In the WRR Girl Scout Demo, we will cover all 10 points of the Horse Fan Badge
1. On the Trail
Find out where you can ride horses in your community. Ask each group or facility
how much it charges for membership, riding, or riding lessons. Find out whether
its specialty is English or Western riding. Find out which groups provide
instructions, which require you to own your own horse, which have indoor and
outdoor rings, and which have riding trails.
2. Caring for Horses
Visit a stable. Find out from the owner or manager what is involved in the care
of a horse. Find out how much and what kind of food a horse needs daily,
acceptable treats for horses, everyday care in a stable, and how often a horse
needs to be shod and why. If possible, watch while a farrier pulls and resets a
shoe.
3. Fashion and Function
Show the correct and safe clothing for horse shows, Western trail rides, and
your group's equestrian activities. You can model the clothes yourself, or use
pictures. Point out to others the safety features to look for in the footwear,
pants, jackets, and safety hat you wear when riding.
4. Horses Through History
Make an illustrated booklet about the history and development of the horse. To
do this you can draw your own pictures or use photographs that you find in
magazines and other places. Be able to point out and name the principal parts of
a horse.
5. Song of the Horse
Listen to cowboy ballads and teach one to your troop.
6. Make a Career of Riding
There are many careers associated with horses. Explore at least three of them.
You might begin by finding out the type of training and experience your
instructor needed before she could begin to teach others, for example.
7. Ease with Equipment
Learn the parts of a saddle and a bridle. Find out how each part contributes to
the comfort of the horse and rider. Learn how to take care of a saddle and a
bridle and how to keep them in good repair. If possible, assist with the
saddling and bridling of a horse.
8. Horse "Tales"
Learn about famous or legendary horses. Tell a horse story to your troop or
another group.
9. Horse Stories
Read one or more books about horses. These might include books on horsemanship,
information on related careers, stories about famous horses, or stories of
adventure on horseback.
10. Showing Off
Attend a horsemanship event at camp. Can't find one close by? Then watch a live
or televised performance by show riders, such as a rodeo, a local horse show, or
a draft-horse pulling contest.