Horseback Riding Quiz!

By: Heather Cahill
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Horseback Riding Quiz!
Image: Anthony Lee/OJO Images/Getty Images

About This Quiz

Anyone who has spent some time on the back of a horse knows how incredible these animals can truly be. Often, it takes bravery to mount a horse, especially on your first time. Let's face it — horses are tall! Once you've made it past your fear, it's easy to see how majestic and fun they can be. From bonding with your horse on the ground to riding through the horse trails, there is so much to do with your furry friend.

After you've grown comfortable with your horse and you've had the chance to get to know each other, this is where the fun begins. You'll learn their quirks, their patterns, and their needs and wants to make your bond stronger. But to handle a horse, whether you know them or not, you also need to know a thing or two about the basics. Acting appropriate, being aware of the horse and its feelings, and knowing how to handle certain situations are all key to keeping both you and your horse safe during your time together.

So, do you think you have what it takes to ride like the wind? There's only one way to find out. Grab the reins and giddy up into this wild quiz!

A horse that doesn't enjoy being ridden is most commonly referred to as what?
Sympathetic
Sinister
Sweet
Sour
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A sour horse is one that has no interest in being ridden and finds no enjoyment in it. They may act differently than a horse that is happy with it and can be a little more difficult to work with. It's essential to bring that enjoyment back to them.

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There are a few items that you shouldn't wear while riding a horse. Which of the following is one of these items?
A jacket
Boots
Gloves
Sandals
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sandals are not ideal for horseback riding, and they can be downright dangerous. They leave your foot exposed, making it much easier for you to get an injury. In addition to this, shorts are also not the best attire to wear while on your horse.

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A horse is measured in which of the following terms of measurement?
Hands
Feet
Inches
Centimeters
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Horses are measured in hands, from the lowest point (the ground) to their withers. One hand is equivalent to 4 inches. The tallest horse in the world is known as Big Jake, who measured a whopping 20 hands. For comparison, the average Quarter Horse stands at only 15 hands.

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Though it can be scary, how should you feel when mounting a horse?
Confident
Nervous
Intimidated
Sad
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Confidence is key when riding a horse. This is because the horse can feed off of your energy and sense whether or not you are afraid. The more confident you feel, the more confident your horse will be with you in the saddle.

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Which of the following is not one of the gaits that a horse has?
Trot
Canter
Walk
Grumble
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There are four gaits that a horse has, which all vary in speed. The one missing from here is a gallop, which is the fastest gait that a horse can learn. It's probably safest to leave it for the open ring rather than the open trails, however!

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More important than knowing how to make your horse go, is to know how to stop. What word is used to ask your horse to stop?
Whoa
Stop
Halt
Finished
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One of the most important commands to know when riding a horse is "stop." A firm "whoa" with a gentle pull on the reins is all you need to tell your horse to stop. This command can come in handy especially when it comes to emergencies.

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Another part of the saddling process, the bridle is put on what part of the horse?
The feet
The stomach
The head
The tail
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The bridle is placed on the head of the horse and is used for steering. It attaches to the reins to allow for the rider to have control, rather than the horse. It would be difficult to get around without it!

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What is the best way to mount your horse?
From the left
From the front
From the back
From the right
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A horse is most commonly trained to stand while it is dressed and mounted from the left. While it is fine to do this from the right, there is a possibility that it may startle the horse. Try to stay to the left as much as possible.

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What is the purpose of a foaling stall?
A safe place for a mare to give birth
A place where a foal is trained
A place to quarantine sick horses
A place to keep your tack
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A foaling stall is vital for anyone who has a pregnant mare. It gives her and the newborn foal the privacy that they need during and even after the birth. It also provides much-needed shelter to both of them.

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What is the name of the supplies and dressage that you put onto your horse?
Canter
Feed
Tack
Gear
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Tack is an integral part of getting your horse prepared for a ride. It refers to things such as your saddle, reins, bridle and other supplies. Your brushes and grooming supplies are also included in this term.

