feed a horse and why the amount and kind of feed are changed according to the activity level and the breed of horse.
Requirement 9: Do the following:
Requirement 9a: Name 10 parts of the saddle and bridle that you will use, and explain how to care for this equipment.
Requirement 9b: Show how to properly saddle and bridle a horse.
Requirement 9c: Demonstrate how to safely mount and dismount a horse.
Requirement 10: Explain and demonstrate how to approach and lead a horse safely from a stall, corral, or field and how to tie the horse securely.
Requirement 11: On level ground, continuously do the following movements after safely mounting the horse. Do them correctly, at ease, and in harmony with the horse.
Requirement 11a: Walk the horse in a straight line for 60 feet.
Requirement 11b: Walk the horse in a half-circle of not more than 16 feet in radius.
Requirement 11c: Trot or jog the horse in a straight line for 60 feet.
Requirement 11d: Trot or jog the horse in a half-circle of not more than 30 feet in radius.
Requirement 11e: Halt straight.
Requirement 11f: Back up straight four paces.
Requirement 11g: Halt and dismount.