RDA Grade 4 Horse Care (Riding)

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This quiz will help you to prepare for your Grade 4 Horse Care Proficiency Test.

Remember that you can be asked any of the questions from Grades 1, 2 and 3 as well as these - so check you know them by having a go at the other quizzes!

You can find all of those here: https://theparavaulter.com/rda-quizzes/

You have to show that you understand some basics about how horses behave. Can you decide which of these facts are true and which are false?

15 points

True

False

Horses are prey animals

Horses can see things that are directly behind them

Horses are herd animals

Horses can become scared easily

It can be dangerous to be around a horse who is scared

When you go to a horse you should walk up to their side

Horses hate being touched

If a horse isn't doing what you want you should shout at them until they do

Horses have different personalities

Talking to a horse in a low, calm voice can help them to feel relaxed

Most horses don't have good hearing

Horses have a blind spot directly in front of their nose

Horses can be spooked by every day objects if they appear in an unexpected place

Horses can tell when we're nervous even if they don't know why

Horses only spook to be naughty

True

False

Horses are prey animals

Horses can see things that are directly behind them

Horses are herd animals

Horses can become scared easily

It can be dangerous to be around a horse who is scared

When you go to a horse you should walk up to their side

Horses hate being touched

If a horse isn't doing what you want you should shout at them until they do

Horses have different personalities

Talking to a horse in a low, calm voice can help them to feel relaxed

Most horses don't have good hearing

Horses have a blind spot directly in front of their nose

Horses can be spooked by every day objects if they appear in an unexpected place

Horses can tell when we're nervous even if they don't know why

Horses only spook to be naughty

You need to know four main types of food that are often given to stable-kept horses: hay, chaff, coarse mix and pony nuts. Have a go at naming each of these!

What kind of food is this?

1 point

Hay

Chaff

Coarse mix

Pony nuts

Other (brownie points if you know what it is!)

Clear selection

What kind of food is this?

1 point

Hay

Chaff

Coarse mix

Pony nuts

Other (brownie points if you know what it is!)

Clear selection

What kind of food is this?

1 point

Hay

Chaff

Coarse mix

Pony nuts

Other (brownie points if you know what it is!)

Clear selection

What kind of food is this?

1 point

Hay

Chaff

Coarse mix

Pony nuts

Other (brownie points if you know what it is!)

Clear selection

What kind of food is this?

1 point

Hay

Chaff

Coarse mix

Pony nuts

Other (brownie points if you know what it is!)

Clear selection

GROOMING - for Grade 4, you need to know how to groom a stable-kept horse or pony. You also need to be able to identify a water brush, a stable rubber and a tail bandage - as well as all the items in the previous grades!

Which three of these grooming tools are you MOST likely to need to groom a stable-kept pony? Tick your chosen three!

3 points

Body brush

Metal curry comb

Dandy brush

Hoof pick

What are stable stains?

1 point

Marks made on the walls of your horse's stable

Special dyes you can use to clean your horse's coat

Marks on the horse's coat from lying on dirty bedding

Spots on horses' legs from standing still in a stable for too long

Clear selection

What is quartering?

1 point

Completely grooming your horse in a quarter of an hour

Grooming a horse with his rug on, lifting up a quarter of the rug at a time to brush underneath it

Making the horse's living quarters as clean as possible

Avoiding the frog whilst picking out the horse's hooves

Clear selection

Which two of these could you use to detangle a horse's tail?

2 points

A metal curry comb

Your fingers

A plastic curry comb

A dandy brush

A sponge

A special tail brush

Here are some statements about picking out a horse's hooves. Can you tell which are true and which are false?

6 points

True

False

You should face backwards (towards the horse's tail)

A horse's back feet have to be lifted and held differently to the front feet

If you're nervous you should ask someone to help you

It's a good sign if the hoof smells bad to humans

The frog is sensitive so you have to be very careful not to damage it

It is normal for one hoof to feel hotter than the others

Which part of the grooming kit is this item?

1 point

Water brush

Stable rubber

Sponge

Wet wipe

Flannel for the mane

Clear selection

Which part of the grooming kit is this item?

1 point

Body brush

Dandy brush

Water brush

Bristle curry comb

Clear selection

What are these?

