Horse Talk for Girl Scouts

Horse Lover Badge

General Information for Prospective Troops

As you review the requirements for your badge, there are some that you can explore and find the answers to as well as those that require professional knowledge and expertise. At WAREDACA, we aim to assist you with those answers!

Your unmounted time with us will take about an hour. During that time, you will:

• Receive an orientation and tour of the stable while discussing what is involved in the care of a horse. Explain how much and what kind of food a horse needs daily, acceptable treats for horses, etc. What is included in the everyday care for a stable, how often a horse needs to be shod and why.

• Find out the type of training and experience your instructor needed before she or he could begin to teach.

• Examine the tools used to groom a horse; discover the purpose of each. Learn to use the brush and currycomb. Learn how to brush a horse before and after saddling. Practice safe stall and barn behavior.

• Discuss safe riding rules, good ring manners, safe clothing and gear for riding.

• Learn the basic parts of the saddle and bridle. Find out how each part contributes to the comfort of the horse and rider. Discuss equipment care.

• Watch the saddling and bridling of a horse. Explain safety concerns during the process.

You will then go on a trail-ride. After receiving a very basic demonstration of mounting, correct position, explanation of the natural aids, stopping, turning, and safe trail-riding procedures, we will assist your group to mount, adjust stirrups, and then proceed on a 40 minute trail-ride.

The cost of this program is $25.00 per scout. This program is typically scheduled on Saturday afternoons, from 2:00-4:00 in the spring and fall. Please contact the office at 301-570-4191 to reserve your date. Our program is popular and many troops return just for fun--Schedule your troop to take part in this great horseback riding opportunity!