Horsemanship
Resources
- Horsemanship Workbook
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Merit Badge Advancement Quick Reference
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Acknowledgement Form
Horsemanship Requirements Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of March 8, 2025
as of March 8, 2025
1.
Do the following:
a.
Describe the safety precautions you should take when handling and
caring for a horse.
b.
Describe the fire safety precautions you should take in a barn and
around horses.
2.
Name 15 parts of a horse and discuss the function of each with your
counselor.
3.
Name four breeds of horses. Explain the special features for which each
breed is known.
4.
Describe the symptoms of colic. Name and describe four other horse health
problems.
5.
Explain what conformation is and why it is important. Explain the
difference between lameness and unsoundness.
6.
Explain the importance of hoof care and why a horse might need to wear
shoes.
7.
Demonstrate how to groom a horse, including picking hooves and caring for a
horse after a ride.
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.
9.
Do the following:
a.
Name 10 parts of the saddle and bridle that you will use, and explain
how to care for this equipment.
b.
Show how to properly saddle and bridle a horse.
c.
Demonstrate how to safely mount and dismount a horse.
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.
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.
a.
Walk the horse in a straight line for 60 feet.
b.
Walk the horse in a half-circle of not more than 16 feet in radius.
c.
Trot or jog the horse in a straight line for 60 feet.
d.
Trot or jog the horse in a half-circle of not more than 30 feet in
radius.
e.
Halt straight.
f.
Back up straight four paces.
g.
Halt and dismount.
