4-H Horsemanship Standards
Study Guide -
Level 3 and 4 Horse Breeds,
Conformation, and Movement
What I need to learn:    

Level 3:

- Know the difference between a light
breed and a draft breed, and
characteristics of each.
- Recognize and describe the following
conformation faults: ewe neck, sway
back, cowhocked, and base narrow.
- Know at least two different variations
of grey coat color.

Suggested Resources: Chapters 2 and
3 in Equine Science, Horses and
Horsemanship, CHA Composite
Horsemanship Manual, Chapter 11 in
USPC Basics for Beginners

Level 4:

- Recognize and describe the following
types of conformation faults: toe in, toe
out, back at the knee, sickle hock, parrot
mouth, and goose rump.
- Name at least two breed
characteristics for each of the following:
Arabian, Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred,
and Saddlebred or Tennessee Walker.
- Identify the following blemishes and
unsoundness: splints, bowed tendon,
capped hock, toe crack, quarter crack
and fistula.
- Know the footfall patterns of a walk,
trot (jog), canter (lope), gallop, and pace.
- Know the difference between a tobiano
and overo color pattern.

Suggested Resources: CHA
Horsemanship Manual, Chapters 3 and
5 in Equine Science, Horses and
Horsemanship, Chapter 12 Intermediate
Horsemanship, Chapter 11 in USPC
Basics for Beginners, The Horse
What I need to study:

Parts of a Horse

Light Breeds and Draft Breeds

Conformation Faults

Grey Coat Color Variations

Breed Characteristics

Blemishes and Unsoundness

Footfall Patterns

Tobiano and Overo