Just Horsin' Around - BACK TO BASICS Quiz

Answer: to the left of

The usual standard is to lead your horse from the left, so your right arm is nearest to his side. We also tighten the girth from the left and mount from the left.

Answer: riding

Bits are used when riding to make it easier for the rider to control the horse. There are some bridles that do not use bits, but they are not as common as the bridles with bits. The snaffle bit is the largest of the five bit groups. There are also double bits, Pelham bits, gag snaffles, and the bitless bridle.

Answer: hooves and shoes

Farriers ensure that the horse's feet are not only well and securely shod but are also correctly trimmed. Shoes can be fitted either hot or cold. Now, as an alternative to metal shoes there are plastic shoes that can be attached to the hoof with glue.

Answer: When leading a horse that's wearing a halter.

Lead ropes are most commonly used when travelling, grooming, and tacking. They are usually inexpensive (unless you were to get a nice leather lead rope for showing,) sturdy, and very practical. However, lead reins are used when showing horses in hand and they do clip on to either the bit ring or halter.

Answer: To keep the saddle in place.

Girths are available in leather and synthetic materials. Western saddles are held in place with cinches rather than girths. Surcingles go all the way around the horse's chest and saddle.

Answer: It removes dried mud from the coat.

Care must be given when using the rubber curry comb on bony areas such as the legs. Metal curry combs are actually very different from rubber curry combs (besides the compositions) as metal curry combs are used to clean out other brushes and must never be used on the horse.

Answer: stocking

In order from shortest leg coverage to longest leg coverage, here are the most common leg markings; coronet, half-pastern, pastern, high pastern, ankle or sock, sock, half-stocking, three-quarter stocking, and stocking. There is another type of marking that covers just the heels of the hoof and those are called heel, and half-heel.

Answer: A golden coloring.

"A bright golden color ranging from pale honey to deep copper. The mane must be at least 85 percent white or silver, and white markings on legs and face are permitted. Because Palomino is a color, not a breed, any breed of horse that is the correct color can be registered with the Palomino Horse Breeders of America (PHBA)." -from "Storey's Horse-Lover's Encyclopedia", edited by Deborah Burns.

Answer: Hoof

Thrush is a hoof rot that can either be caused by bacteria or fungi that thrive in wet, dirty conditions. Horses are most susceptible if their hooves are rarely cleaned and if they stand in mud and manure a lot of the time. If it is not treated, thrush can ultimately cause lameness.

It is easier to prevent than to cure so clean your horse's hooves daily and make sure he doesn't stand on wet ground for long periods of time.

Answer: He has pains that impede his movement.

This may be caused by a kick, an infection, muscle soreness, a pulled tendon, a bruise to the sole of the foot, a stone caught against the sole, etc. A lame horse cannot be ridden and there is a condition known as chronic lameness. He may need medication or special shoes.