Listed in alphabetical order. This will be continually added to.
| A |
| Anthelmintics |
A fancy word for dewormers. |
| Anti-sweat Rug |
This is a bit like a string vest with large open holes and should be used in
conjunction with a cotton or wool rug, which when placed over the top allows the horse to cool off without catching a chill. |
| Artificial Aids |
Items of equipment such as whips, sticks, spurs,
martingales, etc, which are used by the rider to enforce the natural aids. |
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| B |
| Backing |
Term used to indicate when a horse is being introduced to
a rider on his back for the first time. |
| Ballotade |
A specialised movement in which the horse leaps into the
air with his body horizontal to the ground and legs bent beneath. |
| Bar |
Area of gums between the front teeth and the molars, which has no teeth and takes the bit. Also, continuation of the wall of the foot that turns inward at the heel. |
| Behind the Bit |
This is when the horse drips the bin in his mouth and
tries to avoid direct pressure. He is not accepting the bit and the riders
contact on the reins. |
| Blaze |
A broad white stripe down the front of a horse or pony's face.
See diagram - Colours and Markings |
| Blemish |
A fault in conformation that does not affect performance or way of going. |
| Breast Straps |
All rugs have either one or two breast straps. These fasten at the front of the rug across the chest. |
| Breathable |
Applies to materials which usually comprise a water-resistant membrane under an outer fabric, allowing vapour to pass through the fabric and then
evaporate. |
| Bridoon |
A small snaffle bit used in conjunction with a curb bit
to form a double bridle. |
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| C |
| Cannon |
Bone located between the knee and the fetlock, and the hock and the fetlock.
See diagram - Points of the Horse |
| Canter |
The canter is a 3-beat gait in which the horse will lead with one front leg and drive with the opposing rear leg. The sequence of footfalls for a "left lead" is: right rear, left rear and right front together, left front, then a period of suspension when all legs are off the ground. The "running" gait of a horse. |
| Capriole |
A specialised movement in which the horse leaps into the
air with his body horizontal to the ground, in a similar fashion to the
Ballotade, but with the hind legs stretched out behind. |
| Check Ligaments |
System of ligaments that when locked in position allow the horse to sleep standing up |
| Chestnut |
Colour but also the horny growth inside and above each knee and inside and below each hock.
Probably the vestiges of toes of the prehistoric horse. See diagram - Colours and Markings
& Points of the Horse |
| Cob |
This should refer to sturdily built animals of around 15.1hh, but is
often used in relation to stocky animals ranging in height from 13.2hh to
15hh and capable of carrying heavy riders. |
| Coffin Bone |
Sits between the second phalanx and the horny sole |
| Cold-blooded Horse |
A horse of strong working type as opposed to the lighter
more refined types. These types tend to be gentle, docile, enduring and
hardworking. Examples - Draught Horses, Shire, Percheron, etc. |
| Colt |
Entire Male up to 3 years of age, who has not been used at stud. |
| Conformation |
The bone structure and shape of a horse. See Conformation Article |
| Cooler Rug |
Combines the qualities of an anti-sweat rug and a summer sheet in one rug and will allow the horse to cool off without catching cold. See also wicking rug. |
| Coronary Band |
Where the hoof joins the leg, where the hoof wall is produced, source of growth and nutrition for the hoof wall and bars. Sometimes incorrectly referred to as coronet.
See diagram - Points of the Horse |
| Counter Canter |
To canter in a circle with the outside leg, opposed to
the inside leg, leading. |
| Courbette |
A specialised movement where the horse stands on hind
legs, bent at the hocks, and performs a series of leaps without the font
legs touching the ground. |
| Covering |
The term used to describe the servicing of a mare by a
stallion. |
| Creamola |
Cream-coloured horse or pony which lacks strong
pigmentation of the coat. Usually the resulting offspring of a palomino
sire and dam. |
| Cribbing or Crib Biting |
A stable vice, like an addiction, in which a horse will arch his neck, grab hold of a surface with his teeth, suck in air and swallow it. While this can cause the muscles on the underside of the neck to bulge and often wears down the teeth, there are no other adverse effects. Cribbing can often be controlled by placing a tight strap around the top of the neck. |
| Cross Surcingles |
These straps help to hold the rug in position. These are two straps running from one side of the rug to the other, crossing over under the horse's belly. Rug makes vary as to whether the straps are placed high or low on the rug side, some makes have cut outs for the straps to fit through to allow a better fit. |
| Crossfiring |
An interference in the gait of the horse in which the hind foot strikes the opposite forefoot. |
| Croup |
Topline of horse from the top of the tail to the highest point of the hindquarters.
