ORGANIZE YOUR LESSONS:
Learning Levels Topics for Resources
Topics allow you to group objectives by subject — like unmounted safety, jumping skills, hoof care or equine behavior — and plan lessons that span several Levels.
To find teaching resources for specific topics, browse through the list of topics below, then use the “Levels Topics” filter in our Resource Center.
Learning Levels Topics
- TAP EACH BOX FOR DETAILS -
Natural aids used to communicate with the horse; ethical use of artificial aids.
Use of stable and shipping bandages; identifying correct bandaging materials; techniques for applying leg bandages and specialty bandages; wrapping the hoof.
Principles of effective, secure and horse-friendly equitation; two-point position; body awareness exercises for the rider; equitation judging.
Identifying, fitting and applying protective boots for riding, shipping boots, blankets, turnout rugs, sheets.
Identifying breed types and relating to usage; identifying breeds and reasons for their development.
Identifying horse colors, leg and face markings, brands and tattoos.
Evaluating horse’s fitness; conditioning principles; creating conditioning schedules for specific purposes; fitness of rider and cross-training.
Conformation terminology; relating conformation to movement and unsoundnesses; identifying conformation traits of specific breeds; evaluating horse’s potential athletic ability based on structure; conformation judging.
Identifying teeth; determining age; routine dental care.
Equine communication and stress signals; herd behavior; behavior theory applied to species-appropriate training and stable management practices; stable vices.
Feeding rules; basic equine dietary needs; identifying concentrated feeds and forage types; determining feed rations; nutritional requirements and balancing rations.
Mounting and dismounting; ring figures; transitions; diagonals and leads; bending; lateral work; dressage training theory; riding equitation patterns; gymkhana patterns; riding in a dressage arena.
Identifying gaits and patterns of movement, using English and/or Western terminology; basic equine biomechanics; detecting lameness.
Reasons for grooming; grooming tools; basic grooming techniques; clipping; bathing; braiding and show grooming techniques; sheath and udder cleaning.
Haltering and catching horse in stall and pasture; correct leading technique; jogging out for soundness; unmounted training techniques, including longeing and different forms of groundwork; process of starting and backing a young horse; cooperative care training.
Terminology for hoof parts; cleaning techniques; shoeing and trimming; hoof pathologies and injuries.
Identifying horse vs pony; terms for gender and age.
Descriptive terms and phrases commonly used by horse people.
Safe and effective teaching techniques; developing lesson plans and curriculum for mounted Horsemanship, unmounted HorseSense, or unmounted HorseCentered instruction.
All riding skills over fences, including jumping position, coursework, gymnastic grids, setting distances and designing courses.
Safe riding attire; arena etiquette; warming up and cooling out; mounted emergency skills; appropriate riding plans with consideration of footing, weather and fitness; trail riding safety; heat-related and concussion protocols.
Deworming and parasite management strategies; identification of parasites; symptoms of parasite-based health problems.
Terminology for body parts; equine digestive tract; anatomy of musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, and reproductive systems.
Overview of riding sports, English and Western; rules for competition; show preparation.
Riding over varied terrain and natural obstacles, including riding with a group; trail riding skills; evaluating pace; riding the gallop; cross-country jumping.
Ground pole exercises for English and Western riders; negotiating Western trail obstacles.
Stall cleaning; daily horse care; safe fencing; pasture management; toxic plants; routine maintenance schedules; emergency planning; budgeting; facility design.
For English and Western tack: identifying and understanding purpose of different types of bits and equipment; tack care; tack fitting and adjustment; tacking up and untacking.
Safe loading and unloading; identifying parts of rig; trailer safety rules; trailering equipment checklists; routine maintance.
Evaluating different training methods and applying learning theory to routine interaction between horse and handler.
General rules for unmounted safety in barn, pasture and arena; rules for safe ground handling; tying a quick-release knot; safe unmounted attire.
Causes, prevention and outward appearance of acute and chronic unsoundnesses.
When to call the vet; symptoms of colic; equine first aid supplies; measuring for height and weight; routine health care schedules and preventative care; vital signs; assessing and treating injuries and lameness; vaccinations and related diseases; medications; common illnesses and treatments.
