Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards Examiner Testing Sheet ENGLISH OR WESTERN FLATWORK LEVEL 4 Purpose To determine if examiner can: 1. Accurately assess horse/rider strengths and weaknesses. 2. Set-up appropriate and safe courses, patterns, and area for required movements. 3. Communicate effectively with candidate regarding the expectations of the standards. 4. Organize testing in logical, progressive manner. 5. Maintain safety at all times during the testing. *Please see Examiner Assessment Score sheet for more details Testing Format (approximate suggested times for each section are given) Introduction with Candidates (without horse) (5-10 minutes) Introduce candidates to each other as well as introduce yourself and share your background. Get a basic history of rider and horse. Review the schedule and expectations for the testing with the riders. Positive interaction with the candidates. Easing of testing anxiety. Correctly answering candidate s questions. Organization. Tack and Safety Check (7-8 minutes per rider) Check that tack and clothing are appropriate and safe for discipline. Suggest any necessary changes. (Changes must be approved by parent) Check the rider s helmet for proper fit and to make sure it is ASTM/SEI approved. Complete Horse and Rider Turnout and Tack sections of standards asking each candidate individual questions as necessary ( Describe three artificial aids and their uses ). Knowledge of proper fitting of tack. Knowledge of safety standards for attire and tack. Knowledge of artificial aids.
Lunging (2-3 minutes per rider) Ensure candidates have control of horse and are showing safe practices. Discuss with each candidate individually the reasons for lunging, the necessary equipment, as well as the safety procedures for horse and rider Observe each candidate demonstrate the appropriate lunge line attachment to the horse. Knowledge of lunging practices and theory, as well as necessary equipment and safety procedures. Warm-up (10-15 minutes) Allow candidates to warm-up. Ensure that candidates properly warm-up. Perform basic suppling exercises for the rider and discuss benefits to rider. Ask each candidate to discuss proper distances between trotting (jogging) and canter (lope) poles for both horses and ponies. Knowledge of rider suppling exercises. Knowledge of proper distances between trotting (jogging) and canter (lope) poles. Judgment of candidate s warm-up, including: time needed for rider to relax, time needed for horse to become supple, and consideration of weather and footing. Riding (15-20 minutes) Assess candidates for remaining movements and riding expectations in riding section. Properly set-up arena for required Dressage Test, English Riding Pattern, or Western Pattern. Assess candidates for required Dressage Test, English Riding Pattern, or Western Pattern. Ensure the candidates properly cool down their horses when all riding movements are complete. Knowledge of proper execution of required movements. Knowledge of proper lateral movement execution. Organization and safety consideration of movements and patterns, including: location for patterns to be executed, interactions of riders in a group, and inclusion of all required movements. Correct set-up of arena for required Dressage Test, English Pattern, or Western Pattern, including: appropriate size of arena and set up of corner markers or cones.
Judgment of candidate s test or pattern, including: accurate assessment of test or pattern and correct scoring of test or pattern. Judgment of candidate s cool-down, to include: time needed for horse to return to near normal breathing rate and temperature, and consideration of weather. Final Assessment (10 minutes) Meet with the review committee for a final discussion. Give an evaluation of each candidate to the review committee. Provide an analysis of whether the candidate passed the level of testing and reasons for their decision. After examiner meets with the review panel, examiner will meet with candidates and give them a pass/retest report on their testing with at least one of the reviewers present. Organization of thoughts. Theory of proper riding and horsemanship. Logical reasons for assessment of riders. Positive interaction and ability to communicate with the rider. Horse Management (15-20 minutes) Apply a stable bandage (one front or one hind). Discuss materials, techniques, and differences between front and hind application with the committee. Proper application of a stable bandage. Knowledge of proper bandaging techniques, with extended knowledge of materials, techniques, and differences between front and hind application.
Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards Level 4 Examiner: County: Date: KEY: ES = Exceeds Standard MS = Meets Standard DNMS = Does not Meet Standard Purpose To determine if examiner can: 1. Accurately assess horse/rider strengths and weaknesses. 2. Set up appropriate and safe courses, patterns, and area for required movements. 3. Communicate effectively to the candidate the expectations of the standards. 4. Organize testing in logical, progressive manner. 5. Maintain safety at all times during the testing. Shows concern and knowledge of safety of candidates and horses Performs thorough safety checks before the rider(s) mount (tack, helmet, clothing, etc.) Ensures the riders are in control of their mounts and riding safely at all times Ensures riders are never unsupervised when mounted Requests background history on the horses and riders and is prepared for potential problems DN Correct assessment of candidates Presents a rational and clear explanation to the review committee for ES/MS/DNMS of candidate Properly evaluates candidate s lounging, warm-up, riding, and horse management skills based on testing level Appropriately passes or recommends retesting based on candidate s performance DN
Ability to identify and assess problems of the horse and rider Establishes a rapport with the rider and horse Discusses any concerns effectively with the rider Demonstrates a solid theory of proper riding and horsemanship Addresses concerns quickly and effectively DN Appropriate exercises in relation to standards expectations Does not include restricted obstacles in course work Includes all required movements Properly sets up cones/letters for patterns/dressage tests If testing for jumping: properly sets-up grids and courses, including: proper heights, correct distances, and appropriateness of grid and course for test level DN Site preparation and management Is aware of surroundings, and considers that in preparation of site Maintains control of the site at all times Organize and pays attention to safety in movements and patterns executed by candidates, including: location for patterns/courses to be executed and interaction of riders in a group DN Rapport, Professional Demeanor, Presentation Is positive and friendly towards candidates Maintains poise and professionalism throughout evaluation Has presence in the ring ( loud enough to hear, clear at all times) Eases candidates testing anxiety DN
Organization and Focus Enters the testing situation with a plan of action Is not distracted by problems that may arise Completes the entire testing with all candidates unless there are unforeseen problems (lameness, safety concerns, etc ) Divides attention among all candidates and does not focus on any single rider for too long DN Written comments on score sheet appropriate for testing Professional comments, not personal Clearly worded and easy to understand Constructive criticism as necessary Encouragement and praise as appropriate (find something positive about each candidate regardless of evaluation) DN Wrapping/ Bandage Requirement Applies the stable bandage correctly on either a front or hind leg Extensive knowledge of materials, techniques, and differences between front and hind leg application of bandages DN ES: MS: DNMS: Review Committee Names Overall comments/suggestions: \ Sections Requiring Retesting: A candidate may be retested as follows: Retest to cover not more than 1 or 2 sections of the test. Retest must take place within 1 year but no sooner than 6 months. Not meeting standards of any section on that day will require retaking entire test. ES DN Signature