Basic Ground Skills Assessment (BGSA)

Horses must possess a core set of basic ground skills to succeed in a lesson program. The Basic Ground Skills Assessment (BGSA) includes nine essential skills that reflect the foundational behaviors horses need to participate safely and effectively in most introductory unmounted or ground-based lesson programs.

Many skills require the use of a timer and/or additional equipment. Have all equipment organized prior to the start of the assessment. A list of the equipment needed for the BGSA can be found below. Skills can be assessed in any order according to the evaluator’s choice. Use the BGSA scoring sheet to record the horse’s scores (see Appendix 4).

Throughout the skills, “you” will be used to signify the handler. The handler may also serve as the evaluator.

Equipment:

• Activity/loud noises equipment (e.g., bleachers, car, grooming tools, other animals, flag, paper, jacket, spray bottle, tractors)
• Arena obstacles (e.g., bridge, ground poles, cones, upright poles, tarp)
• Assistant
• Dressage whip (optional)
• Gates to lead through
• Grooming tools (e.g., rubber curry, stiff bristle brush, soft bristle brush, mane and tail comb, mane and tail detangler, hoof pick)
• Handler
• Large turnout area (if used in the program)
• Stall (if used in the program)
• Sturdy tie rail and/or cross tie area
• Timer or watch
• Well-fitting halter and attached lead rope

Note: The BGSA was originally published as a thesis for a Master’s program and then in a peer-reviewed journal^[1]. Revisions have been made for purposes of this assessment guide.

1 Catching: stall

Why

Horses are commonly housed in stalls. They may live in a stall or be temporarily placed in a stall for management and/or program purposes. Horses should be safe and easy to catch while in a stall.

How

Start by turning the horse loose in a stall, their halter removed. Locate a halter that fits the horse and an attached lead rope. With these in hand, enter the stall, remaining aware of how the horse reacts as you open the door and enter. Say the horse’s name so that they are aware of your presence. Approach the horse on the left side, at the shoulder, while holding the halter and lead rope. If the horse tries to move away, you can use a verbal cue of “whoa” or “stand” to encourage them to halt.

Place the lead rope over the horse’s neck, near the middle of the neck by reaching over the neck from the left side. Do not duck underneath the horse’s neck to toss the lead rope over from the right side, as this puts you in a compromising position. Placing the lead rope around the horse’s neck allows you to maintain some control as needed and allows the lead rope not to get tangled as you put the halter on.

Be mindful of your position in relation to the horse and avoid becoming trapped between the horse, wall, or feeder. If needed, you can approach the horse on the right side and place the lead rope over their neck. Using the lead rope, you can ask the horse to move so that you can get to their left side.

Next, slide the halter on the horse’s face and do up the buckle (for nylon and leather halters) or knot (rope halters). Do not flick the end of the halter over the horse’s neck as this may hit their eye and cause them to startle. If the horse has its head too high for you to reach, apply pressure at the poll with your hand or lead rope to ask them to lower it. Remember to release the pressure as soon as they lower their head, even if it’s a small movement. Ask them to lower their head as many times as is needed for them to be in the proper position.

Throughout the catching process, be aware of the horse’s body language. Note if they are tense or relaxed. The horse should be caught (defined as the lead rope placed over the horse’s neck) within five minutes. If the horse is not caught within five minutes, a score of zero should be given and the assessment terminated. More training will be needed to proceed.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound. Catching takes more than five minutes.

 1 Developing

Walks away from the handler three or more steps. Turns hind end to handler. When haltering, raises head and will not lower when pressure is applied to the poll.

            2 Satisfactory

Is aware of the handler as they enter the stall. Walks away from the handler no more than two steps. Puts head down when pressure is applied to the poll. Accepts halter calmly.

3 Proficient

Turns to face the handler as they enter the stall. Stands when approached and/or walks to the handler. Calmly lowers head into halter.

2 Catching: large area

Why

Horses are commonly housed in large areas such as pastures, dry lots, and turnout pens. They may live in a large area or be temporarily placed in a large area for management and/or program purposes. Horses should be safe and easy to catch while in a large area.

How

Start by turning the horse loose in the large area, their halter removed. Locate a halter that fits the horse and an attached lead rope. With these in hand, enter the large area, remaining aware of how the horse reacts as you open the gate and enter. Say the horse’s name so that they are aware of your presence. Approach the horse on the left side, at the shoulder, while holding the halter and lead rope. If the horse tries to move away, you can use a verbal cue of “whoa” or “stand” to encourage them to halt.

Place the lead rope over the horse’s neck, near the middle of the neck, by reaching over the neck from the left side. Do not duck underneath the horse’s neck to toss the lead rope over from the right side, as this puts you in a compromising position. Placing the lead rope around the horse’s neck allows you to maintain some control as needed and allows the lead rope not to get tangled as you put the halter on.

