Glossary of equestrian terms - AbsoluteAstronomy.com

This is a basic glossary of equestrian terms; both technical terminology

Technical terminology

Technical terminology is the specialized vocabulary of any field, not just technical fields. The same is true of the synonyms technical terms, terms of art, shop talk and words of art, which do not necessarily refer to technology or art...

and jargon

Jargon

Jargon is terminology which is especially defined in relationship to a specific activity, profession, group, or event. The philosophe Condillac observed in 1782 that "Every science requires a special language because every science has its own ideas." As a rationalist member of the Enlightenment he...

that has developed over the centuries to describe horses and other equidae

Equidae

Equidae is the taxonomic family of horses and related animals, including the extant horses, donkeys, and zebras, and many other species known only from fossils. All extant species are in the genus Equus...

, as well as various horse-related concepts. Where noted, some terms are used only in American English

American English

American English is a set of dialects of the English language used mostly in the United States. Approximately two-thirds of the world's native speakers of English live in the United States....

(US) or only in British English

British English

British English, or English , is the broad term used to distinguish the forms of the English language used in the United Kingdom from forms used elsewhere...

(UK), or are regional to a particular part of the world, such as Australia

Australia

Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...

(Au).
For additional terminology, see also:

Bridle
Bridle
A bridle is a piece of equipment used to direct a horse. As defined in the Oxford English Dictionary, the "bridle" includes both the headstall that holds a bit that goes in the mouth of a horse, and the reins that are attached to the bit....

(includes a list of bridle parts)
Equine anatomy (includes definitions and illustration of the points of a horse)
Equine coat color
Equine coat color
Horses exhibit a diverse array of coat colors and distinctive markings. A specialized vocabulary has evolved to describe them.While most horses remain the same color throughout life, a few, over the course of several years, will develop a different coat color from that with which they were born...

(lists all coat colors)
Equine conformation
Equine conformation
Equine conformation evaluates the degree of correctness of a horse's bone structure, musculature, and its body proportions in relation to each other. Undesirable conformation can limit the ability to perform a specific task. Although there are several universal "faults," a horse's conformation is...

(includes terms used to describe conformation flaws)
Glossary of Australian and New Zealand punting (horse-racing terms)
Horse tack
Horse tack
Tack is a term used to describe any of the various equipment and accessories worn by horses in the course of their use as domesticated animals. Saddles, stirrups, bridles, halters, reins, bits, harnesses, martingales, and breastplates are all forms of horse tack...

(horse equipment)
Horse harness
Horse harness
A horse harness is a type of horse tack that allows a horse or other equine to pull various horse-drawn vehicles such as a carriage, wagon or sleigh. Harnesses may also be used to hitch animals to other loads such as a plow or canal boat....

(includes a list of harness parts)
Horse grooming
Horse grooming
Horse grooming is hygienic care given to a horse, or a process by which the horse's physical appearance is enhanced for horse shows or other types of competition.-Reasons for grooming:...

(includes list of tools)
List of horse breeds (includes horse breeds and types)
Saddle
Saddle
A saddle is a supportive structure for a rider or other load, fastened to an animal's back by a girth. The most common type is the equestrian saddle designed for a horse, but specialized saddles have been created for camels and other creatures...

(includes a list of saddle parts)

A

Ace or ACP

Slang for the drug acepromazine

Acepromazine

Acepromazine or acetylpromazine is a phenothiazine derivative antipsychotic drug. It was first used in humans in the 1950s, but is now little used in humans...

or acetyl promazine (trade names Atravet or Acezine), which is a sedative commonly used on horses during veterinary treatment, but also illegal in the show ring.

Action

The way a horse elevates its legs, knees, hocks, and feet. Also includes how the horse uses its shoulder, humerus, elbow, and stifle; most often used to describe the trot, but sometimes applied to the canter or gallop. High action is a breed characteristic of Saddlebreds and other breeds used in Saddle seat

Saddle seat

Saddle Seat is a style of horseback riding within the category of English riding that is designed to show off the high trotting action of certain horse breeds. The style developed into its modern form in the United States, and is also seen in Canada and South Africa...

or certain harness

Driving (horse)

Driving, when applied to horses, ponies, mules, or donkeys, is a broad term for hitching equines to a wagon, carriage, cart, sleigh, or other horse-drawn vehicle by means of a harness and working them in this way...

disciplines.

Aged horse

An older horse. Originally referred to a horse with a "smooth mouth," generally eight years old or older, but modern use varies. Term may refer to an animal seven years old or older, eight or older, nine or older, or ten or older. In horse racing

Horse racing

Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...

and in some horse show

Horse show

A Horse show is a judged exhibition of horses and ponies. Many different horse breeds and equestrian disciplines hold competitions worldwide, from local to the international levels. Most horse shows run from one to three days, sometimes longer for major, all-breed events or national and...

s, an aged horse is one over 4 years. In some contexts, an aged horse is older than 16 to 20 years of age.

Aging

The process of estimating a horse's age by inspecting its teeth

Horse teeth

Horses' teeth are often used to estimate the animal's age, hence the sayings "long in the tooth", "straight from the horse's mouth" and "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth".- Types of teeth :At five years of age a horse has between 36 and 44 teeth...

Agistment

Agistment originally referred specifically to the proceeds of pasturage in the king's forests. To agist is, in English law, to take cattle to graze, in exchange for payment.-Agistment:...

, agister

1. Agistment (Australia), letting out pasture

Pasture

Pasture is land used for grazing. Pasture lands in the narrow sense are enclosed tracts of farmland, grazed by domesticated livestock, such as horses, cattle, sheep or swine. The vegetation of tended pasture, forage, consists mainly of grasses, with an interspersion of legumes and other forbs...

to horse (or other livestock) owners.

2. Agister (UK), an official of the New Forest Verderers who controls grazing on the Forest by New Forest Ponies

New Forest pony

The New Forest Pony or New Forester is one of the recognised Mountain and moorland or Native pony breeds of the British Isles. The breed is valued for its hardiness, strength and sureness of foot...

and other livestock.

See Artificial insemination, below.

Aids

Riding aids

Riding aids are the cues a rider gives to a horse to communicate what they want the animal to do. Riding aids are broken into the natural aids and the artificial aids.-Natural aids:...

Signals from the rider or driver to the horse that tell the animal what the handler wants it to do. Generally broken down into two varieties, natural and artificial. Other divisions are possible.

Natural aids include the hands, seat, weight, legs and voice

Artificial aids, which extend, reinforce, or substitute the natural aids; include items such as bits

Bit (horse)

A bit is a type of horse tack used in equestrian activities, usually made of metal or a synthetic material, and is placed in the mouth of a horse or other equid and assists a rider in communicating with the animal. It rests on the bars of the mouth in an interdental region where there are no teeth...

, whip

Whip

A whip is a tool traditionally used by humans to exert control over animals or other people, through pain compliance or fear of pain, although in some activities whips can be used without use of pain, such as an additional pressure aid in dressage...

s, spur

Spur

A spur is a metal tool designed to be worn in pairs on the heels of riding boots for the purpose of directing a horse to move forward or laterally while riding. It is usually used to refine the riding aids and to back up the natural aids . The spur is used in every equestrian discipline...

s, and martingale

Martingale (tack)

A martingale is any of several designs of tack that are used on horses to control head carriage. Martingales may be seen in a wide variety of equestrian disciplines, both riding and driving...

Airs above the ground, Airs

Movements in haute ecolé or "high school" classical dressage

Classical dressage

Classical dressage evolved from cavalry movements and training for the battlefield, and has since developed into the competitive dressage seen today...

, where the horse leaves the ground with two or four feet in response to the rider's commands. Made famous by the Lipizzan

Lipizzan

The Lipizzan or Lipizzaner , is a breed of horse closely associated with the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria, where the finest representatives demonstrate the haute école or "high school" movements of classical dressage, including the highly controlled, stylized jumps and other movements...

horses at the Spanish Riding School

Spanish Riding School

The Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria, is a traditional riding school for Lipizzan horses, which perform in the Winter Riding School in the Hofburg...

, the airs include the levade, capriole, croupade, courbette, and ballotade. Sometimes called "school jumps."

Allowance race

A horse race in which entries are restricted to horses meeting certain earnings or other race criteria.

Amateur

An individual who exhibits horses but is not paid money or other compensation. The opposite of a professional.

Amble

Ambling

The term amble or ambling is used to describe a number of four-beat intermediate gaits of horses. All are faster than a walk but usually slower than a canter or gallop...

1. A general term for a range of four beat intermediate speed horse gait

Horse gait

Horse gaits are the various ways in which a horse can move, either naturally or as a result of specialized training by humans.-Classification:...

s that are approximately the speed of a trot or pace but far smoother to ride. Various terms for lateral ambling gaits, based on style, speed or rhythm of gait. and breed of horse, include the slow gait, single foot, running walk, stepping pace, sobreandando, paso corto, paso llano, rack, tölt, and paso largo. The term usually refers to lateral gaits, but may be applied to all four beat intermediate speed gaits, including the diagonal four-beat gait referred to be terms such as fox trot, pasitrote, and trocha.

2. The stepping pace. A specific intermediate speed horse gait, a slowed down pace. It is a four beat lateral gait, where the legs on one side of the horse move one immediately following the other, then the legs on the other side. It is a very smooth gait, and is natural to some breeds

Gaited horse

Gaited horses are horse breeds that have natural gaited tendencies, that is, the ability to perform one of the smooth to ride, intermediate speed four-beat horse gaits, collectively referred to as ambling gaits....

B

Balk, balking (US, UK) or baulking (UK)

When a horse refuses to move. Multiple causes, including disobedience, fright, and pain or injury. See also napping and "jib"

Barefoot

Natural hoof care

Natural hoof care is the practice of keeping horses so that their hooves are worn down naturally and so do not suffer overgrowth, splitting and other disorders...

or unshod

When a horse does not wear horseshoe

Horseshoe

A horseshoe, is a fabricated product, normally made of metal, although sometimes made partially or wholly of modern synthetic materials, designed to protect a horse's hoof from wear and tear. Shoes are attached on the palmar surface of the hooves, usually nailed through the insensitive hoof wall...

Bearing rein

A bearing rein, known today as an overcheck or a checkrein, is a piece of horse tack that runs from a point on the horse's back, over the head, to a bit. A bearing rein is used to prevent the horse from lowering its head beyond a fixed point...

, overcheck or checkrein

1. A strap running from a horse's back, over the head, to a bit, to prevent the horse from lowering its head beyond a fixed point. Used with harnessed horses.

2. A riding aid

Riding aids

Riding aids are the cues a rider gives to a horse to communicate what they want the animal to do. Riding aids are broken into the natural aids and the artificial aids.-Natural aids:...

where the rein is applied to the horse's neck on the side towards the turn. Opposite of a neck rein.

Bell boot

A type of protective boot worn by a horse.

Billet (US), "girth strap", "girth point" (UK)

A leather strap with punched holes, permanently attached in sets of two or three on each side of the tree of a saddle, used to hold and adjust the girth

Girth (tack)

A girth, sometimes called a cinch , is a piece of equipment used to keep the saddle in place on a horse or other animal. It passes under the barrel of the equine, usually attached to the saddle on both sides by two or three leather straps called billets...

that holds on most types of saddle. See also latigo.

Bit

Bit (horse)

An object, usually a metal bar, placed into the mouth of a horse, held on by a bridle and used with reins to direct and guide the animal. Occasionally made of other materials, including rubber. May be solid or jointed and may have rollers or other attachments added, usually in the center.

Black type

Bold-face type used in advertisements and sales catalogues to distinguish horses that have won or placed in an approved stake race. Winners receive upper case black type; second and third placed finishers have lower case black type.

Bloodhorse, Blood

A purebred Thoroughbred or Arabian.

Blowing, blow

A sound made by a horse by sharply exhaling through flared nostrils. The blowing sound is not as long or loud as a snort, and may be produced with the head lowered. Most of a sound energy is below 3 kHz and most are audible within 30 metres. Horses may blow when curious, meeting another horse, shying or working. The term is also used to describe when a working horse allowed to pause and catch its breath, or "let him (or her) blow."

Bolting

Bolting (horse)

Bolting when referring to equidae, generally refers to two different equine behaviors, both undesirable: the practice of running away without control, and the practice of eating food at a dangerously fast rate. However, there are other meanings as well...

1. When a horse suddenly runs away, with or without a rider.

2. When a horse eats its feed too rapidly.

Bone
A term used in describing equine conformation

Equine conformation

Equine conformation evaluates the degree of correctness of a horse's bone structure, musculature, and its body proportions in relation to each other. Undesirable conformation can limit the ability to perform a specific task. Although there are several universal "faults," a horse's conformation is...

to describe the quality of certain skeletal structures.

1. "Good" or "Poor" bone: Technical terminology

Technical terminology

referencing the size and density of bone of the lower leg, which helps determine the weight carrying ability of a horse.

2. Term describing the characteristics of the lower leg as a whole, including the cannon bone as well as associated tendons and ligaments. "Flat" bone describes a positive feature where the tendons of the leg stand well away from the cannon bone, "Tied-in" bone describes the negative characteristic of the tendon placed too close to the bone.

Botfly

A botfly is any fly in the family Oestridae, which includes all the members of the former families Cuterebridae, Gasterophilidae, and Hypodermatidae. It is the only family of flies whose larvae live as obligate parasites within the bodies of mammals, with the exception of a few screwworm flies in...

