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Edition 2026Active Merit Badge
Horsemanship
Official Requirements & Fillable Workbook · 2026 Edition
Horsemanship is earned in the barn and in the saddle. You will learn equine anatomy, feeding, and the warning signs of colic, plus how to groom, saddle, and bridle safely. Requirement 11 is the riding practical: mounting, walking, trotting, cantering, and backing up with quiet, controlled rein aids on level ground.
Key Requirements Covered:
- Equine Safety, Breeds & Anatomy
- Grooming, Tacking & Hoof Care
- Riding Aids, Mount & Dismount
- Arena Riding: Walk, Trot & Canter Control
7Printable Pages
12Requirements
2026Reqs Revised
What is on the worksheet: Horsemanship Requirements
Every requirement for the Horsemanship merit badge, word for word as published, with room to write under each one on the printed worksheet.
1Safety Around Horses and in the Barn
Do the following:
- a Describe the safety precautions you should take when handling and caring for a horse.
- b Describe the fire safety precautions you should take in a barn and around horses.
2Parts of a Horse
Name 15 parts of a horse and discuss the function of each with your counselor.
3Name four breeds of horses
Name four breeds of horses. Explain the special features for which each breed is known.
4Describe the symptoms of colic
Describe the symptoms of colic. Name and describe four other horse health problems.
5Conformation, Lameness, and Unsoundness
Explain what conformation is and why it is important. Explain the difference between lameness and unsoundness.
6Hoof Care and Shoeing
Explain the importance of hoof care and why a horse might need to wear shoes.
7Grooming and After-Ride Care
Demonstrate how to groom a horse, including picking hooves and caring for a horse after a ride.
8Feeding a Horse
Explain how to determine what and how much to feed a horse and why the amount and kind of feed are changed according to the activity level and the breed of horse.
9Tack, Saddling, and Mounting
Do the following:
- a Name 10 parts of the saddle and bridle that you will use, and explain how to care for this equipment.
- b Show how to properly saddle and bridle a horse.
- c Demonstrate how to safely mount and dismount a horse.
10Approaching, Leading, and Tying
Explain and demonstrate how to approach and lead a horse safely from a stall, corral, or field and how to tie the horse securely.
11Riding Movements on Level Ground
On level ground, continuously do the following movements after safely mounting the horse. Do them correctly, at ease, and in harmony with the horse.
- a Walk the horse in a straight line for 60 feet.
- b Walk the horse in a half-circle of not more than 16 feet in radius.
- c Trot or jog the horse in a straight line for 60 feet.
- d Trot or jog the horse in a half-circle of not more than 30 feet in radius.
- e Halt straight.
- f Back up straight four paces.
- g Halt and dismount.
12Option Selection
Do ONE of the following:
- a Explore careers related to this merit badge. Research one career to learn about the training and education needed, costs, job prospects, salary, job duties, and career advancement. Your research methods may include—with your parent or guardian's permission—an internet or library search, an interview with a professional in the field, or a visit to a location where people in this career work. Discuss with your counselor both your findings and what about this profession might make it an interesting career.
- b Explore how you could use knowledge and skills from this merit badge to pursue a hobby or healthy lifestyle. Research any training needed, expenses, and organizations that promote or support it. Discuss with your counselor what short-term and long-term goals you might have if you pursued this.
Two dates, two different things
Requirements Revision vs. Worksheet Date
Scouting America last revised the Horsemanship requirements in 2026. That is the badge, not this sheet — an older year does not mean the worksheet is out of date.
Verbatim Fidelity & Verification
This worksheet was checked against https://www.scouting.org/merit-badges/horsemanship/ in Aug 2026 and reproduces the requirements word for word. Both dates are printed on the sheet, so a copy in a binder can always be placed in time.
Requirement text is © Scouting America, reproduced verbatim. The worksheet layout and design are original to this project.
Spotted a discrepancy on this sheet? Tell us and we will re-check it against the official requirements.
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