Basic horse care and management

[dark_prince]

I've been asked to help a 14 year old with her bronze DofE. She wants to do horse care for her skill section.

Just wondered what I could teach her as far as basic horse care and management goes. She's not been around horses much, but is very interested in animals and helps at shelters etc.

Was thinking of types of tack, parts of tack, rugs, brushes and grooming, mucking out..

Anything else obvious I'm missing out on?

 

[moodymare_1993]

Why people have horses etc, different types of horses, dos and donts when around them, different activities that people do with them? Jumping, dressage etc Just a few more ideas

 

[moodymare_1993]

When a good time is to call a vet, like a scratch compared to a swelling? Worming, I know it's a lot, but most 14 year olds are quite willing to learn everything lol, doesn't sound like she won't be capable of understanding

 

[amandap]

I would think basic horse needs... diet (importance of forage for eg.), exercize etc. should be included.

 

[dark_prince]

Was also thinking like teaching her to correctly lead a horse etc. This is the sort of thing where there's so many aspects to think of, just not sure which are the key aspects?

 

[amandap]

For me the key aspect is a happy, healthy horse. So a short bit of info about horses basic needs and nature which will lead on to your conduct when around them and feeding etc. then on to management styles and then basics of leading etc. stable and field management etc.
I wouldn't just teach tasks as understanding a bit about horses is so important.