, bot

A parasitic fly that lays its eggs on the legs, muzzle, and jaw of horses. The eggs are licked off by the horse and once ingested, hatch into maggot

Maggot

In everyday speech the word maggot means the larva of a fly ; it is applied in particular to the larvae of Brachyceran flies, such as houseflies, cheese flies, and blowflies, rather than larvae of the Nematocera, such as mosquitoes and Crane flies...

s, called bots, which infest the animal by attaching to the stomach lining. The eggs may be scraped off with a bot knife or similar tool.

Bowed tendon

Tendinitis/tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon. Many times, the tendon tissue is torn. A bowed tendon is a horseman's term for a tendon after a horse has sustained an injury that caused the tendon fibers to be torn, and then healed with "bowed" appearance.-Description of a Tendinitis in...

An enlarged tendon along the cannon bones, often resulting from heavy work.

Box stall (US)

See loose box

Boxwalking (UK)

A stable vice exhibited in horses left in a stable, where they repetitively walk around the confines of the stable. See also Weaving

Branding

Livestock branding

Livestock branding is a technique for marking livestock so as to identify the owner. Originally, livestock branding only referred to a hot brand for large stock, though the term is now also used to refer to other alternative techniques such as freeze branding...

Marking a horse (or other animal) by burning the skin with a hot iron, or alternatively with a frozen implement (freeze branding). The hair often grows back a contrasting color.

Breeching

Breeching (tack)

Breeching is a strap around the haunches of a draft, pack or riding animal. Both under saddle and in harness, breeching engages when an animal slows down or travels downhill and is used to brake or stabilize a load.-Harness breeching:...

A wide strap around the rear of a horse, to hold a saddle in position or to allow a harnessed horse to pull back on the shafts or pole of a vehicle to slow it.

Breeder

The breeder of a foal is the owner of its dam at the time of foaling. The person designated as the breeder may not have had anything to do with planning the mating of the mare or be located where foaling occurs.

Breeding

1. The pedigree of an animal

2. Horse breeding

Horse breeding

Horse breeding is reproduction in horses, and particularly the human-directed process of selective breeding of animals, particularly purebred horses of a given breed. Planned matings can be used to produce specifically desired characteristics in domesticated horses...

, or the selective breeding

Selective breeding

Selective breeding is the process of breeding plants and animals for particular genetic traits. Typically, strains that are selectively bred are domesticated, and the breeding is sometimes done by a professional breeder. Bred animals are known as breeds, while bred plants are known as varieties,...

of animals.

3. A type of horse show competition where horses are led, not ridden. See "in-hand."

Breed registry

A breed registry, also known as a stud book or register, in animal husbandry and the hobby of animal fancy, is an official list of animals within a specific breed whose parents are known. Animals are usually registered by their breeders when they are still young...

See Stud book

Bridle

A bridle is a piece of equipment used to direct a horse. As defined in the Oxford English Dictionary, the "bridle" includes both the headstall that holds a bit that goes in the mouth of a horse, and the reins that are attached to the bit....

Headgear placed around the head of a horse that holds the bit in place in a horse's mouth, including reins, used to direct and guide the animal. Sometimes used to refer to the entire piece of equipment, including headstall, bit and reins. Headstalls that do not have a bit are called either a bitless bridle

Bitless bridle

A bitless bridle is a general term describing a wide range of headgear for a horses or other animals that controls the animal without placing a bit in the animal's mouth. Control is maintained by means of some sort of noseband or cavesson. The term hackamore is the most historically accurate word...

or a hackamore

Hackamore

A hackamore is a type of animal headgear which does not have a bit. Instead, it has a special type of noseband that works on pressure points on the face, nose, and chin...

Bronc or bronco

Originally an unbroken feral horse. Now also includes the any undisciplined horse, especially one that bucks. Used to describe the horse in the rodeo bronc riding events, where the horse tries to buck a rider off. See also outlaw.

Brothers-in-blood

Horses either by the same sire and out of full sisters, or out of the same dam and sired by full brothers.

Bucking

Bucking is a movement performed by a horse or bull in which the animal lowers his head and raises his hindquarters into the air, usually while kicking out with his hind legs. If powerful, it may unseat the rider enough so that he falls off....

A behavior where the horse lowers its head and rapidly kicks its hind feet into the air. At liberty, seen as an expression of excess energy or high spirit, under saddle is generally considered a disobedience, except in sports such as the rodeo

Rodeo

Rodeo is a competitive sport which arose out of the working practices of cattle herding in Spain, Mexico, and later the United States, Canada, South America and Australia. It was based on the skills required of the working vaqueros and later, cowboys, in what today is the western United States,...

sports of Saddle bronc and bareback riding

Saddle bronc and bareback riding

Bronc riding, either saddle bronc or bareback bronc competition, is a rodeo event that involves a rodeo participant riding on a horse , that attempts to throw or buck off the rider...

, where the horse is deliberately encouraged to attempt to dislodge its rider.

Bumper pull

A horse trailer

Horse trailer

A horse trailer or horse van is used to transport horses...

style that is pulled by a hitch attached to the frame of the towing vehicle near the bumper. Contrast with gooseneck below.

Bute

Common term for Phenylbutazone

Phenylbutazone

Phenylbutazone, often referred to as bute, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for the short-term treatment of pain and fever in animals. In the United States, it is no longer approved for human use.-In humans:...

, a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to control pain and swelling in horses. Some racing commissions and showing authorities restrict its use prior to competition in order to reduce the risk of injury to horses. It is banned in most endurance riding

Endurance riding

Endurance riding is an equestrian sport based on controlled long-distance races. It is one of the international competitions recognized by the FEI. There are endurance rides worldwide....

competition.

Describes the relationship of a horse to its sire, in the context of its pedigree

Pedigree chart

A pedigree chart is a diagram that shows the occurrence and appearance or phenotypes of a particular gene or organism and its ancestors from one generation to the next, most commonly humans, show dogs, and race horses....

. A foal is by its sire and out of its dam.

C

Cannon or cannon bone

The third metacarpal or metatarsal bone of the lower leg. Sometimes called the shin bone, but actually analogous to the bones in the human palm or foot. In equines, is a very large bone and provides the major support of the body weight of the horse. The term cannon may also encompass the soft tissues as well as the second and fourth metacarpal or metatarsal bones, called splint bones which may form ossified bridges of bone, called splints which often form after trauma to the area.

Canner (US)

D

Daisy cutter

A horse that moves with long but low movement. Considered highly desirable in hunter

Show hunter

The show hunter is a type of show horse that is judged on its movement, manners, and way of going, particularly while jumping fences. The horses are shown in hunt seat style tack, and are often of Warmblood or Thoroughbred type, though a hunter-style pony is also seen in youth classes...

-type horses.

Dam

The mother of a horse.

Damsire

The sire of the dam of a horse, analogous to the maternal grandfather in humans. Often known as the broodmare sire. or maternal grandsire.

Diagonal

1. At a trot, the set of legs that move forward at the same are the "diagonal" pair.

2. When a rider posts while riding at the trot, they can rise either matching when the left or the right foreleg and opposite hind leg hits the ground. If they sit when the left foreleg strikes, they are on the left diagonal, if they sit when the right foreleg strikes, it is the right diagonal. When riding clockwise, the rider is to post the left diagonal, when riding counter-clockwise the rider is to post the right diagonal. In other words, when riding a circle, the rider sits when the outside front and inside hind legs are on the ground.

3. In dressage

Dressage

Dressage is a competitive equestrian sport, defined by the International Equestrian Federation as "the highest expression of horse training." Competitions are held at all levels from amateur to the World Equestrian Games...

tests, a line crossing the center of the competition ring running from one end corner to the opposite end corner. The diagonal is also used in some driving

Driving (horse)

competition as the route for competitors to safely change direction in a ring or arena when there are a large number of entries.

Distaff

In racing, refers to female horses. Named for the distaff

Distaff

As a noun, a distaff is a tool used in spinning. It is designed to hold the unspun fibers, keeping them untangled and thus easing the spinning process. It is most commonly used to hold flax, and sometimes wool, but can be used for any type of fiber. Fiber is wrapped around the distaff, and tied in...

, a spindle used in weaving and traditionally associated with women. In pedigree chart

Pedigree chart

s, refers to the entire dam's side of the pedigree.

Dock

1. The muscular portion of a horse's tail

Tail

The tail is the section at the rear end of an animal's body; in general, the term refers to a distinct, flexible appendage to the torso. It is the part of the body that corresponds roughly to the sacrum and coccyx in mammals, reptiles, and birds...

, where the hair is rooted. Sometimes refers only to the upper portion of this area, where the tail attaches to the hindquarters.

2. Docking

Docking (animal)

Docking is a term for the intentional removal of part of an animal's tail or ears. The term cropping is also used, though more commonly in reference to the cropping of ears, while docking more commonly—but not exclusively—refers to the tail. The term tailing is also commonly used...

. To cut a horse's tail at the dock, seen most often on carriage horse

Driving (horse)

s to keep the tails from becoming caught in the harness. Traditionally referred to the practice of cutting the muscle and bone, though in modern use, sometimes refers only to the cutting of tail hair.

Dogger (Aus)

An animal to be used for pet meat, or a buyer of cattle or horses to be used for this purpose.

E

Easy keeper

An easy keeper, easy doer or good doer is a livestock animal that can live on relatively little food. The opposite of an easy keeper is a hard keeper , an animal that is prone to be too thin and has difficulty maintaining adequate weight.Easy keepers tend to be found most often in breeds...

(US) or good doer (UK)

A horse (or other animal) which needs relatively little food to maintain condition and may be prone to obesity.

English riding

(US), Riding (UK)

The style of riding ubiquitous in the British Isles and other parts of northern Europe, and widely practised in other parts of the world, especially for disciplines such as dressage

Dressage

, show-jumping, cross-country

Cross-country equestrianism

Cross country equestrian jumping is an endurance test, and is one of the three phases of the sport of eventing; it may also be a competition in its own right, known as hunter trials or simply "cross-country" - these tend to be lower level, local competitions.The object of the endurance test is to...

etc. Characterised by use of a relatively flat saddle; the bridle usually has a cavesson-style noseband

Noseband

A noseband is the part of a horse's bridle that encircles the nose and jaw of the horse. In English riding, where the noseband is separately attached to its own headstall or crownpiece, held independently of the bit, it is often called a cavesson or caveson noseband...

, with reins carried in both hands and generally used with steady contact with the horse's mouth.

Equestrian

1. An individual familiar with horses and horse handling. It can also refer to someone riding a horse. The feminine form is Equestrienne.

2. Adjective: referring to the management and use of horses.

3. The Equestrian order, an upper-class social rank of Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome was a thriving civilization that grew on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 8th century BC. Located along the Mediterranean Sea and centered on the city of Rome, it expanded to one of the largest empires in the ancient world....

, akin to the later Knight

Knight

A knight was a member of a class of lower nobility in the High Middle Ages.By the Late Middle Ages, the rank had become associated with the ideals of chivalry, a code of conduct for the perfect courtly Christian warrior....

Equestrianism

Equestrianism more often known as riding, horseback riding or horse riding refers to the skill of riding, driving, or vaulting with horses...

Also called horsemanship, the art of handling horses, particularly the art of riding, but also applicable to driving and other disciplines.

Equine

Equus (genus)

Equus is a genus of animals in the family Equidae that includes horses, donkeys, and zebras. Within Equidae, Equus is the only extant genus. Like Equidae more broadly, Equus has numerous extinct species known only from fossils. This article deals primarily with the extant species.The term equine...

Any member of the genus

Genus

In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...

Equus.

Equitation

Equitation is the art or practice of horse riding or horsemanship.More specifically, equitation may refer to a rider's position while mounted, and encompass a rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids. In horse show competition, the rider, rather than the horse is evaluated...

1. The skill of riding a horse.

2. A term for competitive horse show

Horse show

events judged on the rider's ability instead of that of the horse.

Equus

Equus (genus)

The genus including the horse, donkey, zebra and all other surviving members of the Equidae

Equidae

family.

Ergot

1. A small callosity

Callosity

A callosity is another name for callus, a piece of skin that has become thickened as a result of repeated contact and friction.- Monkeys :When occurring on an animal's buttocks, as with baboons, they are specifically called ischial callosities...

on the back of the fetlock

Fetlock

s of equines, often concealed by feathering (hair). Thought to be a vestigial remnant of the pad of the toe. See also chestnut (2).

2. A fungus of the genus Claviceps growing parasitically on the seed-heads of grasses, and so sometimes occurring in fodder

Fodder

Fodder or animal feed is any agricultural foodstuff used specifically to feed domesticated livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, horses, chickens and pigs. Most animal feed is from plants but some is of animal origin...

eaten by horses. Contains large amounts of alkaloid

Alkaloid

Alkaloids are a group of naturally occurring chemical compounds that contain mostly basic nitrogen atoms. This group also includes some related compounds with neutral and even weakly acidic properties. Also some synthetic compounds of similar structure are attributed to alkaloids...

s, including ergotamine. These can cause ergotism

Ergotism

Ergotism is the effect of long-term ergot poisoning, traditionally due to the ingestion of the alkaloids produced by the Claviceps purpurea fungus which infects rye and other cereals, and more recently by the action of a number of ergoline-based drugs. It is also known as ergotoxicosis, ergot...

, a serious condition affecting the nervous and circulatory systems, sometimes leading to permanent injury or death.