1 point

Tail bandages

Leg bandages

Part of a rug repair kit

Emergency girths

Clear selection

BEDDING You need to recognise straw, shavings and paper (all types of bed) and various tools that are used for mucking out: wheelbarrow, fork, shavings fork, broom and shovel.

Which type of bedding is this?

1 point

Straw

Shavings

Paper

Other

Clear selection

Which type of bedding is this?

1 point

Straw

Shavings

Paper

Other

Clear selection

Which type of bedding is this?

1 point

Straw

Shavings

Paper

Other

Clear selection

Which type of bedding is this?

1 point

Straw

Shavings

Paper

Other

Clear selection

Can you match the numbers of these items to their names?

5 points

Shavings fork

Broom

Shovel

Wheelbarrow

Fork

Clear selection

Horses need to see the farrier every 6-8 weeks. What does a farrier do?

1 point

Check their temperature and heart rate

Clip their coat and style their mane and tail

Measure them and keep a record of their height

Trim their hooves and take off/put on horseshoes (if they need them)

Clear selection

Which of the following are good reasons for getting the farrier to visit the horse? Tick all the correct answers.

6 points

The horse's hooves are overgrown

You can see risen clenches

They've lost a shoe

You can hear that their shoe is loose

The horse seems uncomfortable with his feet

You can see a split in the horse's hoof

Why do we clean the horses' tack? Tick all the answers that you think are correct.

4 points

Because it's the law

It helps to keep the tack in good condition so it looks good and is safe

To check that it is still in good condition

Because dirty patches can rub on the horse and cause sores

To make it smart for shows and other special events

Which of these would you normally use to clean your tack? Choose five.

5 points

Horse shampoo

Saddle soap

Bleach

Plain water

A sponge

A curry comb

A towel or cloth

Leather conditioner/balm

The steps below are all about putting on a saddle, but some of them are wrong! Can you decide which are true and which are false?

12 points

True

False

Make sure the horse is securely tied up with a quick release knot

Place the saddle gently on top of the horse's withers

If using a numnah or saddlepad, make sure the girth goes through the loops

Run the stirrups back down the leathers before putting the saddle on

The pommel is closest to the horse's tail and the cantle is near the horse's neck

Take care when doing up the girth so as not to hurt or startle the horse

Horses have very strong backs so you don't have to worry about putting the saddle on too hard or heavily

You should always check the girth again before mounting

You shouldn't drag the saddle forwards on the horse's back as this may pull the coat and skin

The girth should be at least two holes tighter on one side than the other

You shouldn't leave the saddle on the horse without the girth done up

Saddles can be quite heavy so ask for help if you need it to keep you and the horse safe

True

False

Make sure the horse is securely tied up with a quick release knot

Place the saddle gently on top of the horse's withers

If using a numnah or saddlepad, make sure the girth goes through the loops

Run the stirrups back down the leathers before putting the saddle on

The pommel is closest to the horse's tail and the cantle is near the horse's neck

Take care when doing up the girth so as not to hurt or startle the horse

Horses have very strong backs so you don't have to worry about putting the saddle on too hard or heavily

You should always check the girth again before mounting

You shouldn't drag the saddle forwards on the horse's back as this may pull the coat and skin

The girth should be at least two holes tighter on one side than the other

You shouldn't leave the saddle on the horse without the girth done up

Saddles can be quite heavy so ask for help if you need it to keep you and the horse safe

Clear selection

Now you've put the saddle on safely, it's time to put the bridle on. Which of these bits of advice are true and which are false?

15 points

True

False

Start by looping the reins over the horse's head and down his neck

Hold the bridle by the headpiece in one hand and use the other to help open the horse's mouth for the bit

Make sure that the noseband is out of the way when getting the horse to accept the bit

Press the bit against the horse's teeth with enough force to get him to open his mouth

Wiggle your thumb into the corner of the horse's mouth to encourage him to open it for the bit

It's safe to put your thumb into the corner of the horse's mouth as he doesn't have teeth there

The ears need to sit between the browband and the noseband

The throatlatch goes under the horse's chin

You should be able to fit your hand between the horse's cheeks and the throatlash

The noseband should be done up very tightly so you can't put any fingers between it and the horse's face

