C-2 Study Prep
Page 1
Identify and explain reasons for equipment used on own mount and discuss
adjustment and reasons for fit of tack.
-Peyten
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-Imani
● His girth fits looser around the sides because his stomach is more narrow
which makes it taught around the base.
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Explain the action of 2 types of snaffle bits.
-Peyten
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-Imani
● loose ring snaffle-When the rider applies rein pressure the bit applies
direct pressure to the corners of the lips, tongue, and bars ( the toothless
area between the front and back teeth)
-It also makes it harder for the horse to brace against the bit.
● Egg butt snaffle- Same pressure as loose ring
- the mouthpiece is more stable it can feel less noisy or distracting to
sensitive horses
Name 3 safety precautions when longeing.
-Peyten
● Don’t longe a horse that doesn’t know how to longe
● Don’t longe for a long period of time
● Don’t let the longe line be on the ground
● Wear a helmet
-Imani
● ALways longe in a round pin or an enclosed space
● Always make sure the horse is wearing a well-fitting halter or cavesson
● keep a safe distance between you and your horse while longeing
● Never wrap the longe line around your hand or body.
Discuss the type and length of the longe line used and the fit of the longeing
equipment on the mount.
-Peyten
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-Imani
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Discuss technique used (parallel or pivot) in longeing demonstration.
Peyten
● Parallel-20 meter circle handler walks smaller circle
● Pivot-20 meter circle, handler pivots in the center of circle
Under direct supervision apply 1 stable bandage without assistance.
Discuss why you would make the choice to use a cupping technique.
-Peyten
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-Imani
● It Prevents Pressure Sores-Cupping makes sure the bandage doesn't press
directly on the joint.
● Allows for Natural Movement-A cupped bandage gives the fetlock room to
flex, reducing risk of injury.
Apply a tail bandage (for shipping or grooming) with assistance.
Page 2
Discuss the 5 steps in shoeing.
-Peyten
● Preparation
● Forging
● Fitting
● Nailing on
● Finishing
-Imani
● Preparation
The farrier begins by removing the old shoe (if there is one) using nippers.
The hoof is then cleaned and trimmed using a hoof knife and nippers to remove
excess sole, frog, and wall.
● Forging
The shoe is shaped using a forge and anvil accounting for support, breakover,
and any therapeutic needs.
● Fitting
The shaped shoe is checked against the hoof for accuracy.
A properly fitted shoe should cover the entire hoof wall without overhanging
or pressing into sensitive areas.
● Nailing On
Once the shoe fits correctly, it is nailed onto the hoof wall.
The nails are put into the insensitive outer hoof wall and should emerge
through the wall, not into sensitive structures, then the nalis are clinched to
hold the shoe securely in place.
● Finishing
The hoof is rasped smooth, and the clinches are flattened.
Describe 2-3 types of common shoe features and why they might be used (e.g., clips,
square toe, pads, studs)
-Peyten
● Studs-increased traction improved performance , better for hard
conditions
● Clips- improved retention/ horses work in uneven terrain/ reduced shoe
shift/ helps shoe last longer
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-Imani
● Rim -Provides extra traction without being overly aggressive
● Fullered-Adds a bit of grip without altering the shoe’s shape
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If shod, discuss features of own mount's shoes.
-Peyten
● Clips
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-Imani
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Discuss how conformation of own mount is related to its breed.
-Peyten
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-Imani
● Strong well muscled neck, medium in length
● Short Strong Back
● Well-Muscled Hindquarters
Discuss angles of shoulder and hip of own mount.
-Peyten
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-Imani
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Name 5 basic conformation qualities that you want in a mount for your own use
and how they affect basic movement and soundness.
-Peyten
● Balance- because it helps distribute the weight of the horse evenly making it
easier to do movement and smoother movements
● Straightness-straight legs are very important because they need to
distribute weight evenly so they reduce strain on joints and tendons.
● Sloping shoulders- this allows for a longer stride
● Medium length pasterns- this provides a horse with balance of flexibility
and support
● Strong well proportioned feet- are essential for soundness and durability,
especially in horses that work on various terrains.
-Imani
● Balanced Proportions (Equal Thirds of Body)-Promotes athleticism,
balance, and maneuverability, which are essential for most riding
disciplines.
● Strong, Level Back and Well Muscled Loins- Improves balance and strength,
especially for carrying a saddle and rider during work or sport.
● Level or Slightly Uphill Build-When the withers are level with or slightly
higher than the croup, the horse is more naturally balanced.
● Clean, Well Defined Joints- Allows for free, fluid movement and lowers the
risk of arthritis or joint strain.
● Well-Shaped, Strong Hooves-Strong hooves contribute to overall
soundness, traction, and shock absorption
Describe appearance and specific location of the following unsoundnesses:
splint, bowed tendon, ringbone, sidebone, navicular, thoroughpin, curb, bone and
bog spavin.