Eventing

Eventing is an equestrian event comprising dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. This event has its roots in a comprehensive cavalry test requiring mastery of several types of riding...

or Combined Training

A sport horse

Sport horse

Sport horse, or Sporthorse, is a term used to describe a type of horse, rather than any particular breed. The term generally refers to horses bred for the traditional Olympic equestrian sporting events of dressage, eventing, show jumping, and combined driving. The precise definition varies...

discipline with competition that goes as high as Olympic

Equestrian at the Summer Olympics

level. Includes three types of riding; dressage

Dressage

, cross-country

Cross-country equestrianism

and stadium jumping

Show jumping

Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping," "open jumping," or "jumpers," is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, hunters, and equitation. Jumping classes commonly are seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics...

F

False martingale

A strap in horse harness passing from the collar, through the horse's legs to the belly band, to hold the collar in position. Unlike a true martingale does not attach to the reins or head. See also martingale.

Family

The direct line of female descent, also known as the distaff line or tail female. Thoroughbred families are numbered according to their taproot mares.

Farrier

A farrier is a specialist in equine hoof care, including the trimming and balancing of horses' hooves and the placing of shoes on their hooves...

1. A professional hoof care specialist who does hoof

Horse hoof

A horse hoof is a structure surrounding the distal phalanx of the 3rd digit of each of the four limbs of Equus species, which is covered by complex soft tissue and keratinised structures...

trimming and who also uses blacksmith

Blacksmith

A blacksmith is a person who creates objects from wrought iron or steel by forging the metal; that is, by using tools to hammer, bend, and cut...

ing skills to do horse shoeing

Horseshoe

2. (Archaic) Someone who treats all aspects of horse health.

Feathering

Feathering (horse)

Feathering, or feather, is a term used to describe the long hair on the lower legs and fetlocks of some breeds of horse and pony. On some horses, especially draft breeds, the hair can almost cover the hooves...

or feather

Long hair on the fetlocks of horses. Most horses have some feather, at least in their winter coats, but in some types (especially certain heavy draft breeds) it may cover the feet and even extend up the rear of the legs. The feather is centered on the ergot (qv) on the rear of the fetlock.

Fédération Équestre Internationale, International Federation for Equestrian Sports

International Federation for Equestrian Sports

The Fédération Équestre Internationale or in English, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, is the international governing body of equestrian sports. It recognizes ten international disciplines...

, or FEI

The governing body for most international-level equestrian competitions, including the FEI World Equestrian Games and the Olympics

Equestrian at the Summer Olympics

. It recognizes and governs ten disciplines: dressage

Dressage

, combined driving

Combined driving

, endurance riding

Endurance riding

Endurance riding is an equestrian sport based on controlled long-distance races. It is one of the international competitions recognized by the FEI. There are endurance rides worldwide....

, eventing

Eventing

Eventing is an equestrian event comprising dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. This event has its roots in a comprehensive cavalry test requiring mastery of several types of riding...

, horseball

Horseball

Horseball is a game played on horseback where a ball is handled and points are scored by shooting it through a high net . The sport is like a combination of polo, rugby, and basketball. It is one of the ten disciplines officially recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian...

, para-equestrianism

Paralympic Games

The Paralympic Games are a major international multi-sport event where athletes with a physical disability compete; this includes athletes with mobility disabilities, amputations, blindness, and Cerebral Palsy. There are Winter and Summer Paralympic Games, which are held immediately following their...

, reining

Reining

Reining is a western riding competition for horses where the riders guide the horses through a precise pattern of circles, spins, and stops. All work is done at the lope and gallop; the fastest of the horse gaits...

, show jumping

Show jumping

, tent pegging

Tent pegging

Tent pegging is a cavalry sport of ancient origin, and is one of only ten equestrian disciplines officially recognised by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports. Used narrowly, the term refers to a specific mounted game with ground targets...

, and equestrian vaulting

Equestrian vaulting

Equestrian vaulting, or simply Vaulting , is most often described as gymnastics and dance on horseback and, like these disciplines, it can be practised as a non-competitive art/performance or as a competitive sport. Vaulting has been an equestrian act at the circus from its early days. It is open...

. The FEI does not govern horse racing

Horse racing

or polo

Polo

Polo is a team sport played on horseback in which the objective is to score goals against an opposing team. Sometimes called, "The Sport of Kings", it was highly popularized by the British. Players score by driving a small white plastic or wooden ball into the opposing team's goal using a...

Feral horse

A feral horse is a free-roaming horse of domesticated ancestry. As such, a feral horse is not a wild animal in the sense of an animal without domesticated ancestors. However, some populations of feral horses are managed as wildlife, and these horses often are popularly called "wild" horses...

Free-roaming horses that live in wild conditions, but are descended from domesticated ancestors – often erroneously called "wild" horses. The best-known examples are the American Mustang

Mustang (horse)

A Mustang is a free-roaming horse of the North American west that first descended from horses brought to the Americas by the Spanish. Mustangs are often referred to as wild horses, but there is intense debate over terminology...

and the Australian Brumby

Brumby

A Brumby is a free-roaming feral horse in Australia. Although found in many areas around the country, the best-known brumbies are found in the Australian Alps region in south-eastern Australia. Today, most of them are found in the Northern Territory, with the second largest population in Queensland...

, but there are many other populations worldwide. See also semi-feral horse (to which the term "feral" is often misapplied).

Fetlock

The joint above the pastern. Anatomically, the metacarpophalangeal (front) and metatarsophalangeal (rear) joints of the horse, formed by the junction of the third metacarpal (forelimb) or metatarsal (hindlimb) bones (also known as the cannon bones) and the proximal phalanx distad (the pastern bone). Anatomically equivalent to the basal joint of a human finger or toe.

Filly

A filly is a young female horse too young to be called a mare. There are several specific definitions in use.*In most cases filly is a female horse under the age of four years old....

A young female horse. Normally a horse under four years of age, but can also be used of a horse under three years of age. Any female horse that has had a foal is referred to as a mare, regardless of her age.

Float

1. To rasp down sharp points that may form on horse teeth

Horse teeth

. Usually performed by a veterinarian or Equine dentistry specialist.

2. (Australasia) A horse trailer

Horse trailer

A horse trailer or horse van is used to transport horses...

Flying change

See "lead change."

Foal

A foal is an equine, particularly a horse, that is one year old or younger. More specific terms are colt for a male foal and filly for a female foal, but these terms are used until the horse is age three or four. When the foal is nursing from its dam , it may also be called a suckling...

1. A young horse of either sex under the age of one year. Derives from the Anglo-Saxon word fola. May be qualified by sex: colt foal, filly foal.

2. Foaling or to foal (verb): the act of a mare

Mare

Female horses are called mares.Mare is the Latin word for "sea".The word may also refer to:-People:* Ahmed Marzooq, also known as Mare, a footballer and Secretary General of Maldives Olympic Committee* Mare Winningham, American actress and singer...

giving birth.

Foaling box (UK) or foaling stall (US)

A large loose box (qv) providing space and privacy for a mare about to foal. Minimum size is usually 14 feet (4.3 m) square, may be larger. Often provided with a small window or peep-hole (or in modern times a closed-circuit camera

Closed-circuit television

Closed-circuit television is the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors....

or webcam

Webcam

A webcam is a video camera that feeds its images in real time to a computer or computer network, often via USB, ethernet, or Wi-Fi.Their most popular use is the establishment of video links, permitting computers to act as videophones or videoconference stations. This common use as a video camera...

) for the owner or groom to watch the progress of the foaling.

Foal at foot (UK) or foal at side (US)

A suckling foal running with its dam.

Form

1. In racing, the overall fitness of a horse to race. It includes factors such as how well it is currently working, what its breeding is, and how it has performed in the past.

2. In jumping, the style that a horse uses going over fences.

3. In equine conformation

Equine conformation

, the overall phenotype

Phenotype

A phenotype is an organism's observable characteristics or traits: such as its morphology, development, biochemical or physiological properties, behavior, and products of behavior...

of the animal and its suitability for a given function.

Founder

The most severe form of laminitis

Laminitis

Laminitis is a disease that affects the feet of ungulates. It is best known in horses and cattle. Symptoms include lameness, and increased temperature in the hooves...

, an inflammatory condition affecting the laminae of the hoof

Horse hoof

A horse hoof is a structure surrounding the distal phalanx of the 3rd digit of each of the four limbs of Equus species, which is covered by complex soft tissue and keratinised structures...

. The third phalanx, or coffin bone rotates, often becoming deformed, and in severe cases, may puncture the bottom surface of the hoof. Severe cases may require euthanasia

Animal euthanasia

Animal euthanasia is the act of putting to death painlessly or allowing to die, as by withholding extreme medical measures, an animal suffering from an incurable, especially a painful, disease or condition. Euthanasia methods are designed to cause minimal pain and distress...

of the affected animal. A leading cause of death among domesticated horses, especially in breeds which are easy keeper

Easy keeper

s (good doers).

Foundation sire

Foundation bloodstock

Foundation bloodstock or foundation stock are horses that are the progenitor, or foundation, of a new horse breed or a given bloodline within a breed. The term is also used in a similar manner when discussing purebred dogs...

A sire, or stallion, to which all members of a breed trace. Examples include the Byerly Turk

Byerly Turk

The Byerley Turk or Byerly Turk, was the earliest of three stallions that were the founders of the modern Thoroughbred horse racing bloodstock...

, Godolphin Arabian

Godolphin Arabian

The Godolphin Arabian , also known as the Godolphin Barb, was an Arabian horse who was one of three stallions that were the founders of the modern Thoroughbred horse racing bloodstock...

, and Darley Arabian

Darley Arabian

The Darley Arabian was one of three dominant foundation sires of modern Thoroughbred horse racing bloodstock, the other two being the Godolphin Arabian and the Byerley Turk. This bay Arabian horse was bought in Aleppo, Syria by Thomas Darley in 1704 and shipped back to Aldby Park in England, where...

for the Thoroughbred

Thoroughbred

breed; and Justin Morgan, aka Figure

Figure (horse)

Figure was a small bay stallion owned by Justin Morgan; he became the foundation sire of the Morgan horse breed.-Early years:The stallion was born in West Springfield, Massachusetts in 1789. The small, dark colt is believed to have been sired by an English Thoroughbred stallion named "True...

for the Morgan

Morgan horse

breed.

Four-in-hand

Four-in-hand (carriage)

A four-in-hand is a carriage drawn by a team of four horses having the reins rigged in such a way that it can be driven by a single driver. The stagecoach and the tally-ho are usually four-in-hand coaches....

A team of four horses with all their reins joined into one pair of reins, allowing one driver to control all of them. Also six-in-hand etc.

Frog

A tough, rubbery, triangular part of the underside of a horse hoof

Horse hoof

A horse hoof is a structure surrounding the distal phalanx of the 3rd digit of each of the four limbs of Equus species, which is covered by complex soft tissue and keratinised structures...

that acts as a shock absorber for the horse's foot and also assists in blood circulation of the lower leg.

From

See out of.

Full board (US), full livery (UK)

When a horse is kept at a stable other than that owned by the horse's owner, when the owner pays for complete care of the horse. Usually includes all feed, the rent of the stall and pasture, and cleaning of the stall. Often includes access to a riding arena and in some places may even include daily turnout or exercise. Contrast with part-board, below.

Full-brother or full-sister

Animals with the same sire and the same dam.

Furlong

A furlong is a measure of distance in imperial units and U.S. customary units equal to one-eighth of a mile, equivalent to 220 yards, 660 feet, 40 rods, or 10 chains. The exact value of the furlong varies slightly among English-speaking countries....

A unit of measurement in flat horse racing. Equals one-eighth of a mile or 220 yards (201.2 m).

Futurity

1. A stakes race for two-year-olds where the owners nominate the horse before birth and then pay additional fees as the horse grows up to continue the ability to enter the horse in the race.

2. A horse show

Horse show

competition for horses of a specified age, where the owners nominate the horse either before birth or as a young foal and then pay additional fees as the horse grows up to continue the eligibility to enter the horse in the class at the proper time. Futurities exist for many different horse breeds and equestrian disciplines.

G

Gallop

The fastest natural horse gait

Horse gait

Horse gaits are the various ways in which a horse can move, either naturally or as a result of specialized training by humans.-Classification:...

. Like the canter

Canter

, there is a moment during a gallop when all four hooves of the horse are off the ground, known as the moment of suspension. At racing speeds, the gallop differs from the canter in that it becomes an irregular four beat gait, rather than a three-beat gait: the second beat of the canter, where diagonal front and hind legs strike the ground simultaneously, is broken into two beats in very quick succession in the gallop. Used in the wild to escape predators, the gallop is the gait of the classic race horse.

Galloway

1. Horse type: Term used to describe Australian show horses standing over 14 hands and not exceeding 15 hands.

2. The Galloway pony

Galloway pony

The Galloway pony is an extinct horse breed, once native to Scotland and northern England. It was said to have "good looks, a wide, deep chest and a tendency to pace rather than trot."...

, a now-extinct horse breed

Horse breed

Horse breed is a broad term with no clear consensus as to definition, but most commonly refers to selectively bred populations of domesticated horses, often with pedigrees recorded in a breed registry. However, the term is sometimes used in a very broad sense to define landrace animals, or...

Gait

Gait is the pattern of movement of the limbs of animals, including humans, during locomotion over a solid substrate. Most animals use a variety of gaits, selecting gait based on speed, terrain, the need to maneuver, and energetic efficiency...

The way a horse moves its legs is a gait. They are divided into natural gaits, which are those performed by most horses, and those that are either trained by humans or that are specific to a few breeds. The natural gaits are walk, trot

Trot (horse gait)

The trot is a two-beat diagonal gait of the horse, where the diagonal pairs of legs move forward at the same time. There is a moment of suspension between each beat....

, canter

Canter

/lope, and gallop. Other gaits include the pace and ambling

Ambling

The term amble or ambling is used to describe a number of four-beat intermediate gaits of horses. All are faster than a walk but usually slower than a canter or gallop...

gaits such as the rack and single-foot.

