Colors, Markings, and Breeds

Levels: D1, D2, D3

Objectives:
•	Name and describe six colors of ponies
•	Name and describe five markings of ponies
•	Name four horse or pony breeds
•	Describe the characteristics of a strange pony clearly enough for another person to recognize it within a group.  Include: color, breed, markings, size sex, and obvious conformation characteristics

Materials Needed:
•	Markers, construction paper or small pieces of poster board, various art supplies
•	Horse magazines
•	Several specific descriptions of horses – for example: chestnut quarter horse with a blaze; bay thoroughbred; paint pony; black horse with three socks.

Activity 1:
•	Each candidate creates a poster of his or her pony  (a timesaving option: let candidates bring photos of own pony)
•	Have the candidates share their poster with the group, including his/her pony’s markings, color, and breed

Activity 2:
•	Divide the candidates into groups of two or three
•	List the specific descriptions of horses so that everyone can see them
•	Give each group several magazines and have them hunt for pictures of horses that match the descriptions (cut them out and paste onto construction paper)
•	Let each group share their collage.

Conclusion:
•	Discuss why it is important to know how to identify a pony quickly by its color, markings, and breed.