-Peyten
● Splint-hard lumps
● Sidebone- wing like and form the bulbs of the joint heel
● Ringbone-hard lump on the front of the pastern
● Bowed tendon- swelling in side the tissue forms creating a thickness or
bow
● Bone spavin-hard swelling low down on the inside of the hock
● Navicular- sore looks very inflamed
● Bog spavin-large soft cool swelling
● Thoroughpin-swelling is soft and cool
● Curb-thickness at the lower end of the hock
-Imani
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Provide a hard copy (in a folder/binder) of mount’s Health and Maintenance
Record Book that contains records for at least 9 months prior to the test. In
addition to the information from the previous level, records must contain
more detailed information regarding your mount’s specific care to include:
- 1 page or less description of your mount’s history (if known) and daily routine.
- Tack and equipment used.
- Any blanketing or special care requirements
Discuss 3 concerns for pasture safety and fencing.
-Peyten
● Loose wire
● Nails
● Poisons plant
-Imani
● sturdy Fence posts and not rotting or leaning
● Safe Ground Conditions
● standing water
Discuss emergency information that should be posted in all barns.
-Peyten
● What do if there is a fire
● How to prevent a fire
● No horse play
● Emergency contacts/ owner, Vet, farrier, detenist
-Imani
● Poison control center
● Local fire department
● Where First aid kits are located(human and equine)
● Diagram with All exits and gates
Name 3 toxic plants in your area and describe 1 aspect of each plant that would
help you recognize it in the pasture
-Peyten
● Johnson grass-clusters of flowers and seeds
● Horsetail-grass like leaves on a single hollow stalk
● Poison Hemlock- 10 feet tall white flowers
-Imani
● Oleander- funnel-shaped flowers—typically white, pink, or red
● Water Hemlock-Thick, tuberous roots
● Redi Maple-Leaves with three pointed lobes and reddish stems, turning
bright red in fall.
Describe 3 ways to manage internal and/or external parasites in pastures and
stalls.
-Peyten
● Deworm and keep apart from others for 72 hours
● Reduce the manure around
● Mow or drag large pastures
-Imani
● Control the flies in the area
● Keep Clean Bedding
● Avoid Overgrazing and Keep Grass Healthy
Explain 5 ways to keep your mount safe and comfortable during travel
-peyten
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Imani
● Inspect the trailer before loading, check for sharp edges, secure
floorboards, working lights, and clean bedding.
● Use shipping boots or wraps to protect the horse’s legs from bumps and
scrapes.
● Offer hay in a secured hay net to keep your horse occupied and calm.
● Always load and unload calmly and patiently—rushing can cause
accidents.
● On long trips (2+ hours), stop to offer water regularly.
Name which equine health certificates and/or documents are required to travel
in your state
-Peyten
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-Imani
● Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)
● Negative Coggins (EIA test)
Describe own mount’s ration when developing fitness, maintaining fitness, taking
day off, sick, and extended time off.
-Peyten
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-Imani
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List the 6 classes of nutrients.
-Peyten
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-Imani
● Water
● Carbohydrates
● Fats
● Proteins
● Vitamins
● Minerals
Look at a feed label and identify the percentage of protein and fat. From the
ingredients list, identify 1 source of each of protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamin,
and mineral. (Candidate should bring their own label or copy.)
-Peyten
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-Imani
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Discuss how you would condition your mount from unfit to C-1 Level riding
fitness that includes changes in feed, TPR, and recovery rates.
-Peyten
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-Imani
● 1) evaluate your horses current condition and progress slowly enough to
develop fitness to reach your goal without overloading
● 2) always use long slow distance work to develop a base of fitness before
going faster, can take 6 to 8 weeks before starting any further types
● 3) start by walking up and downhill to build muscle strength, balance, and
cardiovascular fitness as a horse gets fitter start trotting up and walking
down because trotting down as hard on their legs and joints
● 4) trail riding Cavaletti work stretching exercises to add further fitness
and flexibility without overloading the muscles and tendons
● 5) record heart rate immediately after exercise then take it again five
minutes after. A faster recovery rate means the horse is getting fitter so
you can tell if your program is working. Respiration rate is a fitness
measure, but not as a heart rate because of factors. The TPR should be
slightly lower as fitness improves.
Name 2 ways to help cool your mount in very hot conditions.
-Peyten
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-Imani
● Provide Shade and Fresh Water
● Use Cool Water to Sponge or Hose Down Your Horse
Name 2 things to be aware of when exercising your horse in cold weather
-Peyten
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-Imani
● Allow for a Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down
● Watch for Slippery or Icy Ground
Measure and record pulse, temperature, and respiration of own mount at rest
with examiner present with assistance if needed.
Discuss what public land is available to ride on in your county.
-Peyten
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-Imani
● Horseback riding is allowed on most trails and open areas.
● Some trails are multi-use (shared with hikers, bikers, or off-road vehicles),
while others are horse-specific.
● Camping with horses is also allowed in designated areas.
● State Parks and State Forests