WOODSONG FARM HORSE SHOWS
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 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:
Horsemanship goes beyond simply riding or care of the horse. It involves the combination of both mounted and unmounted knowledge and abilities. Our 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 the Leadline, Pre-Beginner’s and Introductory Walk-Trot* divisions
- Short Stirrup - Riders in the Open Walk-Trot*, Elementary, Short Stirrup Equitation, and/or Short Stirrup Hunter divisions
- Open - Riders in any other division
Who may participate?
Any junior or amateur rider who has exhibited in any judged class at any Woodsong Farm Horse Show May through September of the current show year is welcome to participate!
How will the Horsemanship Award be determined?
Riders will take a written exam during our October 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 Short Stirrup Hunter to Limit Hunter), may take only the more advanced test. Any rider who competes in the Pleasure Division, who is also eligible for and competes in the Elementary and/or Short Stirrup Division, may take the Short Stirrup Test. Pleasure riders who are NOT also competing in the Elementary or Short Stirrup Divisions must take the Open Test.
*Walk-Trot riders who are eligible for and compete in both the Introductory Walk-Trot and the Open Walk-Trot within the same year, may elect to take either the Walk-Trot or the Short Stirrup Horsemanship Exam - the choice is theirs, but they may only take one exam or the other, not both. Riders may compete for only one Horsemanship Award per year.
Any junior or amateur rider who has exhibited in any judged class at any Woodsong Farm Horse Show May through September of the current show year is welcome to participate!
How will the Horsemanship Award be determined?
Riders will take a written exam during our October 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 Short Stirrup Hunter to Limit Hunter), may take only the more advanced test. Any rider who competes in the Pleasure Division, who is also eligible for and competes in the Elementary and/or Short Stirrup Division, may take the Short Stirrup Test. Pleasure riders who are NOT also competing in the Elementary or Short Stirrup Divisions must take the Open Test.
*Walk-Trot riders who are eligible for and compete in both the Introductory Walk-Trot and the Open Walk-Trot within the same year, may elect to take either the Walk-Trot or the Short Stirrup Horsemanship Exam - the choice is theirs, but they may only take one exam or the other, not both. Riders may compete for only one Horsemanship Award per year.
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. We understand that several, if not all, of the riders taking the Beginner Exam (and some taking the Short Stirrup exam) are not able to read the questions and answers. Our proctors will assist the participants by reading the questions and answers to the children and guide each child to select the answer of their choice.
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!
What is the cost to take the exam? The exam is free to eligible participants (see "Who May Participate?" above). However, we ask you to let us know ahead if you plan to take the exam so that we can be sure to have a suitable number of tests and proctors available.
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.
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.
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. We understand that several, if not all, of the riders taking the Beginner Exam (and some taking the Short Stirrup exam) are not able to read the questions and answers. Our proctors will assist the participants by reading the questions and answers to the children and guide each child to select the answer of their choice.
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!
What is the cost to take the exam? The exam is free to eligible participants (see "Who May Participate?" above). However, we ask you to let us know ahead if you plan to take the exam so that we can be sure to have a suitable number of tests and proctors available.
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.
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.