Be mindful of your position in relation to the horse and avoid becoming trapped between the horse, wall, or feeder. If needed, you can approach the horse on the right side and place the lead rope over their neck. Using the lead rope, you can ask the horse to move so that you can get to their left side.

Next, slide the halter on the horse’s face and do up the buckle (for nylon and leather halters) or knot (rope halters). Do not flick the end of the halter over the horse’s neck as this may hit their eye and cause them to startle. If the horse has its head too high for you to reach, apply pressure at the poll with your hand or lead rope to ask them to lower it. Remember to release the pressure as soon as they lower their head, even if it’s a small movement. Ask them to lower their head as many times as is needed for them to be in the proper position.

Throughout the catching process, be aware of the horse’s body language. Note if they are tense or relaxed. The horse should be caught (defined as the lead rope placed over the horse’s neck) within ten minutes. If the horse is not caught within ten minutes, a score of zero should be given and the assessment terminated. More training will be needed to proceed.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound. Takes more than ten minutes to catch the horse.

            1 Developing

Moves more than ten steps away from the handler. When haltering, raises head and will not lower when pressure is applied to the poll.

            2 Satisfactory

Moves away from the handler, but no more than ten steps. Puts head down when pressure is applied to the poll. Accepts halter calmly.

3 Proficient

Stands when approached and/or walks to the handler. Calmly lowers head into halter.

3 Basic leading

Why

Safe behavior while leading is necessary to lead the horse within a working space and to different locations. Horses are routinely led through gates and must consistently perform walk and halt transitions. Horses may need to turn away from and towards people to navigate different terrain safely. Horses should be calm and responsive while being led.

How

With the horse caught in a well-fitting halter and an attached lead rope, stand on the horse’s left side in leading position, which is when your shoulder is lined up with the horse’s ear. This allows control over the horse while still giving you the ability to see around them. The lead rope should be held about 12 inches below the snap in your right hand. Excess lead rope should be held folded in the left hand. Do not loop the lead rope around your hand for any reason, as this could lead to injury if the horse were to spook or move quickly, causing the lead rope to tighten.

From a leading position, cue the horse to walk forward by saying “walk on,” stepping forward, and putting light pressure on the lead rope by bringing the right hand forward. The horse should start walking with you. Once the horse starts walking, keep your right hand at your side with no additional pressure on the halter. To halt the horse, say “whoa,” and stop moving your feet. Apply pressure back on the lead rope towards the horse’s chest, if needed. Once the horse has stopped, release the pressure.

To turn the horse away from you, turn your shoulders in the direction of travel and point your hand underneath the horse’s neck to apply light pressure on the lead rope. To turn the horse towards you, turn your shoulders in the direction of travel and apply light pressure on the lead rope towards the direction of travel. Make sure that turns toward you are wide to prevent the horse from stepping on you. When appropriate, turns away from the handler are preferred. To lead the horse through a gate or tight space, halt the horse at the gate, step through, then invite the horse through with light pressure on the lead rope.

To test the horse’s basic leading skills, complete, at minimum, the following tasks at the walk with proper leading position (i.e., the horse’s head at your shoulder): lead through two gates, turn the horse away from you twice, turn the horse towards you twice, perform three walk to halt to walk transitions, and complete one 15-20 meter circle in each direction. Throughout all handling, remain aware of the horse’s responses to walk cues, halt cues, turn cues, and handler space defined as one to two feet around the handler.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Tense and alert. Spooks or balks. Is not responsive to walk, turn, and stop cues within three steps or three seconds of cueing. Moves into the handler’s space three or more times per minute. Bumps into the handler with their shoulder. Tries to walk through gates before being cued by the handler.

            2 Satisfactory

Aware of surroundings, but does not become unaware of the handler. Responsive to walk, turn, and stop cues within three steps or three seconds of cueing. Moves into the handler’s space no more than two times per minute and responds promptly to corrections given to stay out of the handler’s space (i.e., handler turns head away with lead rope pressure). Waits for the handler’s cue to walk through the gates. Does not spook or balk.

3 Proficient

Aware of surroundings but does not become unaware of the handler. Calmly leads with the head at the handler’s shoulder. Responsive to walk, turn, and stop cues within one and a half steps or one and a half seconds of cueing. Stays out of the handler’s space in all situations, including stopping, walking, and turning. Waits for the handler’s cue to walk through the gates.

4 Standing Tied

Why

Horses commonly need to be contained outside of their living environment. This can be done by tying to a safe tie rail. Horses should stand while tied calmly for the duration of a lesson.

