Animal science - Horse farm?

[kimberbakos]

My son is interested in doing this merit badge and we haven't been given the name of a counsellor for it yet. But we are going to visit a riding stable this week, and are wondering if this counts as a horse farm? Or does it have to be a place that horses are actually bred, not just kept? The requirement doesn't really define that it considered to be farm.

[Quailman]

HORSE OPTION
a. Make a sketch of a useful saddle horse barn and exercise yard.
b. Tell about the history of the horse and the benefits it has brought to people. Using the four breeds of horses you chose in requirement 1, discuss the different special uses of each breed.
c. Define the following terms: mare, stallion, gelding, foal, colt, filly; mustang, quarter horse, draft horse, pacer, trotter; pinto, calico, palomino, roan, overo, tobiano.
d. Visit a horse farm. Describe what you saw and explain what you learned. If you cannot visit a horse farm, view a video from a breed association, or research the Internet (with your parent's permission) for information on horses. Tell about your findings.
e. Outline the proper feeding of a horse doing light work. Explain why the amount and kind of feed will change according to the kind of horse and the work it does. Describe what colic is, what can cause it, and its symptoms.

A farm is generally considered a place where breeding occurs, not just where saddle horses are maintained. Ultimately it will be up to the MB counselor, but requirement d allows for researching on the Internet.

[riverwalk]

I just went and looked myself, and I would say of course. But it would have to be acceptable to the Counselor (when he gets one). But that one could clearly be met in that experience if the personnel on site know what you need to achieve.

An example of that is in my Fire Service role. Our people get pressed many times into helping work with Scouts in a tour or a talk. The fireguys in many cases however, are never advised what objectives to ensure get covered. The visit may be useful, yet still leave requirements not met.

Here's a bonus thought as well. If he does visit this location, it may be fertile ground for recruiting additional counselors, woo-hoo!