Gaited horse

A horse that performs intermediate-speed ambling gaits other than the trot, or in addition to the trot. Several horse breeds are considered gaited, including the Peruvian Paso

Peruvian Paso

The Peruvian Paso or Peruvian Horse is a breed of light pleasure saddle horse known for its smooth ride. It is distinguished by a natural, four-beat, lateral gait called the paso llano.-History:...

, Paso Fino

Paso Fino

The Paso Fino is a naturally gaited light horse breed dating back to horses imported to the Caribbean from Spain. Pasos are prized for their smooth, natural, four beat, lateral ambling gait and are used in many disciplines, but are especially popular for trail riding...

, Saddlebred, Missouri Fox Trotter

Missouri Fox Trotter

The Missouri Fox Trotter is an American breed of horse with a unique four beat gait. It was bred in the Ozark Mountain foothills, and used by settlers who valued its smoothness.-Breed characteristics:...

, and Tennessee Walking Horse.

Gelding

A castrated male horse of any age.

Get

The offspring of a stallion

Stallion

A Stallion is a male horse.Stallion may also refer to:* Stallion , an American pop rock group* Stallion , a figure in the Gobot toyline* Stallion , a character in the console role-playing game series...

. See also produce.

Girth

Girth (tack)

Wide, flat strap made of leather, canvas, cord, or similar synthetic materials, used in conjunction with billets at each end to secure most types of English

English saddle

English saddles are used to ride horses in English riding disciplines throughout the world. The discipline is not limited to England or English-speaking countries. This style of saddle is used in all of the Olympic and FEI equestrian disciplines, except for the newly-approved FEI events of...

and Australian

Australian Stock Saddle

The Australian Stock Saddle is a saddle in popular use all over the world for activities that require long hours in the saddle and a secure seat...

saddles to a horse's back. See also cinch.

Glass eye, wall eye

A blue eye

Equine vision

The equine eye is the largest of any land mammal. Its visual abilities are directly related to the animal's behavior and the fact that the horse is a flight animal...

on a horse. There is no difference in vision between a blue-eyed horse and a horse with the more common brown eye.

Good doer

See easy keeper.

Gooseneck

A type of horse trailer

Horse trailer

A horse trailer or horse van is used to transport horses...

that attaches to a hitch placed in the middle of the bed of a pickup truck

Pickup truck

A pickup truck is a light motor vehicle with an open-top rear cargo area .-Definition:...

, rather than to the rear of the vehicle. The hitch connects to the underside of a long extension, or "gooseneck," that extends from the front of the trailer. Compare to "bumper pull," above.

Grade

A horse that has only a small amount of recognizable breeding, or none at all. Generally an unregistered and unregisterable animal. Not to be confused with crossbred, above.

Grand Prix

In equestrianism

Equestrianism

Equestrianism more often known as riding, horseback riding or horse riding refers to the skill of riding, driving, or vaulting with horses...

, the highest levels of either show jumping

Show jumping

or dressage

Dressage

, generally governed by the rules of the FEI. The title is also given to some horse races.

Green

A term describing a horse or rider that is either untrained or has just started training.

Green-broke

A horse that has just begun its training and is inexperienced with riders. Usually references horses that have been ridden under saddle a few times, less often applied to harness horses.

Groom

Groom (horses)

A groom is a person who is responsible for some or all aspects of the management of horses and/or the care of the stables themselves. The term most often refers to a person who is the employee of a stable owner, but even an owner of a horse may perform the duties of a groom, particularly if the...

An employee who looks after horses. Also ostler or hostler (archaic).

Grooming

Horse grooming

Horse grooming is hygienic care given to a horse, or a process by which the horse's physical appearance is enhanced for horse shows or other types of competition.-Reasons for grooming:...

Cleaning horses for hygienic, practical or esthetic reasons.

Groundwork

1. To exercise or work a horse without a rider, controlling it from the ground.

2. In jumping, training a horse without jumping over fences.

H

Hack

1. A mediocre but useful horse.

2. An informal ride, usually for leisure or exercise (also a verb: hacking or hacking out).

3. Show hack

Show hack

The show hack is a type of ridden show horse, exhibited to a standard first established in England.Affiliated showing and breeding of the show hacks in the United Kingdom is overseen by the British Show Horse Association....

, describing a type of horse show

Horse show

competition, usually emphasizing obedience and excellent movement.

Hackamore

A hackamore is a type of animal headgear which does not have a bit. Instead, it has a special type of noseband that works on pressure points on the face, nose, and chin...

A type of headgear that utilizes a noseband

Noseband

or a bosal

Bosal

A bosal is a type of noseband used on the classic hackamore of the vaquero tradition. It is usually made of braided rawhide and is fitted to the horse in a manner that allows it to rest quietly until the rider uses the reins to give a signal. It acts upon the horse's nose and jaw...

for control instead of a bit

Bit (horse)

Half-breed

1. A type of crossbred horse whose sire and dam are from different breeds.

2. (UK) A horse whose sire or dam is Thoroughbred

Thoroughbred

, but the other parent is not. Such a horse is not eligible for registration in the General Stud Book

General Stud Book

The General Stud Book was the original breed registry of the United Kingdom for horses. It specifically was used to document the breeding of Thoroughbreds and related foundation bloodstock such as the Arabian horse....

, but can be registered in the Half-Bred stud book.

Half-brother or half-sister

Two horses with the same dam. Two horses with the same sire are simply said to be by the same sire.

Halter

A halter, headcollar, or, less often, headstall, is headgear that is used to lead or tie up livestock and, occasionally, other animals; it fits behind the ears , and around the muzzle. To handle the animal, usually a lead rope or lead shank is attached...

1a.(US) A device placed on the head of an equine for the primary purpose of leading or tying the animal; See also head collar.

1b.(Australasia and UK) A rope headpiece with the lead rope attached; or a rolled leather headpiece of the same pattern used for leading and showing horses with refined heads.

2. A halter

Halter (horse show)

"Halter" is a term used to describe a type of horse show class where horses are shown "in hand," meaning that they are led, not ridden, and are judged on their conformation and suitability as breeding stock...

class in a horse show is a competition where the horses are led, not ridden, and judged on their conformation

Equine conformation

. Also called in-hand or breeding classes.

Hand

A measurement of the height of a horse. Originally taken from the size of a grown man's hand but now standardized to 4 inches. The measurement is usually taken from the ground to the withers

Withers

The withers is the ridge between the shoulder blades of a four-legged animal. In many species it is the tallest point of the body, and in horses and dogs it is the standard place to measure the animal's height .-Horses:The withers in horses are formed by the dorsal spinal processes of roughly the...

. If expressed with a period and number after it, the number represents additional inches, so 15.3 hands ("fifteen-three") would be 15 times four inches, plus three inches – that is, 63 inches (160 cm). Abbreviated "hh" for "hands high" or simply "h".

Hand gallop

A controlled gallop, with a speed between that of a canter and a full gallop. Derives from the fact that the gallop is under control of the rider's hand. Often used to show a horse's ground-covering stride in horse show competition.

Hard keeper

A hard keeper or poor doer is a horse or other livestock animal that is naturally prone to be thin, will lose weight quickly, and has difficulty gaining weight....

(US) or poor doer (UK)

A horse (or other animal) which needs a relatively large amount of food to maintain condition.

Haute ecolé, "High School"

The most advanced form of dressage

Dressage

, wherein the horse performs the most difficult movements such as pirouette

Pirouette (dressage)

A Pirouette is a French word for the Ballet reference, "to whirl about."A pirouette is a two-track lateral movement asked of a horse in dressage, in which the animal makes a circle with its front end around a smaller circle made by the hind end...

, passage

Passage (dressage)

The passage is a movement seen in upper-level dressage, in which the horse performs a highly elevated and extremely powerful trot. The horse is very collected and moves with great impulsion....

, piaffe

Piaffe

The piaffe[p] is a dressage movement where the horse is in a highly collected and cadenced trot, in place or nearly in place. The center of gravity of the horse should be more towards the hind end, with the hindquarters slightly lowered and great bending of the joints in the hind legs...

and one-tempi lead changes. In classical dressage

Classical dressage

Classical dressage evolved from cavalry movements and training for the battlefield, and has since developed into the competitive dressage seen today...

, includes the airs above the ground as the final step in training.

Harness

Horse harness

A horse harness is a type of horse tack that allows a horse or other equine to pull various horse-drawn vehicles such as a carriage, wagon or sleigh. Harnesses may also be used to hitch animals to other loads such as a plow or canal boat....

A type of horse tack

Horse tack

Tack is a term used to describe any of the various equipment and accessories worn by horses in the course of their use as domesticated animals. Saddles, stirrups, bridles, halters, reins, bits, harnesses, martingales, and breastplates are all forms of horse tack...

placed upon a horse or other animal in order to hitch it to a cart, plow (UK: plough), wagon or other horse-drawn vehicle

Horse-drawn vehicle

A horse-drawn vehicle is a mechanized piece of equipment pulled by one horse or by a team of horses. These vehicles typically had two or four wheels and were used to carry passengers and/or a load...

Harness racing

Harness racing is a form of horse racing in which the horses race at a specific gait . They usually pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky, although racing under saddle is also conducted in Europe.-Breeds:...

or trotting races

The sport of racing horses in harness

Horse harness

, pulling a very light single-person cart called a sulky

Sulky

A sulky is a lightweight cart having two wheels and a seat for the driver only but usually without a body, generally pulled by horses or dogs, and is used for harness races...

. The horses usually trot or pace.

Hayloft

A hayloft is a space above a barn, stable or cow-shed, traditionally used for storage of hay or other fodder for the animals below. Haylofts were used mainly before the widespread use of hay bales, which allow simpler handling of bulk hay...

or hay loft

A floored space above a barn or stable where hay is stored, often being fed through hatches in the floor directly into hay-racks in the animal enclosures below. The hayloft door is a high-level hatch (usually in a gable

Gable

A gable is the generally triangular portion of a wall between the edges of a sloping roof. The shape of the gable and how it is detailed depends on the structural system being used and aesthetic concerns. Thus the type of roof enclosing the volume dictates the shape of the gable...

wall), through which hay could be loaded directly from a wagon.

Head-collar (Australasia and UK)

A device placed on the head of an equine for the primary purpose of leading or tying the animal; See also halter and headstall.

Head-shy or headshy

Describes a horse which is reluctant to have its head touched or handled, making it difficult to groom and tack up.

Headstall, head stall

1. The portion of a bridle

Bridle

that consists of the straps that go over the horse's head and under the throat, excluding the noseband

Noseband

, used to hold the bit in place.

2. An alternate name for a head collar (UK).

Heavy

1. A rider who uses too much rein pressure is said to have "heavy" hands.

2. In racing, a track that is between muddy and good, in other words one that is drying out.

3. A draft horse

Draft horse

A draft horse , draught horse or dray horse , less often called a work horse or heavy horse, is a large horse bred for hard, heavy tasks such as ploughing and farm labour...

is sometimes called a "heavy" horse.

Heavy hunter

A heavily built hunter

Field hunter

A field hunter, or a fox hunter, is a type of horse used in the hunt field for fox hunting. It may be of any breed, but should possess stamina, a level head, and bravery. The horse should have a safe jump, so as not to get caught on any of the solid obstacles found in the hunt field...

, typically bred by crossing a Thoroughbred

Thoroughbred

with an Irish Draught

Irish Draught

The Irish Draught horse is the national horse breed of Ireland which developed primarily for farm use. Today, they are especially popular for crossing with Thoroughbreds and warmbloods, producing the popular Irish Sport Horses which excel at the highest levels of eventing and show jumping.-...

(in UK) or any other suitable draft horse

Draft horse

A draft horse , draught horse or dray horse , less often called a work horse or heavy horse, is a large horse bred for hard, heavy tasks such as ploughing and farm labour...

breed (in US). Also see clumper.

Hendra virus or Henipavirus

Henipavirus

Henipavirus is a genus of the family Paramyxoviridae, order Mononegavirales containing two established species, Hendra virus and Nipah virus. The henipaviruses are naturally harboured by Pteropid fruit bats , and some microbat species...

A deadly disease to which both humans and horses are susceptible.

Hinny

A hinny is a domestic equine hybrid that is the offspring of a male horse and a female donkey . It is similar to the more common mule, which is the product of a female horse and a male donkey....

(or Hinney)

A sterile hybrid that is the offspring of a male horse and a female donkey. Generally considered less desirable than a mule, though has a similar appearance and characteristics. Bred less often than mules because the offspring are smaller than mules and female donkeys are less fertile with stallions than mares are with male donkeys. Also occasionally known as bardot or jennet.

Hitch

1. The object attached to a vehicle to allow a trailer to be attached and pulled.

2. (NA) To fasten a harnessed horse to a carriage or other horse-drawn vehicle. (BI: Put to).

3. To tie or tether a horse to a stationary object such as a post to keep it from wandering.

Hobble

A strap or other device placed around the pastern of the leg to prevent a horse (or other livestock animal) from wandering far, usually by linking two or more legs together. A "half-hobble" attaches to only one foot, with the other end usually attached to a rope called a picket line

Picket line

A picket line is a horizontal rope, along which horses are tied at intervals. The rope can be on the ground, at chest height , or overhead. The overhead form usually is called a high line....

Hock

Hock (zoology)

The hock, or gambrel, is the joint between the tarsal bones and tibia of a digitigrade or unguligrade quadrupedal mammal, such as a horse, cat, or dog...