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Knowing how to ride is one thing while knowing how to handle your horse from the ground is another. What is essential to do while leading your horse?
Leave slack on the lead rope
Wrap the lead rope around your hand
Walk far ahead of your horse with the lead rope in your hand
Feed them treats as you lead them
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's always important to be gentle with a horse, and this goes for when you are leading them around as well. A simple light tug and click of the mouth can get them to walk with you and allow you to leave some slack for them on the rope. You don't want to be tugging their head around!

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What is the first brush that you should use for grooming your horse?
Curry comb
Rake
Pick
Soft brush
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The curry comb is very important to use as a first step in brushing your horse. Though it looks straightforward, the curry comb does a lot of work in loosening up any dirt in your horse's hair. Then you can brush that out with the rest of the tools.

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If you have a need for speed, you'll want to ride which horse which is known for their speed?
An Apaloosa
A Clydesdale
A Half linger
A Quarter Horse
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A Quarter Horse gets its name from its speed. It's one of the fastest horses over a span of a quarter mile. They also make great companions, and they're perfect for a beginner rider to get their start with.

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Is it true or false that you can be bitten by a horse?
True
False
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though you may think of this as something that a dog or cat would be more likely to do, a horse is capable of this as well. More often than not, they don't mean to do it, which is why it is so important to keep your hand flat and straight as possible when feeding a treat.

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Which of the following games is played while mounted on a horse?
Polo
Tennis
Volleyball
Lacrosse
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Polo is played on the back of a horse while the rider tries to hit the ball. The game is from many, many years ago and passed on throughout the years. Each team in the game is made up of a group of four players.

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What is the name used for a young female horse?
Filly
Stallion
Colt
Mare
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A filly refers to a female horse that is less than four years old. After this age, she is then known as a mare instead. A horse of any gender is known as a foal if they are under the age of one year, later taking on their new names.

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What goes under the saddle when riding Western or English?
Saddle pad
Stirrups
Bridle
Nothing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A saddle pad is an essential step in dressing your horse, which keeps them comfortable with you on their back. It's also important for your safety, as there's less chance that a horse may experience irritation under the saddle this way.

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After learning how to ride a horse, you can also enter fun events. Which timed event sees the rider and horse working their way around three obstacles?
Pole bending
Calf roping
Barrel racing
Bronc riding
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Barrel racing is enjoyed by many and consists of the duo circling through the three barrels and back to the finish line. The goal is to make this as fast as possible. Did you know that in official events this is mostly a women's only event?

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A horse may kick for which of the following reasons?
To be mean to its owner
To warn someone
To defend itself
To exercise
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Horses can spook easily, and it's highly possible that they'll kick in response to fear. This is why it is always important to let your horse know where you are. As you walk around your horse, simply putting your hand on it and moving it along as you walk will let your horse know that it's only you and there's nothing to be afraid of.

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How often should you clean your horse's hooves?
Once a year
Once a week
Once a day
Twice a day
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Every day, the horse's hooves pick up all kinds of dirt and rocks that can cause issues later if they're not cleaned out regularly. To keep your horse's feet as healthy as possible, it's important to take good care of them.

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Time to think about the big competitions. Someone who rides the horse in a horse race is known as what?
A jockey
A speed demon
A jumper
A gifter
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jockeys are talented horseback riders who have trained many years to compete in races. However, not all riders are jockeys, but all jockeys are riders. Racing around a trail may feel as exhilarating as being on the track, but a jockey is exclusive to the track.

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In horseback riding, the word "green" refers to which of the following?
A beginner
A breed of horse
The pasture
A type of medicine
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you or your horse is green, then you're new to horseback riding. But you're in for a treat! There's nothing like the feeling of galloping on the back of your loyal steed, leaving all of your troubles behind.

