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Online Revision Quiz
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1. Name the two bits found on a double bridle?
2. The double bridle is made up from the same pieces of leather as a cavesson bridle, but also includes a sliphead and a second set of reins.
3. Which bit does the sliphead suspend in the horse’s mouth?
4. On a double bridle, the curb reins should be thicker than the bridoon reins.
5. When using double reins, which reins should a running martingale be attached to?
6. The double bridle is used to help refine and finesse the communication between rider and horse.
7. Which type of noseband should be used with a double bridle?
8. The double bridle can be used to create a correct head carriage on the untrained horse.
9. When is the double bridle compulsory to be used at higher level competitions?
10. The double bridle can be used in all competitive levels of dressage.
11. What is the main purpose for using the double bridle?
12. When riding in the double bridle, the contact should be maintained on the curb rein - pressure on the bridoon should only be applied when necessary.
13. What is the purpose of the bridoon bit?
14. The curb bit is also known as the weymouth, and works to lower and encourage the head towards the vertical, plus relax the lower jaw.
15. What angle should the shanks be at when the curb chain comes into action?
16. The dressage saddle is purposely designed to accommodate the requirements of the horse and rider whilst performing flatwork.
17. Which answer best describes the features on a dressage saddle?
18. A GP saddle is not permitted to be used in a dressage competition.
19. What benefits does the dressage saddle offer to the rider?
20. The dressage saddle offers the equine freedom of movement, plus it shows off their shoulders whilst allowing all aids to be felt clearly by them.
21. What vital checks should be made on tack to ensure its safety?
22. Leather tack should be kept clean, soft and supple and checked regularly for safety.
23. Why should all leather on tack be kept clean, soft and supple?
24. Boots or bandages are permitted to be fitted to the horse in dressage competitions, so long as they are white in colour and in good condition.
25. What are exercise or polo bandages used for?
26. Exercise or polo bandages are fitted to the lower leg, directly below the knee or hock continuing to the fetlock joint.
27. What are exercise bandages made from?
28. Exercise bandages must be fitted with additional padding, such as gamgee, due to the elasticity of the material.
29. What are polo bandages made from?
30. Extreme care must be taken when bandaging the lower leg as there is no muscles or padding to protect the tendons and ligaments.
31. Which is NOT a type of padding used under exercise bandages?
32. Sewing or taping bandages offers extra security to prevent them becoming loose or undone during exercise.
33. Why should exercise bandages always be fitted with additional padding?
34. The tape or velcro fastenings must be the fitted tighter than the bandage to prevent them becoming undone.
35. Which two bones should never be bandaged over?
36. Bandaging with old equipment may cause pressure points leading to rubs, sores or restricted circulation.
37. Why should equal pressure be applied over the entire bandage?
38. The fastenings on the bandage should be fitted on the outside of the leg, avoiding the joint area.
39. How long should exercise bandages be left on for?
40. Exercise bandages must be fitted 2 hours before exercise to warm up the internal structures.
41. What is a potential danger of using bandages whilst riding the horse?
42. Preventing natural heat loss within the tendons can cause oedema or swelling, and eventually lead to a break down of the structural fibres.
43. What are the dangers of fitting bandages too tightly?
44. Bandaging too loosely could cause it to slip down, causing the horse to fall or restrict the circulation.
45. What can using bandages for a prolonged time prevent?
46. The over-girth is worn to provide additional security, incase the true girth snaps, usually when performing dressage.
47. What tension should the over-girth be fastened?
48. The five point breastplate’s purpose is to prevent the saddle slipping back.
49. What are the benefits of using a 5 point breastplate?
50. Electrical tape is used to additionally secure leg boots incase a straps break or become undone.
51. What is the purpose of a running martingale?
52. The bib martingale is used instead of a running martingale and helps prevents the horse’s teeth getting caught on the straps.
53. Which discipline is a running martingale not permitted to be used?
54. The Irish martingale prevent the reins from coming over the horse’s head if the rider falls off.
55. Which breastplate does not facilitate a martingale attachment to be fitted?
56. Breastplates are designed to prevent the saddle slipping forwards.
57. Which noseband is designed in a variety of styles to suit different types or breeds?
58. The crank noseband is padded, has a different fastening than a cavesson noseband to enable it to be fitted tighter. 
59. Which two nosebands are designed to prevent the horse opening their mouth?
60. The grackle noseband is fitted to prevent the horse opening their mouth and crossing their jaw whilst being ridden.
61. Which two nosebands cannot be used with a standing martingale?
62. The sheepskin noseband is designed to restrict the horse’s vision if their head is held too high, especially whilst jumping.
63. Which type of saddle is not ideal to be used when jumping?
64. The jumping saddle is constructed with forward cut saddle flaps, a flatter seat, knee blocks, and stirrup bars positioned further forward.
65. What is the main purpose of a jumping saddle?
66. The jumping saddle enables the rider to shorten their stirrups and adapt their position for jumping.
67. How do you check which tack is permitted in a competition?
68. Entering a competition in tack which is not permitted can lead to elimination from the competition.
69. Besides pain, what physical issues can be seen if a badly fitted saddle is used?
70. Ill-fitting or dirty tack can cause both physical and psychological problems to the horse.
71. How may a badly fitted saddle affect the horse’s movement?
72. If the bridle is fitted incorrectly it can pinch, cause damage or injury to the teeth, mouth, or poll area. Breathing can also be restricted.
73. Besides physical issues, what other signs may indicate ill-fitting tack?
74. To help maintain the health of a working horse implement good skin hygiene, plus keep all tack and accessories clean and in good working order.
75. What periodic checks should be made to maintain the health of a working horse?
76. The framework of a saddle is referred to as the ‘tree' and is what determines the different width, length and shape of saddle.
77. What accessories should be used when assessing a saddle for fit?
78. A saddle without a tree is referred to a ‘spineless saddle’.
79. How much space should there typically be between the withers and pommel area, when the rider is dismounted?
80. When the rider is mounted, you should fit 1 finger between the pommel and top of the withers and at least 1 finger distance all around the sides of the withers.
81. How do you assess if the saddle fits around horse’s shoulders?
82. For a saddle to fit correctly, the angle and width of the tree must correspond to the shape of the horse’s back.
83. How should the stirrup bars feel against the horse’s back?
84. To check the length of the saddle, one hand's span should roughly fit between the top of the flanks and the back of the saddle’s panel.
85. How should the panels fit against the horse’s back?
86. The panels should sit on either edge of the horse’s vertebrae along the entire width.
87. How wide should the gullet be?
88. When standing directly in front or behind the horse you should be able to see daylight all the way through the gullet.   
89. What should the gullet and panels never be in contact with?
90. When observing the saddle from the side, the pommel and cantle should be level with each other and the deepest part of the seat should be central.

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