Maricopa Community Colleges  EQS145   20012-20015 
Official Course Description:   MCCCD Approval:  11/28/00
EQS145      20012-20015 L+L 3 Credit(s) 6 Period(s)
Basic Horsemanship
Rudimentary knowledge concerning horse handling safety, basic riding equipment, grooming techniques, saddling, bridling, mounting, dismounting, and basic control of the horse at the walk and trot. English or western equipment used. Emphasis on position of rider as it relates to basic control of the horse. Prerequisites: None.
 
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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
EQS145   20012-20015 Basic Horsemanship
1. Identify and explain basic equine behavior as it relates to riding situations. (I)
2. Identify and explain the parts, use, and proper care and storage of essential riding equipment. (II)
3. Demonstrate basic handling of the horse, to include catching, haltering, leading and tying. (III)
4. Work safely around horses while dismounted. (I, III, IV, V)
5. Groom the horse properly before and after riding. (IV)
6. Saddle and bridle the horse properly. (V)
7. Mount and dismount the horse properly and safely. (VI)
8. Demonstrate basic control of the horse in an arena situation at the walk and trot (jog) (VI)
9. Recognize and practice basic horse handling safety skills while on the ground and when mounted. (I-VI)
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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
EQS145   20012-20015 Basic Horsemanship
    I. Basic Equine Behavior
        A. Working safely around horses
          1. Visual capabilities of the horse related to horse handling safety
          2. Approaching the horse in a stall
        B. Points of the horse (conformation terms)
      II. Basic English/Western Equipment
          A. Halters
            1. Types
            2. Uses
          B. Parts of the saddle
          C. Parts of the bridle
          D. Proper care and storage
            1. Bridle
            2. Saddle
            3. Saddle pad
            4. Halter
        III. Basic Handling of the Horse
            A. Catching
            B. Haltering
            C. Leading
            D. Tying
            E. Tying a quick release knot
          IV. Grooming Techniques
              A. Brushes
                1. Types
                2. Uses
              B. Use of the curry comb
              C. Use of the hoof pick
              D. Fly spray
              E. Wash/rack procedures
              F. Hoof dressing and its use
            V. Use of the Saddle and Bridle
                A. Saddle pad
                  1. Proper placement
                  2. Adjustment
                B. Saddle
                  1. Proper placement
                  2. Adjustment
                C. Proper adjustment of the bridle
                D. Stirrup adjustments
              VI. Arena Activities
                  A. Safety techniques for proper mount and dismount
                  B. Use of the reins
                  C. Holding the reins
                  D. Aids for the walk and halt
                  E. Working in a file/walk-halt practice
                  F. The Trot (Jog)
                    1. Explanation of gait
                    2. Demonstration of aids
                    3. Work in a file
                  G. Combination Exercises
                    1. Walk-halt
                    2. Walk-trot
                    3. Halt in file
                    4. Halt in group
                  H. Combination Exercises
                    1. Walk
                    2. Trot (Jog)
                    3. Halt
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