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When riding, many find it hard to stay in the saddle. What is the key to doing so?
Squeezing with your legs
Finding your balance
Holding onto the saddle horn
Pulling on the reins
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Balance is the key to many things, and horseback riding is no exception. It may be your first instinct to hang on in any way you can, but once you've learned how to balance, you won't feel this need any longer.

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What city is the legendary Kentucky Derby held in?
Louisville
New York City
Salt Lake City
Baltimore
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most important events in horseback riding. You may remember the famous Secretariat as one of the most legendary horses to ever win the Kentucky Derby. He took multiple titles in his life and earned his spot as one of the most famous racehorses of all time.

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Posture is an important part of riding a horse, but so is how you hold the reins. What is the proper way to hold them??
As tight as possible
With some slack
Out to the sides of the horse
At the horn of the saddle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It's essential to keep in mind that you have to be gentle with the reins and keep a little bit of slack. This is because they are connected to the bit inside the horse's mouth, which is very sensitive. If you hurt the horse's mouth, it could not only be bad for your furry friend but you as well.

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While riding your horse, where should you always keep your eyes?
Ahead of you
At the horse's head
At the scenery around you
On the ground in front of the horse's hooves
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Just like when you're driving, it's essential to keep your eyes looking at where you want to go. It's important so that you and your horse can stay on track and minimize the risk of danger. This allows you to stay safe whether you're out on the trail or in the ring.

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You're in the saddle and it's time to get going. How do you ask a horse to go once you've mounted?
Pat their neck
Pull the reins
Touch their side with your heels
Say "go"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A trained horse can understand your simple commands and know exactly what to do, but touching them with your heels is also a good way to communicate. Talking to your horse also lets them know that everything is good and calm.

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The word "balk" refers to when a horse does which of the following?
Runs too fast
Wins in an event
Refuses to move
Has a desire to stay in the stable
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When you get on your horse, you probably want it to go ahead. But if it doesn't, now you know what to call it! There are a few ways that you can work on stopping your horse from doing this, for example, working with it from the ground.

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Is it true or false that horses can be purebred?
True
False
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Horses can indeed be purebred, just as a dog or cat can be. Horses have breed standards just as many other animals do, which help to keep the breed up to par. There are also crossbreed horses that are a mix of multiple breeds.

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A horse described as Chestnut is known to be which of the following colors?
A red or burgundy
Blond
Black
Dark brown
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Chestnut is just one beautiful coat color that horses can have. However, there are many others, such as Sorrel, which is somewhat of a copper and a darker shade of brown.

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Just as there are shows for dogs, a horse takes part in a show that determines how well they could be used for breeding. What is it called?
Halter classes
Mentor classes
Equestrian classes
Practical classes
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rather than riding the horse as most shows and competitions are known for, the handler of the horse shows it by walking it on the ground. It is then judged by its looks, form and other features that determine its place.

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There are many benefits to horseback riding. Which of the following is one of them?
Strength in your legs
Clean air
Lower blood pressure
The release of endorphins
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Your legs get a good workout in the saddle of a horse. You're always using them, from the control of the horse to keep your stability within the saddle. After a good horseback ride, you'll probably feel every single muscle you used the next day!

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Horses boast the biggest what of any land mammal?
Ears
Feet
Eyes
Brain
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The eyes on a horse allow them to see almost everywhere around them. This is why it is so important to keep your eye out for anything they may spot and get startled by before they spot it and spook.

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A horse with an injured foot who is favoring it would be known to be doing what?
Tending
Lifting
Pointing
Carrying
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Pointing is something that all horse owners should be aware of because it can indicate more significant problems. When a horse does this, it's most commonly concerning injury or pain, meaning that the owner should have a look and keep an eye on it.

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Like in many other activities, horseback riding has its share of styles. How many different riding styles are there?
One
Two
Three
Four
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As a horseback rider, you'll choose to ride in one of two styles: Western or English riding. One difference between the two is that a Western saddle is a little more bulky, usually with a horn on the front. The English saddle is smaller and a little less detailed.

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Anthony Lee/OJO Images/Getty Images