The tarsal joint of the equine hind leg, located midway between the horse's body and the ground. Anatomically corresponds to the ankle and heel of the human, but in horses is located much farther from the ground.

Horse

1. Wild Horse: Equus ferus.

a. Tarpan or Eurasian Wild Horse: Equus ferus ferus.

b. Domestic Horse: Equus ferus caballus.

c. Przewalski's Horse: Equus ferus przewalskii.

2. In some circumstances, may refer to members of that species that are taller than 14.2 hands high.

3. A male horse, particularly an uncastrated male horse.

Horse blanket

A horse blanket or rug is a blanket or animal coat intended for keeping a horse or other equine warm or otherwise protected from wind or other elements. They are tailored to fit around a horse's body from chest to rump, with straps crossing underneath the belly to secure the blanket yet allowing...

, blanket (US), Rug (UK), Sheet

A body covering made for horses that covers the animal's body from chest to rump, usually kept on the horse by buckles at the chest by buckles and by adjustable straps passing under the belly and sometimes around the hind legs. Heavier weight blankets assist in keeping the animal warm in cold weather, lighter weight designs are used in warm weather to deter insects and to keep the sun from bleaching out the horse's coat. Blankets may also have hoods or neck coverings added for additional protection of the animal.Compare to Saddle blanket, Numnah.

Horse meat

Horse meat is the culinary name for meat cut from a horse. It is a major meat in only a few countries, notably in Central Asia, but it forms a significant part of the culinary traditions of many others, from Europe to South America to Asia. The top eight countries consume about 4.7 million horses...

The meat of equines, eaten in many cultures, but taboo in others.

Horse passport

A document required in European Union

European Union

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...

countries for every equine animal, including a detailed description of the animal and a record of whether it is intended for human consumption. May be linked to a microchip implant

Microchip implant (animal)

A microchip implant is an identifying integrated circuit placed under the skin of a dog, cat, horse, parrot or other animal. The chips are about the size of a large grain of rice and are based on a passive RFID technology....

Horse power (hp)

A unit of power

Power (physics)

In physics, power is the rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed. For example, the rate at which a light bulb transforms electrical energy into heat and light is measured in watts—the more wattage, the more power, or equivalently the more electrical energy is used per unit...

, originally used to compare the power of mechanical devices to that of a draft horse. Roughly equivalent to the normal sustained power output of one horse – however the maximum power of a horse is much more than one horsepower. Many definitions for different purposes, but most are about 735 to 746 watts.

Horse racing

The sport of racing horses, a major industry in many parts of the world. Racehorses are usually Thoroughbreds (or Arabs) ridden at the gallop, but other breeds are also raced, and horses or ponies may also be raced at the trot or pace, when they are usually in harness (see harness racing).

Horseshoe

A curved bar attached to the underside of the wall of the hoof, to prevent wear and provide grip. Usually made of steel

Steel

Steel is an alloy that consists mostly of iron and has a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade. Carbon is the most common alloying material for iron, but various other alloying elements are used, such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten...

and nailed to the hoof, but may be of aluminum or other materials, and may be glue

Glue

This is a list of various types of glue. Historically, the term "glue" only referred to protein colloids prepared from animal flesh. The meaning has been extended to refer to any fluid adhesive....

d on. Usually used on all four hooves, but sometimes only on the front, or not used at all (see barefoot).

Horsiculture (UK)

An informal term in UK land use planning

Town and country planning in the United Kingdom

Town and Country Planning is the land use planning system governments use to balance economic development and environmental quality. Each country of the United Kingdom has its own planning system that is responsible for town and country planning devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly, the...

, referring to land used intensively for keeping recreational horses, often with many small paddocks and numerous field shelters.

Horse trailer

A horse trailer or horse van is used to transport horses...

(US), horse van, horse box (UK) or horse float (Australasia)

A trailer or van designed to carry horses.

Hostler (NAm), ostler (UK/Ir)

Archaic term for a horse groom. (See groom, above)

Hot-blood, hot-blooded

Horses descended from oriental horse

Oriental horse

The term oriental horse refers to the ancient breeds of horses developed in the Middle East, such as the Arabian, Akhal-Teke, Barb, and the now-extinct Turkoman horse. They tend to be thin-skinned, long-legged, slim in build and more physically refined than other types, but with great endurance...

or "eastern" blood, such as the Arabian horse

Arabian horse

, Barb

Barb (horse)

Developed on the Barbary Coast of North Africa, the Barb horse is a desert breed with great hardiness and stamina. The Barb generally possesses a fiery temperament and an atypical sport-horse conformation, but nevertheless has influenced modern breeds....

, Turkoman horse

Turkoman Horse

The Turkoman horse, or Turkmene, was an Oriental horse breed from the steppes of Central Asia, now extinct. Modern descendants include the Akhal-Teke and the Yamud horse breeds. Horses bred in Turkmenistan are still referred to as Turkoman, and have similar characteristics...

, and related breeds. Usually includes the Thoroughbred

Thoroughbred

Hunt seat

Hunt seat is terminology used in the United States and Canada to refer to a style of forward seat riding commonly found at American horse shows. Along with Dressage, it is one of the two classic forms of English riding. The Hunt seat is based on the tradition of fox hunting...

(US)

Classic form of English riding

English riding

, particularly seen in hacking, trail riding

Trail riding

Trail riding sometimes called horse or pony trekking is riding outdoors on natural trails and roads as opposed to riding in an enclosed area such as a riding arena. The term may encompass those who travel on horses, on mountain bikes, or on motorcycles and other motorized all-terrain vehicles...

, jumping.

Hunter

Show hunter

(US), Hunter (US) or Working Hunter (US and UK): A type of horse and horse show

Horse show

competition judged on its movement, manners, and way of going, particularly over fences. A hunter should be graceful and keep a long frame on the flat and while jumping fences.

Field hunter

(US), Hunter (US, UKI): A horse used for Fox hunting

Fox hunting

Fox hunting is an activity involving the tracking, chase, and sometimes killing of a fox, traditionally a red fox, by trained foxhounds or other scent hounds, and a group of followers led by a master of foxhounds, who follow the hounds on foot or on horseback.Fox hunting originated in its current...

. Subdivided by weight: heavy hunter (qv), light hunter etc.

Show hunter (British)

The show hunter is a type of show horse commonly seen at equestrian events across Britain. The British "show hunter" is shown primarily on the flat, while the "working hunter" must also jump a series of rustic fences .The governing body that oversees show hunter horses is Sport Horse Breeding ,...

: A competition for horses that are shown on the flat, not to jump.

I

In-hand

1. An in-hand

Halter (horse show)

class is a type of horse show

Horse show

competition, where the horse is led, rather than ridden, and judged on its conformation

Equine conformation

and movement. See also halter, breeding.

2. General term for leading, as opposed to riding a horse

3. In racing, a horse that is not running at top speed.

Intermediare I, II; Intermediate I, II

The second and third of the four levels of international dressage

Dressage

competition governed by the FEI, falling between Prix St. Georges and Grand Prix.

Irons or stirrup irons

A type of stirrup

Stirrup

A stirrup is a light frame or ring that holds the foot of a rider, attached to the saddle by a strap, often called a stirrup leather. Stirrups are usually paired and are used to aid in mounting and as a support while using a riding animal...

made entirely of metal, seen on Australian stock saddle

Australian Stock Saddle

The Australian Stock Saddle is a saddle in popular use all over the world for activities that require long hours in the saddle and a secure seat...

s, English or racing saddles

English saddle

J

Jack

Donkey

The donkey or ass, Equus africanus asinus, is a domesticated member of the Equidae or horse family. The wild ancestor of the donkey is the African Wild Ass, E...

An uncastrated male donkey or ass.

Jading (UK)

Deliberately causing a horse to balk (stop) by means of an unpleasant-smelling substance.

Jennet

A Jennet or Spanish Jennet was a small Spanish horse. It was noted for a smooth naturally ambling gait, compact and well-muscled build, and a good disposition...

1. A small, gaited horse of the middle ages, developed originally in Spain, used as a riding animal. Also called a Spanish jennet.

2. (alternate, rare, UK/Can) A female donkey.

Jenny

Jenny (donkey)

A jenny is the term used to describe a female ass or donkey. Occasionally, a female mule is referred to as a jenny, but more often, the term "molly," "mare" or "mule mare" is used. In western Canada, the term "jennet" is sometimes used instead of "jenny," though the term Jennet usually refers to a...

(NAm, UK, Ir, Au)

A female donkey. Occasionally called a jennet.

Jib (Aus)

To refuse to go forwards, backwards or sideways as required by the driver or rider.

K

Kimblewick, Kimberwick, or Kimberwicke

A type of mild curb bit. Named after the English town of Kimblewick.

Knacker

A knacker is a person in the trade of rendering animals that are unfit for human consumption, such as horses that can no longer work. This leads to the slang expression "knackered" meaning very tired, or "ready for the knacker’s yard", where old horses are slaughtered and made into dog food and glue...

A person who disposes of livestock animals unfit for human consumption, such as sick or injured horses.

Knee

The joint of a horse's front leg between the cannon and the forearm. Anatomically equivalent to the human wrist.

L

Laminitis

Laminitis is a disease that affects the feet of ungulates. It is best known in horses and cattle. Symptoms include lameness, and increased temperature in the hooves...

Inflammation of the sensitive laminae of the hoof

Horse hoof

A horse hoof is a structure surrounding the distal phalanx of the 3rd digit of each of the four limbs of Equus species, which is covered by complex soft tissue and keratinised structures...

. Possibly linked to metabolic disturbances, often associated with obesity or ingestion of excess starches or sugars. Causes lameness

Lameness (equine)

Lameness in horses and other equidae is a term used to refer to any number of conditions where the animal fails to travel in a regular and sound manner on all four feet...

and severe pain. Treatable if caught early, but in its most severe form, known as "Founder," may require euthanasia of the affected animal.

Latigo

Soft, flexible strap made of leather, attached to a heavy ring on a saddle tree, used to attach a cinch

Girth (tack)

to a western saddle

Western saddle

. Modern latigo usually has holes punched for a cinch buckle. On older saddles the latigo had no holes and the cinch was secured to the saddle with the latigo tied in a latigo hitch or girth hitch, a variation of the cow hitch

Cow hitch

The cow hitch is a hitch knot used to attach a rope to an object. The cow hitch comprises a pair of half-hitches tied in opposing directions, as compared to the clove hitch in which the half-hitches are tied in the same direction. It has several variations and is known under a variety of names...

. See also billets.

Lead

1. Lead (leg)

Lead (leg)

: The leading legs of the horse at the canter

Canter

and Gallop. The front and hind legs on one side of the horse appear to land in front of the other set of front and hind legs when the horse travels. On a curve, a horse is generally asked to lead with the inside legs, though there are exceptions to the general rule, such as the counter canter. See also lead change.

2. Lead (tack)

Lead (tack)

A lead, lead line, lead rope or head collar rope , is used to lead an animal such as a horse. Usually, it is attached to a halter. The lead may be integral to the halter or, more often, separate. When separate, it is attached to the halter with a heavy clip or snap so that it can be added or...

: A lead rope, lead shank or leading rein. A flat line or rope attached to a halter

Halter

and used to lead the animal when the handler is on the ground.

Lead change, change of leg

The act of a horse changing from one lead to the other. When performed at a canter or gallop, it is a "flying change." When the horse is dropped to a slower gait and then asked to canter again but on the opposite lead, it is a "simple change." Performing a flying change with every stride is an advanced dressage

Dressage

movement known as a one-tempi change, tempi changes, or informally, "onesies."

Leader

Any of the horses in a team which are ahead of the shafts or pole. Can only pull the vehicle, not slow it. See also wheeler.

Live foal guarantee

A guarantee that a bred mare will have a living foal from a breeding to a stallion. Usually offered by the stallion's owner and allows the mare to be rebred if for some reason the resulting foal is stillborn or is not living.

Liverpool bit

A type of adjustable curb bit

Curb bit

A curb bit is a type of bit used for riding horses that uses lever action. It includes the pelham bit and the Weymouth curb along with the traditional "curb bit" used mainly by Western riders....

used for horses in harness, allowing the horses in a team to be driven with the same rein tension.

Livery stable or Livery yard

Livery yard

A livery yard or livery stable , or boarding stable is a stable where horse owners pay a weekly or monthly fee to keep their horses. A livery or boarding yard is not usually a riding school and the horses are not normally for hire...

An establishment providing livery (UK) or boarding (US) for horse-owners – care, stabling or pasture, depending on type.

Loose-box (UK) or box stall (US)

An enclosed area within a stable

Stable

A stable is a building in which livestock, especially horses, are kept. It most commonly means a building that is divided into separate stalls for individual animals...

where a horse may be left untethered (loose). Minimum size is usually 10 or square up to about 14 feet (4.3 m) square. Contrast with tie stall, a smaller enclosure where the animal is kept tied or tethered. See also stall

Longeing

Longeing or lungeing is a technique for training horses, where a horse is asked to work at the end of a long line and respond to commands from a handler on the ground who holds the line. It is also a critical component of the sport of equestrian vaulting...

(US) or lungeing (UK, Australasia, informal US)

To work or train a horse at the end of a long rope or flat line (typically about 30 feet (9.1 m) in length), teaching it to obey voice commands and exhibit good ground manners, and to exercise it when not ridden (for reasons of youth, age, infirmity, trainer desire, etc.).

