2011 Horsemanship Award

What is horsemanship and why an award for it?
Horsemanship goes beyond simply riding or care of the horse. It involves the combination of both mounted and unmounted knowledge and abilities. Our new Horsemanship Award is designed to encourage riders to expand their knowledge beyond their riding skills to include all things horse related.

A Horsemanship Award will be given for each of the following levels:

• Beginner (riders in Pre-Beginner’s, Introductory Walk-Trot and/or Open Walk-Trot divisions)
• Short Stirrup (riders in the Special Flat Division, Short Stirrup Equitation, and/or Short Stirrup Hunter divisions
• Open (riders in any other division (except Leadline)). Riders may compete for only one Horsemanship Award per year.

How will the Horsemanship Award be determined?
Riders will take a written exam during our October 16th horse show. The top two highest scores in each division will receive an award. In the event of tie scores, participants will remain tied.

What if a rider competes at more than one division level during the year?
Any rider who shows at more than one division level during the year, (for example: A rider who moves from Walk-Trot into Special Equitation and/or Short Stirrup Equitation or Short Stirrup Hunter), may take only the more advanced test.

Who may participate?
Any rider who has exhibited (above the Leadline level) at any Woodsong Farm Horse Show during the 2011 show year is welcome to participate!

What will the written exam be like?
There will be a separate exam for each of the three levels: Beginner, Short Stirrup and Open. All of the exams will consist of multiple choice, true/false and matching questions. Topics may include: parts of the tack, parts of the horse, colors and markings, equipment and its usage, horse care, etc. Topics listed are simply guidelines - not all exams will include all topics. The proctor(s) may assist by reading questions or answers for anyone who has reading difficulties.

How should a rider prepare for the written exam?
Ask questions of equine professionals (trainers, veterinarians, farriers, etc.), read books, interact with the horse, etc. - be curious! Increasing your horse knowledge and experience is a continual process that never ends - enjoy it! The more engaged you are, the more you will learn!

When will the Horsemanship Awards be presented?
Along with the many other awards we offer, the Horsemanship Awards will be presented at our annual year-end awards banquet in January.

Will the Horsemanship Award count toward other awards?
Yes! The top scoring participant in each of the three tests will have 10 points added to their point total toward the Overall High Point Award. The second highest scoring participant in each of the three tests will have 5 points added to their point total toward the Overall High Point Award.