This post was originally published on Academie Duello’s blog in April 2013, and is part of a series detailing the requirements for the Green Spur, or first rank of the Mounted Combat program.
Our Horsemanship curriculum, like the Canadian Pony Club system it stems from, is designed to deepen and expand students’ knowledge in the key areas of horsemanship with each progressive level. What starts as simple identification of colours, breeds and markings in levels one and two, becomes measuring and identification in level three, and conformation, teeth and aging in levels four and up. We ask you to build upon your base of knowledge as you progress, which is why we often check that your foundation is strong. Therefore the first item in the Level 2 Horsemanship checklist is:
1. All the level one requirements
“What!” you say, “I have to test level one all over again?”
Not quite. If you did your level one and have been active in the program we will use the mark from your level one test.
If you are challenging level two, which many people with prior horse experience do, we will simply test levels one and two at the same time. Many of the items on the list are similar, but we expect a higher degree of confidence and competence at this level. For example, at both levels you will groom and tack up your horse, but at level two you need to be able to do this without any assistance from the examiner.
In either case, it is of benefit to review the level one material before heading out to your level two assessment.
Level One Horsemanship Review
1. Identify colour, near and off side, and twenty simple parts of the horse
2. Enter, approach and safely halter horse in stall or paddock
3. Lead horse out of stall or paddock, lead at the walk
5. Groom horse using basic grooming tools (dandy brush, curry comb, hoof pick)
6. Identify simple parts of saddle & bridle
9. Basic feeding: succulents, grain, roughage & water
10. Stabling: needs & habits of the horse
11. Demonstrate safety and common sense when working around horses
Next week: Points and markings