Resource Library·Merit Badge

Horsemanship

Elective merit badge — requirements, troop progress, and nothing shelved yet (be the first to suggest something).Official BSA page ↗Workbook (PDF) ↗

12
Earned
0
In Progress
16
Not Started
28
Active Scouts
Scout Progress
ScoutAWARDReq 1Req 2Req 3Req 4Req 5Req 6Req 7Req 8Req 9Req 10Req 11Req 12Complete any one
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Anjali S.First Class
Finn P.First Class
Hazel S.Star
Jack P.Star
Jameson K.Tenderfoot
Oliver K.First Class
Oliver V.Star
Quinn B.Second Class
Robbie H.Second Class
Solomon R.Tenderfoot
Veronica K.Star
Violet B.Tenderfoot
Requirements

From the official BSA merit badge pamphlet — wording is paraphrased here. Confirm against the current pamphlet for sign-off.

View resources · shown when a requirement has any Suggest a resource · always

Sign in to see your scout’s progress on each requirement and to send in proof when one is done.

1a
Describe safety precautions when handling and caring for a horse
1b
Describe fire safety precautions in a barn and around horses
2
Name 15 parts of a horse and discuss the function of each
3
Name four horse breeds; explain each breed's special features
4
Describe colic symptoms; name and describe four other horse health problems
5
Explain conformation and its importance; lameness vs. unsoundness
6
Explain hoof care and why a horse might need shoes
7
Demonstrate grooming a horse, picking hooves, and after-ride care
8
Explain what/how much to feed a horse and how activity and breed change it
9
9a
Name 10 parts of your saddle and bridle; explain equipment care
9b
Show how to properly saddle and bridle a horse
9c
Demonstrate safely mounting and dismounting a horse
10
Demonstrate safely approaching, leading, and securely tying a horse
11
11a
Walk the horse in a straight line for 60 feet
11b
Walk a half-circle of no more than 16-foot radius
11c
Trot or jog in a straight line for 60 feet
11d
Trot or jog a half-circle of no more than 30-foot radius
11f
Back up straight four paces
11g
Halt and dismount
12
(Do any one of the following)
12a
Research one horse-related career (training, costs, prospects, salary, duties); discuss
12b
Explore horsemanship as a hobby/lifestyle; research training, expenses, organizations