Horsemanship and the Trail to Eagle
Horsemanship is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Horsemanship Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 5 main requirements for Horsemanship. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Describe the safety precautions you should take when around horses.
- b.Describe the care and feeding of a horse.
- 2
Name and identify the parts of a horse and the parts of a saddle and bridle.
- 3
Demonstrate how to groom a horse, including cleaning the hooves.
- 4
Demonstrate how to saddle and bridle a horse.
- 5
On level ground, demonstrate the following: mounting and dismounting, walking, trotting, and figure eight at a trot.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Horsemanship Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Horsemanship, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Horsemanship is usually earned summer camp or outdoor event. Summer camp and merit badge weekends are the most common places to finish it.
3. Budget the time
Expect about 2 weeks for a challenging badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 7 Horsemanship requirements for you.
Horsemanship Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Horsemanship merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Horsemanship is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Horsemanship merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Horsemanship in about 2 weeks, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Horsemanship merit badge?
Horsemanship is most often earned summer camp or outdoor event. Any registered merit badge counselor for Horsemanship can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Horsemanship merit badge have?
Horsemanship has 5 main requirements with 2 sub-requirements, for 7 items in total.