Long-reining, long-lining, or line driving

Driving a horse while walking behind or to the side of it, controlling the animal by use of very long reins. Used for training, both for riding and driving. For a riding horse, the stirrups are often used as makeshift terret

Terret

A terret is a metal loop on horse harness, guiding the reins and preventing them from becoming tangled or snagged on the harness.The reins run from the hands of the driver, through the terrets, and then attach to the horse's bit to guide the horse...

s to keep the reins from trailing on the ground.

Lope (US)

A form of the canter

Canter

seen in western-style riding; a three beat gait, performed at a relatively slow speed.

Loriner (UK)

A maker of metal parts for harnesses, bridles, spurs, and other horse apparel.

M

Mare

A mature female horse, usually four years of age or older. Also denotes any female horse that has given birth, regardless of her age.

Mare line

See tail-female

Markings

Horse markings

Markings on horses usually are distinctive white areas on an otherwise dark base coat color. Most horses have some markings, and they help to identify the horse as a unique individual. Markings are present at birth and do not change over the course of the horse's life...

Generally refers to white markings on the horse's face, legs, and sometimes the occasional body spot on an otherwise solid-colored horse.

Meat-money (UK), canner price (US)

The lowest price likely to be paid for an equine, equivalent to the value of an animal to be sold by the pound and slaughtered for horse meat

Horse meat

Martingale

Martingale (tack)

A martingale is any of several designs of tack that are used on horses to control head carriage. Martingales may be seen in a wide variety of equestrian disciplines, both riding and driving...

A piece of tack that is used on horses to control head carriage, used for both riding and driving. See also false martingale.

Mechanical hackamore

A mechanical hackamore is a piece of horse tack that is a type of bitless headgear for horses where the reins connect to shanks placed between a noseband and a curb chain. Other names include "hackamore bit", "brockamore," "English hackamore," "nose bridle" and "German hackamore." Certain...

A type of bitless headgear for horses where the reins connect to shanks placed between a noseband and a curb chain.

Mob (AU)

Australian term for a herd of horses.

Motion

Incorrect term for action.

Mule

A mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. Horses and donkeys are different species, with different numbers of chromosomes. Of the two F1 hybrids between these two species, a mule is easier to obtain than a hinny...

The hybrid offspring of a male donkey and a horse mare. Almost always sterile. The hybrid with the reverse parentage (and somewhat different appearance and characteristics) is a hinny. Mules are noted for their surefootedness.

Muster (AU/NZ)

The assembling or roundup of livestock. See also drift, roundup.

N

Napping (UK)

When a horse is disobedient and refuses to go forwards, sometimes also bucking or kicking. A horse which does this habitually is said to be nappy. See also balk, jib.

Natural cover, live cover

The process of breeding horses through natural biological means without use of artificial insemination or other assisted reproductive technology. The only method of breeding allowed for the Thoroughbred

Thoroughbred

horse breed.

Near side

The left side of a horse. The traditional side on which all activities around a horse are done or start being done.

Neck rein

A neck rein is a type of indirect rein aid. The horse responds to a neck rein when it has learned that a light pressure of the right rein against its neck on that side means for the horse to turn left, and vice versa....

Turning a horse by touching the reins to the side of the horse's neck. The horse turns away from the rein pressure. Particularly useful when riding one-handed. Compare bearing rein.

Neigh or whinny

The classic "sound" made by a horse. Generally a loud noise, described as a squeal followed by a nicker. Often is heard when a horse is looking for another horse or a person, sometimes used to call out to unseen animals.

Nicker or whicker

A soft noise made by horses, the horse makes a vibrating sound with its mouth closed using the vocal cords. Often used as a greeting to humans or other animals, the softest version used by a mare communicating to her foal. Louder versions may be heard when a stallion is communicating with a mare.

Night horse (AUS)

A quiet horse with good night vision that is used to patrol cattle at night, when droving

Drover (Australian)

A drover in Australia is a person, typically an experienced stockman, who moves livestock, usually sheep or cattle, "on the hoof" over long distances. Reasons for droving may include: delivering animals to a new owner's property, taking animals to market, or moving animals during a drought in...

Numnah (UK)

A saddle pad

Saddle blanket

The terms saddle blanket, saddle pad and saddle cloth refer to blankets, pads or fabrics inserted under a saddle. These are usually used to absorb sweat, cushion the saddle, and protect the horse's back. Saddle blankets have been used for many centuries with all types of saddles...

used beneath the saddle to protect the horse's back, often shaped to fit the saddle rather than being rectangular. May be fairly thin, or well padded (in which case often made of sheepskin

Sheepskin

Sheepskin is the hide of a sheep, sometimes also called lambskin or lambswool.Sheepskin may also refer to:* Parchment, a thin material made from calfskin, sheepskin or goatskin** Diploma, originally made of sheepskin...

) `

O

Off side

The right-hand side of a horse.

On the bit

A horse who is flexed at the poll, moving forward well, holding the bit without fuss, and is responsive to the rider.

On the bridle

Of a horse in a race, when it is being kept at a steady speed on a tight rein to avoid tiring it early in the race. When sprinting for the finish, the horse will usually be allowed to run off the bridle, with the reins quite loose.

On the buckle

In English riding, holding the reins very loose, literally only holding the reins by the buckle that joins the reins together.

Ostler

See hostler.

Out of

Describes the relationship of a horse to its dam, in the context of its pedigree

Pedigree chart

. A foal is by its sire and out of or from its dam.

Outline diagram

See silhouette.

Outlaw

A horse that is vicious or cannot be handled by humans.

P

Pace

1. A two-beat, lateral gait where the front and hind legs on the same side move forward at the same time. Difficult to ride, but the fastest of the intermediate gaits, particularly seen in harness racing

Harness racing

and the "flying pace" of the Icelandic horse

Icelandic horse

The Icelandic horse is a breed of horse developed in Iceland. Although the horses are small, at times pony-sized, most registries for the Icelandic refer to it as a horse. Icelandic horses are long-lived and hardy. In their native country they have few diseases; Icelandic law prevents horses from...

2. In horse racing

Horse racing

, may refer to the speed of the leaders of a given race, i.e. "setting the pace," "off the pace."

3. The speed of a horse or, as a verb, to regulate the speed of a horse, particularly over distance.

4. A group of asses, also known as a passe.

Paddock

A Paddock is an enclosure for horses. It may also refer to: People*Algernon Paddock , American politician*Charlie Paddock , American athlete and actor*Del Paddock , American baseball player...

1. A fenced enclosure where horses are kept.

2. In racing, the location where the racehorses are mounted before a race and unsaddled after a race.

Pair

Two draft animals side-by-side. Often the same animals would always be worked the same way around. See also team and tandem.

Parrot mouth

A congenital malformation of the upper jaw where the incisor teeth protrude beyond the lower jaw. Sometimes known as overshot.

Pastern

The pastern is a part of the leg of a horse between the fetlock and the top of the hoof. It incorporates the long pastern bone and the short pastern bone , which are held together by two sets of paired ligaments to form the pastern joint...

The segment of the leg between the fetlock and the coronary band. Anatomically, two short bones, the proximal phalanx and the middle phalanx.

Pedigree

Pedigree chart

1. The known and documented lineage of an animal.

2. The written pedigree chart

Pedigree chart

outlining the lineage of an animal.

Performance class

A category of horse show

Horse show

classes where horses are exhibited in harness or under saddle and judging is based on how they perform the tasks asked of them. May also refer to equitation

Equitation

classes, where the skill of the rider is judged. Contrast to a halter class

Halter (horse show)

which is judged solely on the horse's conformation. Compare Halter," "in hand"

Phenotype

A phenotype is an organism's observable characteristics or traits: such as its morphology, development, biochemical or physiological properties, behavior, and products of behavior...

The outward appearance of an animal, in contrast to genotype

Genotype

The genotype is the genetic makeup of a cell, an organism, or an individual usually with reference to a specific character under consideration...

, the genetic inheritance of an animal.

Pigroot or pigjump (UK and Australasia)

A milder form of bucking See also crowhop.

Pinhooking

The practise of buying young horses with the specific intention of reselling them for a profit. In the UK, typically refers to buying Thoroughbred weanlings and yearlings.

Place

1. In horse racing

Horse racing

, a placed horse is one that finishes second in a race (NAm), or in the first three places (Au/NZ/UK), A place bet is a bet that a horse will place.[193] In the (UK/Ir) place bets may be pay up to fourth place if there are 16 or more runners in a race.

2. In horse show

Horse show

s, any award ranking, particularly one other than first "place", usually second through fifth or sixth place.

Plug

A common horse of no particular value.

Point coloration or points

The tail, edges of the ears, mane, and lower legs of a horse. Used in determining the color of a horse.

Points of a horse

Horse anatomy

Equine anatomy refers to the gross and microscopic anatomy of horses and other equids, including donkeys, and zebras. While all anatomical features of equids are described in the same terms as for other animals by the International Committee on Veterinary Gross Anatomical Nomenclature in the book...

Collective term in horse anatomy

Horse anatomy

for the external parts of a horse, such as crest, withers, shoulder, cannon, etc.

Pointing

Resting a foreleg; indicating soreness in that leg or foot.

Pole

1. A single rigid bar extending from the front of a vehicle, being held between a pair of horses (or other draft animals). Allows the animals to steer and slow the vehicle. See also shafts.

2. Poling, the practice (usually illegal on horse show

Horse show

grounds) of deliberately hitting the legs of a show jumper

Show jumping

while it is in the air over a fence, said to make it fold up its legs and jump higher.

Pony

A pony is a small horse . Depending on context, a pony may be a horse that is under an approximate or exact height at the withers, or a small horse with a specific conformation and temperament. There are many different breeds...

1. In common use, a member of the species Equus ferus caballus of a horse breed

Horse breed

that typically matures shorter than . Individual animals of breeds that typically mature over this height may still be described as "horses" even if under the cutoff height. In some parts of the world, the cutoff is at 14 hands instead of 14.2.

2. Biologically, may be used to describe small horses that retain a pony phenotype

Phenotype

A phenotype is an organism's observable characteristics or traits: such as its morphology, development, biochemical or physiological properties, behavior, and products of behavior...

of relatively short height heavy coat, thick mane and tail, proportionally short legs, and heavy build regardless of actual mature height.

3. For competition purposes, depending on organizational rules and local tradition, may also be used to describe an adult horse of any breed of 14.2, 14.1, or 14 hands or less at the time of competition. The International Federation for Equestrian Sports

International Federation for Equestrian Sports

, which uses metric measurement, defines the official cutoff point at 148 centimetres (58.27 in) (just over 14.2 h) without shoes and 149 centimetres (58.66 in) (just over 14.2½ h) with shoes.

4. (verb): leading one horse while riding another.

5. A horse used in the sport of polo

Polo

Poor doer

See hard keeper.

Posting or rising to the trot

To rise up out of the saddle and then gently sit back down in rhythm with the horse's motion while it is trotting

Trot (horse gait)

The trot is a two-beat diagonal gait of the horse, where the diagonal pairs of legs move forward at the same time. There is a moment of suspension between each beat....

. Posting the trot is generally more comfortable for both rider and horse. See also Diagonal.

Prix St. Georges

The first of the international competitive dressage

Dressage

levels in FEI competition. It is followed by Intermediare I, Intermediare II and Grand Prix. Levels below Prix St. Georges, though common in local and national-level competition, are not recognized by the FEI. The terms used for these lower levels and number of levels available vary from nation to nation.

Produce

The offspring of a mare

Mare

. See also get.

Pulling

Trimming the mane or tail by pulling out the longer hairs.

Purebred

Purebreds, also called purebreeds, are cultivated varieties or cultivars of an animal species, achieved through the process of selective breeding...

An animal with documented parentage recognized by a breed registry

Breed registry

as being descended in all lines from recognized foundation bloodstock

Foundation bloodstock

and free of admixture of breeding from lines outside those of the breed in question. Not to be confused with Thoroughbred, which is a specific breed of horse with very strict standards for purebred status.

Purse

Prize money in a competition, horse show class, or race.

Putting to (BI), hitching (NA)

Attaching a harnessed horse to a vehicle.

Q

Quarter Horse

American Quarter Horse

The American Quarter Horse is an American breed of horse that excels at sprinting short distances. Its name came from its ability to outdistance other breeds of horses in races of a quarter mile or less; some individuals have been clocked at speeds up to 55 mph...

or American Quarter Horse

A popular stock horse

Stock horse

A Stock horse is a horse of a type that is well suited for working with livestock, particularly cattle. Such horses are riding horsescharacterized by agility, quickness, and powerful hindquarters...

breed, especially in North America, noted for ability to work with cattle and compete in related competitive events requiring both short bursts of intense speed and agility. Also raced at distances of a quarter mile or less, from whence the name originates.

Quirt

A quirt is a forked type of stock whip which usually has two falls at the end . Sometimes called a riding quirt, horse quirt, or a dog quirt.The falls on a quirt are made of leather, buffalo, or cow hide...

Short-handled, flexible, weighted whip

Whip

, of braided leather or rawhide. Used by some Western-style riders

Western riding

R

Rearing

Rear (horse)

Rearing occurs when a horse or other equid "stands up" on its hind legs with the forelegs off the ground. Rearing may be linked to fright, aggression, excitement, disobedience, or pain. It is not uncommon to see stallions rearing in the wild when they fight, while striking at their opponent with...

When a horse rises up on its hind legs. In nature, may be part of the fight or flight response. If performed while being handled by humans, is usually considered a severe, dangerous disobedience, and is one of the most difficult to train out of a horse. Occasionally, horses are trained to rear on command for uses such as film or circus work. Rearing may occur while an animal is loose, being ridden, or while being handled by a human from the ground.

