In the stage one exam, to ensure you work in a safe and clean environment, you will be expected to follow these steps before completing any tasks on the horse. Remember, you are being examined on every aspect of horsemanship, including, your mannerisms towards both the horse and other people around you.
With the headcollar and leadrope, quietly and confidently approach the stable door. Speak to the horse as you do so to prevent startling him.
If the horse is facing towards the back of the stable encourage him to turn around.
Open the stable door, go through it, and close it behind you to prevent the horse escaping.
Put the leadrope around the horse’s neck to secure him and fit his headcollar correctly.
Tie the horse up, with a quick release knot, to a snap-able link (remember NOT to put the end of the rope through the loop!).
The horse should be tied up at the front of the stable, on the same side of the door. This allows you to enter the stable approaching his head.
DO NOT tie him up at the back of the stable! If there is nothing to tie the horse up to in the exam, ask the examiner to provide it.
Remove any water, feed or loose buckets from the stable.
Obviously, if it is an automatic water system it cannot be removed.
Remove the haynet from the stable.
If the horse is provided with a haybarn or hayrack and the horse can be safely tied up away from it, the hay can be left in there.
Remove all the droppings from the stable. Ensure you do not point the fork in the direction of the horse.
Any droppings the horse does during the exam must be removed at your earliest convenience.
The horse and stable is now ready for you to complete your given tasks.
