Horseback Riding Quiz!

There are a few items that you shouldn't wear while riding a horse. Which of the following is one of these items?

• A jacket

• Boots

• Gloves

• Sandals

Answer explanation

Sandals are not ideal for horseback riding, and they can be downright dangerous. They leave your foot exposed, making it much easier for you to get an injury. In addition to this, shorts are also not the best attire to wear while on your horse.

Though it can be scary, how should you feel when mounting a horse?

• Confident

• Nervous

• Intimidated

• Sad

Answer explanation

Confidence is key when riding a horse. This is because the horse can feed off of your energy and sense whether or not you are afraid. The more confident you feel, the more confident your horse will be with you in the saddle.

Another part of the saddling process, the bridle is put on what part of the horse?

• The feet

• The stomach

• The head

• The tail

Answer explanation

The bridle is placed on the head of the horse and is used for steering. It attaches to the reins to allow for the rider to have control, rather than the horse. It would be difficult to get around without it!

What is the best way to mount your horse?

• From the left

• From the front

• From the back

• From the right

Answer explanation

A horse is most commonly trained to stand while it is dressed and mounted from the left. While it is fine to do this from the right, there is a possibility that it may startle the horse. Try to stay to the left as much as possible.

Is it true or false that you can be bitten by a horse?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Though you may think of this as something that a dog or cat would be more likely to do, a horse is capable of this as well. More often than not, they don't mean to do it, which is why it is so important to keep your hand flat and straight as possible when feeding a treat.

Which of the following games is played while mounted on a horse?

• Polo

• Volleyball

• Tennis

• Lacrosse

Answer explanation

Polo is played on the back of a horse while the rider tries to hit the ball. The game is from many, many years ago and passed on throughout the years. Each team in the game is made up of a group of four players.

What is the name used for a young female horse?

• Filly

• Colt

• Stallion

• 
  Mare

Answer explanation

A filly refers to a female horse that is less than four years old. After this age, she is then known as a mare instead. A horse of any gender is known as a foal if they are under the age of one year, later taking on their new names.

What goes under the saddle when riding Western or English?

• Saddle pad

• Stirrups

• Bridle

• Nothing

Answer explanation

A saddle pad is an essential step in dressing your horse, which keeps them comfortable with you on their back. It's also important for your safety, as there's less chance that a horse may experience irritation under the saddle this way.

A horse may kick for which of the following reasons?

• To be mean to its owner

• To warn someone

• To defend itself

• To exercise

Answer explanation

Horses can spook easily, and it's highly possible that they'll kick in response to fear. This is why it is always important to let your horse know where you are. As you walk around your horse, simply putting your hand on it and moving it along as you walk will let your horse know that it's only you and there's nothing to be afraid of.

How often should you clean your horse's hooves?

• Once a year

• Once a week

• Once a day

• Twice a day

Answer explanation

Every day, the horse's hooves pick up all kinds of dirt and rocks that can cause issues later if they're not cleaned out regularly. To keep your horse's feet as healthy as possible, it's important to take good care of them.