Registration papers, registration certificate, papers, or pedigree papers

Documentation provided by a breed registry

Breed registry

that verifies the breeding and ownership of an animal. Usually includes a pedigree chart and an outline illustration indicating horse markings

Horse markings

. Some organizations may include a photograph of the animal.

Ridgling

A ridgling or rig is a male animal with an undescended testicle. An undescended testicle is not a serious or life-threatening condition, though it may cause the animal discomfort at times...

, rig

A male horse with one or more undescended testicle

Cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism is the absence of one or both testes from the scrotum. It is the most common birth defect regarding male genitalia. In unique cases, cryptorchidism can develop later in life, often as late as young adulthood. About 3% of full-term and 30% of premature infant boys are born with at...

s (a cryptorchid), or one which is incompletely castrated (deliberately or accidentally). If both testicles are not descended, the horse may appear to be a gelding, but will still behave like a stallion. See also stallion

Stallion

, gelding

Gelding

Ring sour (US)

A horse that exhibits competition burnout through undesired behavioral problems, including a disinterest in work, reluctance to move forward, pinned back ears, a twisting or wringing tail, or overall disobedience in the ring.

Rising

See posting

Rein

Reins are items of horse tack, used to direct a horse or other animal used for riding or driving. Reins can be made of leather, nylon, metal, or other materials, and attach to a bridle via either its bit or its noseband.-Use for riding:...

Item of horse tack

Horse tack

, attached as a pair to either side of a bit

Bit (horse)

in the horse's mouth, used to direct or guide a horse for riding or driving.

Roller

See surcingle.

Roundup

Term used in the American west to refer to the gathering of horses or other livestock

Livestock

Livestock refers to one or more domesticated animals raised in an agricultural setting to produce commodities such as food, fiber and labor. The term "livestock" as used in this article does not include poultry or farmed fish; however the inclusion of these, especially poultry, within the meaning...

. See also muster, drift.

Rug (UK, Australasia)

see horse blanket

Horse blanket

S

Saddle

A saddle is a supportive structure for a rider or other load, fastened to an animal's back by a girth. The most common type is the equestrian saddle designed for a horse, but specialized saddles have been created for camels and other creatures...

1. A device placed on the back of a horse or other equine, where the rider sits, designed to support and stabilize a rider. Comes in two main varieties, a stock saddle (western or Australian designs), and flatter types, known as English

English riding

in the United States, which are used for jumping, dressage and racing.

2. A part of a horse harness

Horse harness

placed on the back, forming an attachment point for several other harness parts, taking the weight of the shafts or pole.

Saddle blanket

Often a wool or synthetic blanket, but informally may also refer to felt, fleece, or other padding that is placed between the horse and a saddle to protect the horse's back. Some types of English saddle

English saddle

s are designed so that they do not mandate use of a blanket to protect the horse, but use of one helps keep the underside of the saddle clean and may prevent saddle sores on the horse.

Saddle pad (US)

Saddle blanket

1. Padding placed under the saddle, shaped fully or partially to complement the outline of the saddle. See also "numnah"

2. Rectangular padding, usually at least a inch think, placed under a western saddle

Western saddle

to provide more protection and support than a saddle blanket.

Saddle seat

1. A form of English riding

English riding

popularized in the United States for riding gaited horse

Gaited horse

s and other breeds where high, flashy, action is encouraged, notably the American Saddlebred

American Saddlebred

The American Saddlebred, formerly known as the American Saddle Horse, is a breed of horse that was developed in Kentucky by plantation owners. Today, in the horse show world, they are most commonly seen under saddle in Saddle seat style riding, and in various types of driving, including pleasure...

, Morgan horse

Morgan horse

, and Arabian horse

Arabian horse

2. The style of saddle used for this discipline, also known as a park saddle, Lane Fox, or cutback. Is designed to set the rider farther back on the horse, not intended for jumping.

Sand roll

A stall or yard

Yard

A yard is a unit of length in several different systems including English units, Imperial units and United States customary units. It is equal to 3 feet or 36 inches...

covered with deep sand, which is used by horses to roll in after exercise.

Semi-feral horse

Feral horse

Domesticated horses or ponies allowed to roam freely, but owned by individuals and rounded up from time to time. Examples include New Forest

New Forest pony

The New Forest Pony or New Forester is one of the recognised Mountain and moorland or Native pony breeds of the British Isles. The breed is valued for its hardiness, strength and sureness of foot...

, Dartmoor

Dartmoor pony

-External links:*...

and Exmoor

Exmoor pony

The Exmoor pony is a horse breed native to the British Isles, where some still roam as semi-feral livestock on Exmoor, a large area of moorland in Devon and Somerset in southwest England. The Exmoor is one of the British Isles mountain and moorland pony breeds, having conformation similar to that...

ponies in their native locations, stock horse

Stock horse

A Stock horse is a horse of a type that is well suited for working with livestock, particularly cattle. Such horses are riding horsescharacterized by agility, quickness, and powerful hindquarters...

s on many ranches in the American west, and some modern Iberian horse

Iberian horse

The Iberian horse is a title given to a number of horse breeds native to the Iberian peninsula. At present, 17 horse breeds are recognized by FAO as characteristic of the Iberian Peninsula....

s in Spain and Portugal. Herds often consist only of mares (with or without suckling foals), but stallions may be turned out in the mating season, with weanlings

Foal

(especially colt

Colt (horse)

A colt is a young male horse, under the age of four. The term "colt" is often confused with foal, which refers to a horse of either sex under one year of age....

s) removed for sale in the autumn. The term may also refer to "bachelor herds" of young colts or geldings that are not old enough to be placed under saddle, or retired geldings too old to ride. See also feral horse.

Shafts

A pair of rigid bars extending from the front of a horse-draw vehicle, attached to the sides of the horse (or other draft animal). Allows the animal to steer the vehicle, to slow it, and in the case of a two-wheeled vehicle, to hold it level. Used for a single animal, for the rearmost of several animals in tandem (qv), or sometimes to act as poles between three horses abreast (a troika). See also pole.

Show

1. In US horse racing

Horse racing

, the horse that comes in third in a given race. Also a bet that a horse will finish third or better.

2. A general term for a horse show

Horse show

, a competitive event or series of events where horses are judged in a wide variety of ways depending on breed, discipline and part of the world.

Shying

When a horse jumps in fright, usually at a sudden movement or an unfamiliar object.

Side saddle

A form of riding where a (normally female) rider sits with both legs to the nearside of the horse, rather than with legs astride. Developed in the middle ages

Middle Ages

The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...

to enable more modesty when riding in a skirt.

Silhouette or outline diagram

A standard set of diagrams of an individual horse showing its identifying features, including markings and the locations of all its hair whorls. May form part of a horse passport, or of registration/pedigree papers, or both.

Sire

The father of a horse.

Smooth mouth

Term used to describe an older horse, one that has worn the indentations or "cups" from its incisors, which usually occurs by about the age of eight.

Snaffle bit

A type of bit that applies direct pressure to the horse's mouth, i.e. a bit without leverage. Generally considered the mildest type of pressure, though severity can vary depending on the type of bit mouthpiece

Bit mouthpiece

used. The most common style of snaffle bit has a jointed mouthpiece, but the term refers to a direct pressure bit with any type of mouthpiece, solid or jointed. Term sometimes is incorrectly used to refer to a curb bit

Curb bit

A curb bit is a type of bit used for riding horses that uses lever action. It includes the pelham bit and the Weymouth curb along with the traditional "curb bit" used mainly by Western riders....

with a jointed mouthpiece. (Compare to curb bit

Curb bit

A curb bit is a type of bit used for riding horses that uses lever action. It includes the pelham bit and the Weymouth curb along with the traditional "curb bit" used mainly by Western riders....

, above)

Snort

A loud harsh sound emitted when a horse holds his head high and forces the breath violently through the nostrils with the mouth shut. The snort lasts about one second and is most commonly heard in horses when they are startled.

Sound

Used to describe a healthy horse.

Sour

A horse that is grumpy and unhappy when being ridden. Usually happens through too much work.

Splints

Splints is an ailment of the horse or pony, characterized by a hard, bony swelling, usually on the inside of a front leg, lying between the splint and cannon bone or on the splint bone itself. It may be "hot," meaning that it occurred recently and is still painful; or "cold," meaning that the...

1. Ossification of the second and fourth metacarpal or metatarsal bones, which often form after trauma to the area. Often an unsoundness when newly injured, may ossify into blemishes with no effect on soundness, depending on location.

2 Splint bones, the second and fourth metacarpal or metatarsal bones, thought to be vestiges of the toes possessed by prehistoric equines..

{[cn}}
Sport horse

Sport horse

General term for a type of horse bred and/or trained for use in the International and Olympic Equestrian

Equestrian at the Summer Olympics

disciplines of eventing, dressage, jumping. In some cases may also include hunters and horses used in combined driving

Combined driving

Stable

A stable is a building in which livestock, especially horses, are kept. It most commonly means a building that is divided into separate stalls for individual animals...

1. A building in which horses are kept (also sometimes other livestock). In UK usage, also the space for one horse within a larger building.

2. A group of horses owned by one individual or group.

Stable hand (US), stable lad/lass (UK)

A groom employed to look after horses, especially for horse racing

Horse racing

. "Lad" and "lass" in this context do not imply youth, and many are of quite mature years.

Stable vices

Stable vices are stereotypies of equines, especially horses. They usually develop as a result of being confined, particularly with insufficient exercise . Vices can develop out of boredom or hunger, excess energy, isolation...

Any of a number of repetitive

Stereotypy

A stereotypy is a repetitive or ritualistic movement, posture, or utterance, found in people with mental retardation, autism spectrum disorders, tardive dyskinesia and stereotypic movement disorder. Stereotypies may be simple movements such as body rocking, or complex, such as self-caressing,...

or nervous behaviors seen most often in horses kept in confinement. Usually attributed to boredom and insufficient exercise, though temperament may also play a role. Stable vices include cribbing

Cribbing (horse)

, weaving, wood chewing, wall-kicking and similar behaviors.

Stagecoach

A stagecoach is a type of covered wagon for passengers and goods, strongly sprung and drawn by four horses, usually four-in-hand. Widely used before the introduction of railway transport, it made regular trips between stages or stations, which were places of rest provided for stagecoach travelers...

A large coach pulled by horses used in former times as public transport. A team of four or more horses would be used, being changed at regular intervals–"stages"–for a fresh team.

Stall (US), stable (UK)

An enclosure within a stable building in which an individual horse is kept. Two types, box stall (US) or loose box (UK) and tie stall (US) or stall (UK).

Stallion

A mature, uncastrated male horse, usually four years old and older, although sometimes refers to a horse three years of age or older. Other terms include entire, stud, stud horse, full, full horse, stone horse, stock horse, or bull.

Star mare (see also Cluster mare)

A Star mare is a Thoroughbred

Thoroughbred

brood mare that has produced two or more winners of three or four of the eight most important and valuable races, within six generations.

Stirrup

Paired small light frames or rings for receiving the foot of a rider, attached to the saddle by a strap, called a stirrup leather. Used to aid in mounting and as a support while riding. In UK usage and for English riding

English riding

in some US regions, the term "stirrup" includes both the metal frame, or iron, and the stirrup leather, the strap used to suspend the iron from the saddle. In western riding

Western riding

, the term "stirrup" refers only to the frame, which on a western saddle

Western saddle

is often made of wood covered with leather. See also iron.

Stock horse

A Stock horse is a horse of a type that is well suited for working with livestock, particularly cattle. Such horses are riding horsescharacterized by agility, quickness, and powerful hindquarters...

1. A horse used to herd and manage livestock

Livestock

on a ranch

Ranch

A ranch is an area of landscape, including various structures, given primarily to the practice of ranching, the practice of raising grazing livestock such as cattle or sheep for meat or wool. The word most often applies to livestock-raising operations in the western United States and Canada, though...

or station

Station (Australian agriculture)

Station is the term for a large Australian landholding used for livestock production. It corresponds to the North American term ranch or South American estancia...

2. General term to describe the horse breeds found in the American West that were developed for handling cattle.

3. The Australian Stock Horse

Australian Stock Horse

The Australian Stock Horse , has been especially bred for Australian conditions. It is a hardy breed of horse noted for endurance, agility and a good temperament. Its ancestry dates to the arrival of the first horses in Australia, brought from Europe, Africa and Asia...

, a specific horse breed.

4. Any horse used for various competitions that are based and judged on cattle handling or agility skills such as reining

Reining

, cutting

Cutting (sport)

Cutting is an equestrian event in the western riding style where a horse and rider are judged on their ability to separate a single animal away from a cattle herd and keep it away for a short period of time.-Description:...

, campdrafting

Campdrafting

Campdrafting is a unique and very popular Australian sport involving a horse and rider working cattle. The riding style is like that of Western riding and the event is somewhat related to the American events such as cutting, working cow horse, team penning, and ranch sorting.In the competition, a...

or similar events.

Stock saddle

Describes several designs of a heavier style of saddle with a deep, secure seat, usually with flared pommels and a high cantle. Designed to help keep the rider seated when a horse makes rapid turns or stops, such as when working livestock.

1. An Australian stock saddle

Australian Stock Saddle

The Australian Stock Saddle is a saddle in popular use all over the world for activities that require long hours in the saddle and a secure seat...

seen more often in the Southern hemisphere.

2. A western saddle

Western saddle

, seen more often in the United States.

Stride

The distance from the imprint of a forefoot until the same foot hits the ground again.

String

The race horses being trained by an individual horse trainer

Horse trainer

In horse racing, a trainer prepares a horse for races, with responsibility for exercising it, getting it race-ready and determining which races it should enter...

