Throughout the years, I have kept horses both at home and also in training programs ranging from "full-service" to "hands-on." I recently visited with a longtime friend and my former coach from another discipline that was in town judging a horse show. She candidly asked me which program I preferred. I did not hesitate to indicate the latter. I heavily rely on the expertise of a trainer, barn manager, veterinarian and farrier to provide guidance and recommendations of all health management decisions, but I enjoy tacking up my horse and knowing every bump, lump and personality quirk. I also like to check my equipment before and after each ride and I have even returned to hauling my own horse for short distance trips.
Despite riding since I was a small child and growing up with a horse in my backyard, I can not express how many times in the last year I have said to my adult barn mates as I work in the cross ties, "We totally missed out on Pony Club!" This inference refers to a general understanding of consistent standards regarding stable management and even some facets of fundamental horsemanship. My questions range in complexity from “should I use a heavier blanket tonight?” to asking my vet prior to my horse going into colic surgery, “what exactly is distention.” As I transition back to a hands-on program, I have noticed this lack of education amongst other juniors, amateurs and involved parents.
Our trainers, assistants and barn managers have limited time to teach each individual under their care the nuances of stable care. Farriers and veterinarians are often best at explaining issues when the client can consult in person, which is typically limited due to both the client and provider’s schedules. In the scenario when the owner is not present at the time of service, an understanding of terminology is important to expedite the post-consultation.
Fortunately, the USHJA has recognized the need and desire for increased stable management and fundamental horsemanship knowledge across its membership and created both a printed resource and corresponding incentive programs to leverage this opportunity for growth.
ROBUST STUDY GUIDE
A free 190 page study guide was copyrighted by the USHJA in 2014 and addresses the following topics: conditioning, first aid, horse handling, grooming and blanketing, handling, horse health, horse identification, horse lunging, nutrition, mature management, riding theory, shipping, shoeing, stable management, tack and animal welfare. Respected expertise is throughout the guide from sources including Gregory's Textbook of Farriery, The United States Pony Club Manual of Horsemanship, Nancy S. Lovine, DVM, George Morris H. Morris, Gordon Wright and more.
To access the official USHJA Study Guide, CLICK HERE
PROGRAMS
- STABLE CHALLENGE FOR BARNS
The USHJA Stable Challenge presented by The Plaid Horse is an opportunity for juniors and amateurs, along with their trainers, to come together at their barn and put their horsemanship knowledge to the test. "Horsemanship is the foundation to being a great equestrian." said Kevin Price, executive director of USHJA. "Each year the Stable Challenge creates a fun, exciting way to bring barns together and put their horsemanship knowledge to the the test for a chance at great prizes."
The challenge is meant to engage a trainer's entire barn. At least three students per trainer (juniors and/or adults) must complete the online HQC practice quiz at www.ushja.or/HQC between June 15-July 15 for their barn to be eligible to win.
At the end of the 30-day challenge, the three top scores under each trainer will be averaged to provide an overall score. The highest scoring trainer per zone wins a unique trainer-inspired award package including prizes from Charles Owen, Shapleys, Perfect Products, Equestrian Coach and more.
For specific details about the Stable Challenge, visit www.ushja.org/stablechallenge.
- HORSEMANSHIP CHALLENGE QUIZ
The Horsemanship Quiz Challenge, sponsored by the The Plaid Horse, and supported by a generous grant from the United States Equestrian Foundation, encourages young equestrians to test their horsemanship knowledge.
Two different levels of quizzes composed of multiple-choice and true/false questions will be administered online. Participants must score an 80 percent or above on the Level One Quiz to advance to the Level Two Quiz. Those who score 90 percent or above on the Level Two Quiz will be eligible for selection to compete at the 2015 HQC Nationals where prizes include a $1000 grant for training and education, provided by the USHJA Foundation, as well as a Charles Owen helmet.
The HQC is open to any USHJA member who was not 21 years old prior to December of the current competiton year. Participant must register and complete the Level One and Level Two Quizzes no later than September 1, 2016.
For a complete list of HQC specifications, eligibility requirements and qualifying procedures for the Nationals, please visit www.ushja.org/HQC
In order to solve a problem, we must be part of the solution. The assistant trainer at my barn is spearheading a group of us to participate in the Stable Challenge and has organized speakers to discuss each topic to supplement the study guide. This group approach is motivating both our junior and adults to improver horsemanship knowledge together and become better equestrians for life.
I challenge your barn to assemble a group to participate in the Stable Challenge. Good luck and I look forward to reporting the positive benefits of our participation!