Overview

Learn to safely enjoy the recreational activity of horseback riding and the care and anatomy of horses with the Boy Scouts of America Horsemanship Merit Badge. In this article, we will discuss the requirements, safety precautions, and where to find more information.

Requirements

The requirements for the Horsemanship Merit Badge can be found in the pamphlet with the same name. Specifically, you will need to identify, describe, and demonstrate the safety precautions you should take when handling and caring for a horse. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate the use of the advanced horsemanship skills such as jumping, dressage, and trail riding.

Safety Precautions

Learning and understanding safety precautions when it comes to horsemanship is essential to the sport and to your own safety. Some of the safety precautions to take include:

• Avoiding distractions and excess noise around a horse.
• Wearing appropriate riding attire, such as a riding helmet and boots.
• Being aware of the horse’s behavior to prevent kickbacks.
• Learning how to safely mount and dismount a horse.

For a full comprehensive list of safety precautions for the Horsemanship Merit Badge, please refer to the pamphlet by the Boy Scouts of America.

Additional Resources

For more information on the Horsemanship Merit Badge, please refer to the official Boy Scouts of America website here or a full listing of all merit badge pamphlets and other helpful Scouting materials from the Scoutstuff website here.

Last updated: May 20th, 2023.