Horsemanship
Merit Badge Workbook
This Scoutmaster Bucky Merit Badge Workbook is based off the 2020 Scouts BSA Requirements.
Type your work on this page or download the Horsemanship
Workbook PDF.
Consider also using the Horsemanship merit badge class preparation page for clarification and expections when participating in a Scoutmaster Bucky merit badge opportunity (online or in-person).
Scout's Name:
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.
