CKOC -
Creatures and Kids Oklahoma Certification Requirements
Certification of a horse requires handler and horse to pass the Good Citizen
Award (GCA) and additional therapy horse requirements. Creatures and Kids
offers opportunities to train and prepare for tests for Creatures And Kids
Oklahoma Certification (CKOC) for horses.
Training and Testing
1-8 Good Citizen Award (GCA)
9-11 Creatures and Kids Oklahoma Certification (CKOC)
1. ACCEPTING A FRIENDLY STRANGER. This test
demonstrates that the horse will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and
speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. The evaluator and handler
shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The horse must show not sign of
resentment or shyness.
2. STANDING POLITELY FOR PETTING OR HOLDING.
This test demonstrates that the horse will allow a friendly
stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. The horse should stand at
the handler's side as the evaluator approaches and begins to pet the horse on
the head and body only. The horse must not show shyness or resentment.
3. APPEARANCE AND GROOMING. This practical test
demonstrates that the horse will welcome being groomed and examined and will
permit a stranger, such as a veterinarian, groomer, or friend of the owner, to
do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of
responsibility. The evaluator inspects the horse, then combs or brushes the
horse, and lightly examines the ears and each front foot.
4. OUT FOR A WALK. This test
demonstrates that the handler is in control of the horse. The horse can be on
either side of the handler, whichever the handler prefers. There must be a left
turn, a right turn and an about turn, with at least one stop in between and
another at the end. The horse need not be perfectly aligned with the handler.
5. WALKING THROUGH A CROWD. (HORSE ON LEAD) This test
demonstrates that the horse can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is
under control in public places. The horse and handler walk around and pass close
to several people (at least three). The horse may show some interest in the
strangers, without appearing over exuberant, shy or resentful. The handler may
talk to the horse and encourage or praise the horse throughout the test.
The horse should not be straining at the lead.
6. REACTION TO ANOTHER ANIMAL. This test demonstrates
that the horse can behave politely around other animals. Two handlers and their
animals approach each other from a distance of about 10 yards, stop, shake hands
and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 5 yards. The animals should
show no more than casual interest in the each other.
7. REACTION TO DISTRACTIONS.
This test demonstrates that the horse is
confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations, such as
the dropping of a large book or a jogger running in front of the horse.
The horse may express a natural interest and curiosity and/or appear slightly
startled, but should not panic or try to run away.
8. SUPERVISED SEPARATION.
This test demonstrates that the horse can be left with a trusted person, if
necessary, and will maintain its training and good manners. Evaluators are
encouraged to say something like, "Would you like me to watch your horse?" and
then take hold of the horses lead. The owner will go out of sight for three
minutes. The horse should remain calm and not show anything more than mild
agitation or nervousness.
9. REACTION TO CHILDREN, MEDICAL EQUIPMENT AND LOUD
NOISES. The horse should be tested around children
with sporadic child like behavior, (running, screaming and clumsy hugging) and
medical equipment, (wheelchair, crutches, cane, walker, or other devices that a
person may be using). This is done to evaluate the horse's reactions to these
common happenings.
10. LEAVE IT. The handler
with the horse on a lead walks past food on the ground (placed or dropped within
a distance of three feet) and, upon command, the horse should ignore the food.
11. ACCLIMATION TO INFIRMITIES.
This test demonstrates the horse's confidence when exposed to
people walking with an uneven gait, shuffling, breathing heavily, coughing,
wheezing or other distractions which may be encountered in a facility.
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