The Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards

Over the past year, the MD 4-H Horse and Pony Performance Levels have undergone extensive revision. The new MD 4-H Horsemanship Standards were recently approved by the MD Animal Science Curriculum Committee to replace the Horse and Pony Performance Levels. For more information, please contact Dr. Amy Burk

General Guidelines

The Maryland 4-H Horsemanship Standards are designed to help 4-H members progressively develop knowledge of horse care, horse management, and horsemanship skills. The Horsemanship Standards are divided into Knowledge, English Riding, and Western Riding Standards each containing five levels.  The Riding Standards encourage members to become safe, effective and confident riders with a sound knowledge of equipment and tack.  The Knowledge Levels develop proper horse handling and husbandry skills.  While it is realized that not every 4-H member would want to master all levels, the first two levels of the Knowledge and Riding Standards require 4-H members to learn the basics of horse safety, care, and riding.  Also, certain levels may be required for participation in state horse programs and events in the future including the state fair show.  

I. Purpose- The Horsemanship Standards serve as:

• a work plan for volunteer leaders
• a study guide for members
• a tool to evaluate proficiency and progress of 4-H members carrying the horse project.
• a basis for recognition and achievement, and

II. Use

The Knowledge Standards are adapted to both English and Western Disciplines (K1-K6), but are not all-inclusive.  The Riding Standards are specific to either the English (ER1-ER6) or Western (WR1-WR6) disciplines. While not required, members are encouraged to become familiar with both disciplines.

General Procedures

1. A presentation should be given to educate Maryland Cooperative Extension (MCE) staff, volunteers, and 4-H members about the Horsemanship Standards.
2. MCE volunteer leaders will distribute the Horsemanship Standards and Study Guide to 4-H members interested in the horse project.
3. MCE volunteer leaders will assist 4-H members in becoming knowledgeable and skillful in the areas covered in each level through study sessions and activities.
4. All 4-H members carrying a horse project should be given the opportunity to participate in the Horsemanship Standards, but the decision to participate must be made solely by each 4-H member.
5. All 4-H members must contact their county Extension office and/or 4-H leader to register for level testing.  Levels I and II may be tested at the club level, while level III and IV testings should be conducted at the county level. In the case of Level V and VI level testings, a registration form will be electronically submitted to their County Extension Office and then on to the Maryland 4-H Office. 
6. 4-H Members must indicate what disciple they wish to complete for the riding section when registering for level testing.
7. Each 4-H member must start at Level I regardless of the member’s age or previous experience and they must successfully pass each level in sequential order.
8. All 4-H members participating in the Riding Standards testing must carry a horse project. Horses may be borrowed or leased for a testing, but may not be shared by two individuals at a testing unless permission is obtained from the examiners prior to the testing.
9. Prior to obtaining Knowledge level IV, A 4-H member’s riding level may not exceed their current knowledge level, however, a member’s knowledge level may exceed their riding level.
10. After Knowledge level IV has been obtained, a 4-H member may progress through Riding and Knowledge in a sequence that is appropriate for eacj individual.
11. Level I and II testings may be performed at the 4-H member’s home and they may be taken at the same time. A Horsemanship Standard Committee Member approved for club testing or an examiner approved the Maryland 4-H State Office must give the tests.
12. For Levels III and above, family members and/or trainers of testing candidates may not serve as examiners.
13. Level III and IV testing must be held at a county or district level with locations and dates to be announced.  Each county will be responsible for approving a Horsemanship Standard Committee Member to conduct county level testings.
14. 4-H Members may attend testings in outside counties with approval from the host county.
15. Level V and VI tests must be held at district and state locations.  A Horsemanship Standard Committee Member approved for statewide testing by the Maryland 4-H State Office must give the tests.
16. The Riding and Knowledge Standards are separate tests and must be administered separately, however, they may be administered on the same day.
17. Examiners comments and test sheets will be copied and mailed to the County 4-H Educator and the 4-H member after the completion of the test.
18. When a level is passed, the 4-H member will receive a certificate of achievement.  In addition, 4-H members who earn Level V and VI will be recognized at the State Leadership and Learning Recognition Lunch.  
19. With the exception of levels I and II, at least one month must pass between when a 4-H member passes one level and when they attempt to pass the next level within the Knowledge or Riding Standards.
20. The safety of 4-H Members, examiners, horses and all others involved with the Horsemanship Standards is of primary importance at all times. Any activity or practice posing a threat to the safety of those involved may result in dismissal from the testing at the discretion of the examiner.
21. It is the responsibility of the candidate and his/her parent(s) or guardian to bring an appropriate horse to the testing. The conditioned mount(s) must be capable of completing appropriate levels.
22. If a member fails one or more sections of either a riding or Knowledge test during the examination, the examiner may allow them to retest only those areas that the 4-H member failed after spending at least one month learning the needed skills or knowledge.  If a member fails more than 20% of the material tested, the examiner will allow them retest at that level.
23. A score of 80% or higher must be obtained on all sections of the riding test in order to pass each riding level.
24. Horses that the examiners consider unsafe to the rider or others will be excused from the testing.
25. A State Horsemanship Standards Committee should be constructed and should consist of 4-H members who are at least 14 yrs of age and have earned Level K-4 and R-4 or higher, approved testers, MCE volunteers, and MCE staff and faculty.
26. The Horsemanship Standards Committee should meet at least once a year to evaluate the success of the program and to make recommendations to the State Office if changes are necessary.
27. Members of the State Horsemanship Standards Committee shall serve two-year terms on the Committee.

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