"Cowboy Up!" Horsemanship Skills Attainment and Merit System

​This program has been designed to help Special Equestrians (and others) understand and develop basic riding and horsemanship skills in a sequenced system of rewards.

Novice riders will receive the WHITE bandana when they are taking an active part in learning to ride their horses. Each following bandana will reward riders for learning skills which make them a better horseperson and rider.

There are 10 tasks to achieve for each level of reward. The tasks include knowing about horses, engaging in horsemanship activities on the ground, developing riding skills, and understanding tack and other equipment.. Occasionally there will be an “Instructor’s Choice” task. There are suggestions for these tasks in the appendices or the instructor can choose a task that the candidate may have struggled with earlier.

Why Bandanas?

The cowboy bandana, or “Glad Rag” is perhaps the most versatile piece of clothing to survive into the 21st century. From back in the early days of America, all the way to the present, cowboys and cowgirls have used bandanas for many purposes.

Bandanas were used and are still used to keep dust out of cowpokes’ noses and mouths, as a washrag, to filter drinking water, to wipe sweat from their brows and for warmth and protection from the sun. They can also be used for wiping noses and as a headband for keeping hair out of the way. The cowpoke can also tie the four corners together to make a sack for carrying things.

The cowpoke never tied his bandana when he was working, it could be dangerous. A tie ring could be used as in these photos.

Skills Sheets

Pictures of Bandanas in Action