. Sometimes used to refer to any group of horses trained or used by a single entity for a particular purpose, such as a string of polo

Polo

ponies, a "show string" of horse show

Horse show

entries, or a pack string

Packhorse

.A packhorse or pack horse refers generally to an equid such as a horse, mule, donkey or pony used for carrying goods on their backs, usually carried in sidebags or panniers. Typically packhorses are used to cross difficult terrain, where the absence of roads prevents the use of wheeled vehicles. ...

Stringhalt

Stringhalt is a sudden flexion of one or both hind legs in the horse, most easily seen while the horse is walking or trotting. It is most evident when the horse is backing up slowly, turning on the affected leg, or suddenly frightened. It involves one or both hind limbs of the horse...

A nervous disorder in horses, causing a jerking movement, higher than the natural gait, of one or both hind legs, as if stepping over an invisible object.

Stud

Stud farm

A stud farm or stud in animal husbandry, is an establishment for selective breeding of livestock. The word "stud" comes from the Old English stod meaning "herd of horses, place where horses are kept for breeding" Historically, documentation of the breedings that occur on a stud farm leads to the...

1. An establishment where pedigreed horses are bred.

2. At stud, describes a stallion

Stallion

being kept for breeding.

3. (US) Informal and technically incorrect term for a stallion, i.e. a stud horse or stud.

Stud book

1. (also breed registry

Breed registry

) A list of horses of a particular breed

Horse breed

whose parents are known. An open stud book allows parents of different breeds, as long as the horse conforms to the breed standard or meets other criteria, and is often used when establishing new breeds. A closed stud book requires both parents to be in the book, with lineage traceable to the foundation bloodstock

Foundation bloodstock

. The thoroughbred

Thoroughbred

breed is an example of a closed stud book. Many warmblood

Warmblood

Warmbloods are a group of middle-weight horse types and breeds, primarily originating in Europe, registered with organizations that are characterized by open studbook policy, studbook selection, and the aim of breeding for equestrian sport...

breeds such as the Oldenburger

Oldenburg (horse)

The Oldenburg is a warmblood horse from the north-western corner of Lower Saxony, what was formerly the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. The breed was built on a mare base of all-purpose farm and carriage horses, today called the Alt-Oldenburger...

have an open stud book with animals approved for registry via a studbook selection

Studbook selection

Studbook selection is a process used in certain breeds of horses to select breeding stock. It allows a breed registry to direct the evolution of the breed towards the ideal by eliminating unhealthy or undesirable animals from the population. The removal of individuals from a population is called...

process.

2. A list of stallions of a particular breed "standing at stud", that is, actively being bred.

3 (UK) Another term for the General Stud Book

General Stud Book

, the stud book for Thoroughbreds in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Substance

Assessment of the overall muscularity of a horse, width and depth of body and quality of bone.

Suckling, suckling foal

A young foal

Foal

that is nursing, not yet weaned from its mother.

Sulky

A sulky is a lightweight cart having two wheels and a seat for the driver only but usually without a body, generally pulled by horses or dogs, and is used for harness races...

A lightweight, two-wheeled cart for one person pulled by a single horse (or sometimes a pair). In earlier times used as a fast, showy form of transport, but now usually limited to harness racing

Harness racing

, when it is often made extremely lightly, with bicycle-style wheels.

Surcingle

A surcingle is a strap made of leather or leather-like synthetic materials such as nylon or neoprene, sometimes with elastic, that fastens around a horse's girth area. A surcingle may be used for ground training, some types of in-hand exhibition, and over a saddle or horse pack to stabilize the load...

1. Surcingle (NAm, UK/Ir), roller (UK/Ir, Au/NZ). A piece of training equipment which goes around the barrel of the horse. Usually padded at the top, and buckles around the horse. Often has rings placed at various locations for attachment of reins, a crupper and/or an overcheck. Specialized designs also used in equestrian vaulting

Equestrian vaulting

2. A long unpadded strap that passes around the barrel of a horse. One design is placed over a saddle and is fastened with a buckle, used on racing, polo and Australian stock saddles. Other designs are used to hold on certain styles of horse blanket

Horse blanket

T

Tack

Horse tack

The term for all the equipment that horses wear, such as saddles, bridles, harnesses, halters, and other horse care equipment.

Tack room

A store where tack is kept.

Tail-Female, Mare line, bottom line

The single line of mares, from the dam to maternal granddam, maternal great-granddam and so on. Usually shown on the bottom side of a pedigree chart. Corresponds in biology to mtDNA.

Tandem

Tandem is an arrangement where a team of machines, animals or people are lined up one behind another, all facing in the same direction....

A draft animal arrangement with two or more animals in single file, the rearmost (the wheeler) in shafts.

Team

Several animals pulling a vehicle. Arranged in various configurations, most commonly as a pair (two side by side), in tandem (two or more in single file), a four (two pairs) or a six. More rarely other arrangements such as three or more abreast, a troika (three abreast with shafts between), a "pickax" (three abreast with a pair of wheelers behind) or a "unicorn" (a single animal in front of a pair of wheelers).

Thoroughbred

When used as a proper noun, refers to a specific breed of horse, best known as a race horse

Horse racing

. Occasionally used as a non-proper noun to mean purebred.

Three-quarter brother/sister

1. Horses out of the same dam, by stallions that are (maternal) half brothers, or a father and son.

Three-quarter brother-in-blood/sister-in-blood

Horses by the same sire, and out of half-sisters, or out of a mother and daughter.

Three-quarter genetic brother/sister : Horses who share one sire, and the same maternal grandsire (damsire). Put simply, horses that share three grandparents.

Tie stall (US), stall (UK)

A small, rectangular enclosure in a stable, approximately 6 feet (1.8 m) wide by 8 to 10 ft (2.4 to 3 m) long, where an animal is kept tied up.

Topline

1. The area on a horse that runs from the poll to the dock.

2. On a pedigree chart, the paternal side of the ancestry, which is given on the top of the chart.

Transition

The change from one gait to another.

Tree

The underlying solid structure or frame of a saddle

Saddle

, which is covered with leather.

Trap, pony trap

A light two-wheeled vehicle.

Trot

Trot (horse gait)

The trot is a two-beat diagonal gait of the horse, where the diagonal pairs of legs move forward at the same time. There is a moment of suspension between each beat....

A diagonal, two-beat, intermediate-speed horse gait

Horse gait

Horse gaits are the various ways in which a horse can move, either naturally or as a result of specialized training by humans.-Classification:...

Trotting races

See harness racing

Twitch

Twitch (device)

A twitch is a device that is used to restrain horses for various stressful situations, such as veterinary treatment. It is usually made up of a stick-like handle loop of chain or rope on the end, or a metal ring with a rope loop which is wrapped around the upper lip of the horse and tightened...

A tool used to restrain and calm a horse by twisting a cord or chain around its upper lip.

Typey

Slang for a horse that conforms to its breed standards, or type.

V

Vanner

A powerfully built type of horse used for light draught work, such as pulling a commercial van. May be applied to particular breeds, such as the Gypsy Vanner horse

Gypsy Vanner horse

The Gypsy Horse , also known as an Irish cob , Gypsy Cob, Gypsy Vanner , Coloured Cob or Tinker horse , is a horse breed. The breed originates from the UK and Ireland...

(US)/Coloured Cob (UK).

Veterinarian

A veterinary physician, colloquially called a vet, shortened from veterinarian or veterinary surgeon , is a professional who treats disease, disorder and injury in animals....

(US), veterinary surgeon (UK), (informal) vet

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, an individual who is trained to provide medical care to horses and other animals. Specialists who work with horses are known as Equine veterinarians. Professional acronyms: DVM, VMD, MRCVS

Vice

A habit making the horse difficult to work or keep, such as biting, kicking or bucking. Includes (but is not limited to) stable vices

Stable vices

W

Wagon

A wagon is a heavy four-wheeled vehicle pulled by draught animals; it was formerly often called a wain, and if low and sideless may be called a dray, trolley or float....

(sometimes "waggon" in the UK)

A four-wheeled vehicle pulled by one or more horses or other draft animals. Usually used for carrying loads.

Walk

A four-beat gait, the slowest of the natural horse gaits.

Warmblood

A term describing many middle-weight sport horse

Sport horse

types and breeds, most originally developed in Europe by the crossbreeding of draft or heavy harness horses on light horse breeds such as Thoroughbreds or Arabians. "Warm" refers to its origin as a cross of a cold-blood (qv), and a "hot-blood" – it does not relate to body temperature.

Weanling

A foal

Foal

that has been weaned from its mother, but is less than one year old.

Weaving

Weaving (horse)

Weaving is a stable vice of horses, in which the horse repetitively sways side to side, shifting weight and moving its head and neck back and forth.-Causes:...

(US)

A habit, considered a stable vice

Stable vices

, developed by some horses (and other animals) kept for long periods in a stable, in which the horse repetitively sways side to side, shifting weight and moving its head and neck back and forth. See also Boxwalking.

Western riding

1. A style of riding characterized by use of a western saddle

Western saddle

and a bridle

Bridle

without a noseband

Noseband

. Riders generally have a fairly long stirrup, sit rather than post the trot (hence a slower trot, called a "jog" is generally desired in the western horse) and, on a finished western horse, reins are usually carried one-handed by the non-dominant (usually left) hand and, with minimal or no contact with the horse's mouth. The finished animal is usually ridden in a curb bit

Curb bit

A curb bit is a type of bit used for riding horses that uses lever action. It includes the pelham bit and the Weymouth curb along with the traditional "curb bit" used mainly by Western riders....

and turned by use of the neck rein

Neck rein

ing technique. Inexperienced or "green" animals are usually ridden two-handed in either a snaffle bit or a bosal

Bosal

-style hackamore

Hackamore

A hackamore is a type of animal headgear which does not have a bit. Instead, it has a special type of noseband that works on pressure points on the face, nose, and chin...

2. Western riding (horse show)

Western riding (horse show)

Western Riding is a competitive event at American horse shows, particularly those for stock horse breeds such as the American Quarter Horse. It is not to be confused with the general term "western riding," referring to the many forms of equestrianism where riders use a western saddle; instead, it...

: A competition seen as some horse shows where a horse in western equipment is required to perform a pattern that incorporates elements of reining

Reining

, trail

Trail (horse show)

Trail is a competitive class at horse shows where horses and riders in western-style attire and horse tack navigate a series of obstacles. Contestants ride the course one at a time...

and western pleasure

Western Pleasure

Western Pleasure is a western style competition at horse shows that evaluates horses on manners and suitability of the horse for a relaxed but collected gait cadence and relatively slow speed of gait, along with calm and responsive disposition. The horse is to appear to be a "pleasure" to ride and...

Wheeler

One of the pair of horses closest to a horse-drawn vehicle

Horse-drawn vehicle

A horse-drawn vehicle is a mechanized piece of equipment pulled by one horse or by a team of horses. These vehicles typically had two or four wheels and were used to carry passengers and/or a load...

(next to the wheels). The only horses in a team able to slow the vehicle, by pulling back on the pole. Also the rearmost of a team in tandem. See also leader.

Whicker

See nicker

Whinny or whinney

See nicker

Whorl

A circular arrangement of hairs, usually on a horse's neck. Their location is one means of horse identification.

Wild horse

Wild Horse

Horses that have no domesticated ancestors. Currently the only wild horse in the world is the Przewalski's horse

Przewalski's Horse

Przewalski's Horse or Dzungarian Horse, is a rare and endangered subspecies of wild horse native to the steppes of central Asia, specifically China and Mongolia.At one time extinct in the wild, it has been reintroduced to its native habitat in Mongolia at the Khustain Nuruu...

. The only other true wild horse to survive into historical times was the Tarpan

Tarpan

Tarpan is an extinct subspecies of wild horse. The last individual of this subspecies died in captivity in Russia in 1909....

. All other free-roaming horses today are feral horse

Feral horse

s, descended from domesticated ancestors. The Domestic Horse, Equus ferus caballus, is a subspecies of the Wild Horse.

Win

In horse racing

Horse racing

, the horse that comes in first in a given race. Also a bet that a horse will come in first.

X

Xenophon

Xenophon , son of Gryllus, of the deme Erchia of Athens, also known as Xenophon of Athens, was a Greek historian, soldier, mercenary, philosopher and a contemporary and admirer of Socrates...

Ancient Greek cavalry

Cavalry

Cavalry or horsemen were soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback. Cavalry were historically the third oldest and the most mobile of the combat arms...

officer, historian and political philosopher who wrote a manual, On Horsemanship (Ἱππαρχικὸς ἢ περὶ ἱππικῆς) describing humane methods for the training of horses, circa 350 BC. Sometimes called the "father of classical horsemanship."

Y

Yearling

Yearling (horse)

A yearling is a young horse of either sex that is between one and two years old. Yearlings are comparable in development to a very early adolescent, they are not fully mature physically, and while they may be in the earliest stages of sexual maturity, they are considered too young to be breeding...

A horse that is between 12 and 24 months of age.

Yellow horse (Western US)

Slang for a palomino

Palomino

Palomino is a coat color in horses, consisting of a gold coat and white mane and tail. Genetically, the palomino color is created by a single allele of a dilution gene called the cream gene working on a "red" base coat...

Z

Zebroid

A zebroid is the offspring of any cross between a zebra and any other equine: essentially, a zebra hybrid. In most cases, the sire is a zebra stallion. Offspring of a donkey sire and zebra dam, called a zebra hinny, or donkra, do exist but are rare. Zebroids have been bred since the 19th century...

or zebra mule

Collective term for any hybrid offspring of a zebra crossed on another equine, term includes the zorse, zony and zedonk.

The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.