How

Tie the horse to a sturdy, safe tie rail with a quick-release knot or mechanism. A quick-release knot or mechanism should be used in case of an emergency. You will then move at least ten feet away from the horse but remain within sight of the horse to observe their reactions. The horse should remain tied for at least three minutes, but the duration can be adjusted to reflect program needs.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Does not stand still. Moves three or more times per minute. Paws at the ground or equipment more than two times per minute. Vocalizes.

            2 Satisfactory

Moves no more than two times per minute. Paws at the ground or equipment less than two times per minute. Does not vocalize.

3 Proficient

Calm while standing. Does not paw at the ground or equipment. May shift weight but does not move. Does not vocalize.

5 Park

Why

Park, or standing still with a handler, is a valuable skill for a lesson horse to have. Park can be used when a horse is held by a handler for an extended period. Horses should remain still, in their “parked” position as activities ensue (e.g., a person walking past, a person approaching to greet them).

How

Park is characterized by the horse standing in front of the handler about three feet away with some slack in the lead rope. The horse should not move from their position. To place a horse in the park position, halt the horse in any spot in the working space. Move to stand about three feet in front of the horse, facing the horse, with a loose lead rope. As the horse is in the parked position, an assistant should walk around the horse to simulate the activity that may occur when a horse is asked to stand. If the horse moves, correct them by returning the horse to their original location (e.g., if the horse steps forward two steps, back them up two steps). The horse should remain in park for at least two minutes, but the duration can be adjusted to reflect program needs.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Moves more than two times per minute. Tense.

            2 Satisfactory

May look around at the environment (i.e., move head). Does not move more than two times per minute. Responds to pressure on the halter to step back into park position after movement. Calm.

3 Proficient

Stands still. May shift weight but does not move. Calm.

6a Grooming & 6b Picking Feet

Why

Horses are groomed for a variety of reasons, including to build relationships, to clean the horse in preparation for saddling or the application of other equipment, to clean the horse for a show or event, and to monitor the horse for abnormalities such as leg swelling or injuries. Horses should be relaxed and stand still as they are groomed. They should easily pick up their feet for cleaning.

How

Gather the grooming tools used in your program (e.g., rubber curry, stiff bristle brush, soft bristle brush, mane and tail comb, mane and tail detangler, hoof pick). Place your horse in the position where they will be groomed during lessons (e.g., tied at a tie rail, held in the arena by a volunteer, ground tied). Groom the entire horse, including the head, body, legs, mane, and tail. Pick up and clean all four feet. Make sure to groom the entire horse on both sides. Below are instructions on how to use common grooming tools.

• Rubber curry: This brush helps to generate natural oils in the skin and loosen dirt, dander, and hair from the horse’s coat. Use in a circular motion on the body of the horse, starting from the top of the neck and working down along the topline of the horse. Avoid sensitive areas that have little cushioning, such as the face and lower limbs, as this brush can be hard.
• Stiff bristle or dandy brush: This brush is used to promote healthy skin and to remove debris. This brush is used like a small broom to sweep the loose dirt from the coat of the horse with small strokes in the direction the hair lies. This brush can be used on the body, belly, and legs, but it is too stiff for the face of the horse.
• Soft bristle brush: This brush gives the horse’s coat a soft, finished shine by brushing away smaller particles of dirt and dust. Use this brush in the direction that the hair lies on the coat of the horse. This brush is appropriate to use on the more sensitive areas of the horse’s body, such as the legs and face of the horse.
• Mane and tail brush: This brush is used to detangle the mane and tail. Before brushing, it is recommended to spray the mane and tail with a detangler product. Then, gently hold a handful of the mane towards the base of the horse’s neck. With the other hand, hold the brush or comb. Brush gently, starting at the bottom and working your way up to the roots at the base of the mane. To brush the tail, stand with your shoulder at the point of the horse’s hip facing in the direction of the horse’s tail. With your arm closest to the horse, gently pick up the tail, holding it midway down. Begin by brushing from the bottom, working your way up the tail. Always stand to the side of the horse out of the kick zone.
• Shedding blade: This brush is used when the horse has thick hair and is shedding to assist with removing the shedding hair. Use this brush in the direction that the hair lies on the coat of the horse. Be careful not to press too hard, as it may irritate the horse. This brush should only be used on the muscled, main body of the horse.
• Hoof pick: This tool is used to remove mud and rocks from the hoof of the horse. To pick the front feet, start by standing with your shoulder next to your horse’s shoulder, facing toward the back of the horse. Take your hand closest to the horse and run it down the horse’s leg, bending at the waist. Squeeze the fetlock of the horse and say the word “foot” (or use the cue your horse is trained with). When the horse picks up their foot, hold around the hoof wall with the hand nearest the horse in a supporting hold. With the hand furthest from the horse, use the hoof pick to clear out the mud, dirt, and rocks. Pick away from you to prevent the pick from hitting your arm. Be careful to get the debris out of the foot without digging into the frog or sole. To pick the hind feet, stand with your shoulder at the horse’s hip, facing the back of the horse. Follow the same procedures to clean the hind feet as the front feet. When you are holding the hind foot up, it may be more comfortable for the horse if you step forward a foot or two so that the horse can relax their hind leg.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

(a) Moves more than one time per minute while being groomed. Pins ears or nips at the handler.