Horses aren't sensitive on their noses

Make sure you pull the forelock over the browband

A bridle path is a small area of clipped mane where the headpiece sits

If your horse has a headcollar under his bridle, the bridle shouldn't have a noseband

Check that all the straps are done up correctly before mounting

True

False

Start by looping the reins over the horse's head and down his neck

Hold the bridle by the headpiece in one hand and use the other to help open the horse's mouth for the bit

Make sure that the noseband is out of the way when getting the horse to accept the bit

Press the bit against the horse's teeth with enough force to get him to open his mouth

Wiggle your thumb into the corner of the horse's mouth to encourage him to open it for the bit

It's safe to put your thumb into the corner of the horse's mouth as he doesn't have teeth there

The ears need to sit between the browband and the noseband

The throatlatch goes under the horse's chin

You should be able to fit your hand between the horse's cheeks and the throatlash

The noseband should be done up very tightly so you can't put any fingers between it and the horse's face

Horses aren't sensitive on their noses

Make sure you pull the forelock over the browband

A bridle path is a small area of clipped mane where the headpiece sits

If your horse has a headcollar under his bridle, the bridle shouldn't have a noseband

Check that all the straps are done up correctly before mounting

Clear selection

Which of these would you give as advice to someone about how to catch a horse or pony in a field?

3 points

Go armed with a big bucket of food that you shake, shouting for all the horses to come up and have some. When they are all around you, put the bucket down and put a headcollar on the horse you need.

Run up to your horse to catch him quickly - horses don't like having people in their fields for too long.

Walk steadily towards your horse, approaching from the side and talking softly. Slip the headcollar on and gently lead the horse away.

Stand at the gate and call the horse's name. They can all do recall just like dogs.

If your horse won't let you get near, shout at him to intimidate him. Horses are prey animals and will do what you want if you scare them.

You can take a small food treat to the field if needed but don't make it too obvious, especially to his field mates.

If the horse is getting agitated, it could be dangerous, so don't feel afraid to ask for help.

If the horse doesn't want to be caught that means there's definitely something wrong with him and you should call the vet.

Which of these is it good to wear to catch and lead a horse or pony in from the field?

4 points

A riding helmet

Riding boots

A hi-viz vest if you need to lead the horse across or along a road

A flapping jacket

Gloves

Trainers

Here are some statements about how to lead a horse or pony. Can you tell which are true and which are false?

8 points

True

False

We normally lead from the horse's left side to lead (but don't have to, depending on situation or the leader's disability)

It's a good idea to wear gloves for leading in case the horse pulls the rope through your hands

The best way to lead a horse is standing directly in front of them so they know where to go

Horses never spook when being led

When turning, guide the horse's head away from you so he doesn't tread on your feet

If you have a long lead rope you should have a loop in it to stop it from trailing on the ground

If you have a loop in your lead rope it should be tight around your hand to give you more control

The tighter you hold the horse, the safer he feels

True

False

We normally lead from the horse's left side to lead (but don't have to, depending on situation or the leader's disability)

It's a good idea to wear gloves for leading in case the horse pulls the rope through your hands

The best way to lead a horse is standing directly in front of them so they know where to go

Horses never spook when being led

When turning, guide the horse's head away from you so he doesn't tread on your feet

If you have a long lead rope you should have a loop in it to stop it from trailing on the ground

If you have a loop in your lead rope it should be tight around your hand to give you more control

The tighter you hold the horse, the safer he feels

Clear selection

Which of the knots shown in the picture is the correct one for tying up a horse or pony?

1 point

Clear selection

What is the name of the knot we use for tying up horses and ponies? (NB - if you type the right thing but it marks it wrong then please ignore the mark - I don't know why it's doing that!)

1 point

Why do we use a special knot to tie up horses and ponies?

1 point

It has to be extra secure so that the horse can't escape

It has to be quick to undo in an emergency

It's tradition and good luck

Clear selection

Points of the horse - remember you need to know all the points of the horse from Grades 1, 2 and 3. For Grade 4 you also need to know the stifle, chestnut, ergot, chin groove and point of hip. Can you match the names below to the numbers on the picture?

5 points

Stifle

Chestnut

Ergot

Chin groove

Point of hip

Clear selection

Well done for making it to the end - that was a marathon effort!

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