(b) Picks up feet inconsistently when asked to lift feet for cleaning. Pulls foot out of the handler’s grasp.

            2 Satisfactory

(a) Moves no more than one time per minute. May play with the lead rope. Accepts different grooming brushes.

(b) Picks up feet with little to no resistance when asked to lift feet for cleaning. May move the foot but does not pull it out of the handler’s grasp.

3 Proficient

a) Stands calmly during the grooming process. Accepts being groomed everywhere. Accepts different grooming brushes.

(b) Picks up feet on cue without resistance when asked to lift feet for cleaning. Does not attempt to pull foot out of handler’s grasp.

7 Backup

Why

Backup is a common skill needed to maneuver the horse around obstacles, provide corrections, and is used in showmanship patterns. Horses should readily backup when cued.

How

From a halt, turn to face the horse. Keep your hand position the same as when you were in proper leading position (i.e., your right hand should be 6-12 inches below the buckle of the lead rope and your left hand should hold the excess lead rope). Say the word “back,” step towards the horse’s chest, and apply light pressure on the halter through the lead rope by pointing your right hand towards the horse’s chest. If needed, a stronger pressure on the lead rope can be used to encourage the horse to step back or a dressage whip can be used to tap the ground in front of the horse. For each step backwards, give a release of pressure before asking for another step. The release can be big or small. A good handler will be able to give small, timely releases in sequence with the backup cue to create a seamless backup for multiple steps. Be sure to reset the horse between backup attempts by walking forward. Perform the backup at least three different times, giving the horse a break between each attempt.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Requires a lot of pressure from the halter and/or whip. Steps back stiffly. Backs up crooked.

            2 Satisfactory

Cues with pressure from the halter and/or whip. Backs one leg at a time slowly in a relatively straight line. Crookedness is correctable.

3 Proficient

Cues with body language and light pressure from the halter. Smoothly steps back in diagonal pairs in a straight line.

8 Arena Obstacles

Why

Arena obstacles are commonly used in lessons to practice horsemanship skills and to add variety to the lesson. Horses should be comfortable with all arena obstacles presented to them in lessons.

How

Identify the arena obstacles that are used in your lesson program (e.g., bridge, ground poles, cones, upright poles, tarp). Set up the obstacles within your working space. Lead the horse, at a walk, around/on/over the obstacles as applicable (e.g., lead the horse around cones, on a bridge, over ground poles). Attempt each obstacle from both directions and/or sides two to three times.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric. Each obstacle will receive an individual score.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Tense when introduced to obstacle. Refuses obstacle (e.g., backs up, moves sideways, or turns away) or rushes over/on/around obstacle.

            2 Satisfactory

May hesitate briefly at first (e.g., slows tempo, halts but doesn’t move sideways or backup), but with pressure on the halter walks over/on/around obstacles.

3 Proficient

Calmly crosses obstacle. Walks with a consistent tempo over/on/around obstacle.

9 Activity & Loud Noise

Why

Activity and loud noise can startle a horse. While it is impossible to habituate a horse to every activity or noise and plan for all scenarios, we can do our best to expose horses to common activities and loud noises that occur in the lesson environment. Horses should be calm and remain responsive to their handler even in the presence of activity and loud noises.

How

Identify at least six types of activities and loud noises that the horse may be exposed to in your lesson program (e.g., arena doors opening and closing, clapping/cheering/shouting, four-wheelers or tractors, people walking across bleachers, stomping of feet). You may choose to introduce the activity or noise with the horse in park position and/or while leading the horse at a walk around the arena. With you in control of the horse, have an assistant perform each activity and noise. Each activity or noise should persist for ten to thirty seconds or the normal duration of that activity or noise.

Once the task(s) have been completed, score the horse according to the following rubric. Each activity and loud noise will receive an individual score.

Scoring Rubric

NA Not Assessed

0 Unsuitable

Displays dangerous behavior and/or is in pain or otherwise unsound.

            1 Developing

Startles when introduced to activity/loud noise (e.g., jumps, moves more than one step). Tense.

            2 Satisfactory

Response to activity/loud noise is mild (i.e., raises head and looks in the direction of the activity/loud noise, but does not move more than one step).

3 Proficient

Calm during activity/loud noise. May acknowledge noises (e.g., flicks ears) but is not disrupted from their job (e.g., walking, standing).