See diagram - Points of the Horse |
| Curb Bit |
A bit used in conjunction with a chain or strap that
passes under the lower jaw, forming the second element of the Double
Bridle |
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| D |
| Dam |
Mother of a foal |
| Day Rug |
A rug made of cotton or wool which may be worn for traveling. |
| Dish-faced |
Concave profile of the face, typical in Arabs. |
| Disunited |
Where the horses' front and rear legs are not following
correct sequence |
| Double Oxer |
A jumping fence of three elements in one fence, the
highest part being in the middle. |
| Dressage |
A term of French derivation used to describe the
schooling or controlled physical exercise of a horse. German meaning
'prize riding'. |
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| E |
| Elasticated Surcingle |
Similar to a roller, but made of an elasticated material and does not have any pads in order to keep pressure off the horse's spine. These should always be used with additional padding. |
| Entire |
A male horse who has not been castrated / gelded |
| Ergot |
Located in a tuft of hair behind the fetlock joint |
| Exercise Sheet |
These are secured underneath the saddle or around the rider and covers the horse's flanks and quarters. Is intended to protect the horse on cold or wet days so can be made from a variety of materials, eg wool mixes, waterproof,
flourescent… |
| Extra Deep |
An extra deep rug extends further below the horse's flanks, offering greater protection and warmth. |
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| F |
| Feather |
Long hair on lower legs, predominant in the heavier horse and pony breeds, such as Clydesdales and Highlands. |
| Fetlock |
Joint formed by the cannon, pastern and sesamoid bones.
See diagram - Points of the Horse |
| Fillet String |
A piece of cord of plaited materials which passes from either side of the rear of the rug under the horse's tail. This helps to stop the rear of the rug from blowing up and over the horse's back and is usually used on rugs which do not have leg straps. |
| Filly |
Female up to 3 years of age, which has not been bred from |
| Flexion |
The bending of the horse's head to the left or right, or
flexing it from the poll, thereby dropping the nose. |
| Free Walk |
A walk during which the horse if allowed free movement of
it's head by the rider. |
| Foal |
Horse of either sex, up to six months of age |
| Forelock |
The piece of mane which grows between the ears and drops forward over
the forehead. See diagram - Points of the Horse |
| Forging |
An interference in the gait of the horse in which the hind foot strikes the underside of the forefoot on the same side. |
| Frog |
Triangular area located towards the back of the underside of the hoof. It is part of the weight-bearing structure of the hoof, designed to absorb concussion. |
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| G |
| Gaits |
Sequence of the movement of the horse's legs.
There are three natural gaits -- walk, trot, canter -- and a variety of specialized gaits particular to certain breeds -- fox-trot, pace, rack, running walk, etc. |
| Gallop |
A gallop is an uncollected, very fast canter and may be 3- or 4-beat. |
| Gaskin |
Part of the hind leg between the hock and the stifle.
See diagram - Points of the Horse |
| Gelding |
Castrated male horse (any age) |
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| H |
| Half Halt |
A slowing down from a faster pace (ie canter to trot,
trot to walk) |
| Half Pass |
Movement by the horse sideways and forwards crossing the
front and hind legs. |
| Half Pirouette |
Turning through 180 degrees using one hind or foreleg as
a pivot. |
| Hand |
Unit of measure for the height of a horse, taken from the bottom of the front hoof to the top of the withers. One hand is equal to 4 inches. |
| Hock |
Joint in the hind leg joining the cannon bone and the gaskin (equivalent to the human ankle).
See diagram - Points of the Horse |
| Hogged |
The term used to describe a horses' mane which has been completely
removed. This was done to improve certain horses' appearance, but does
grow back. |
| Hoof |
Horny casing of the foot. See diagram - Points of the Horse |
| Hot-blooded Horse |
This group contains breeds such as the pure bred Arab and
Thoroughbred. Horses which have fiery, proud and spirited temperaments. |
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| I |
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| J |
| Jog |
Western riding term for trot (see trot) |
| Jute Rug |
Not so common these days, but in years gone by stable rugs were made from this sack like material lined with wool. |
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| K |
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| L |
| Laminae |
Membrane lining of the hoof, some of which contain the blood vessels that feed the hoof, that attaches the hoof to the bones. |
| Leg Straps |
Straps which attach to the rear sides of a rug (usually New Zealand), which are then passed around the rear legs and fasten to the rear of the rug. These are used to prevent the rug from blowing over the horse’s back during strong winds. |
| Levade |
A specialised movement where the horse's hind legs are
moved under the body to such an extent that the weight is taken off the
forehand, which then lifts off the ground. The horse is in effect
squatting on his haunches - the hocks must be bent at an angle of 45
degrees. |
| Lope |
The western term for canter (see canter) |
| Lungeing |
Exercising and schooling a horse on a long lunge rein,
attached to a Cavesson and held at the other end by the trainer. |
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| M |
| Manege |
Outdoor purpose built riding area |
| Mare |
Mature female horse, four years or older |
| Mouthing |
The first time a bit is introduced into a horse's mouth
during breaking. |
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| N |
| Natural Aids |
The use of the rider's hands, legs, voice and body weight
used in conjunction with one another to control the horse. |
| Navicular |
Boat-shaped bone behind the coffin bone. |
| Near Side |
The side of the horse closest to the kerb when mounting (left) |
| New Zealand Rug |
An outdoor rug that may be used for horses that are turned out in the winter months. Named after the country in which it was invented, where horses are generally kept out all year round. Protects the horse against rain, wind and snow in the UK although also helps
against the sun in N.Z. Originally made from canvas but now also in other materials, eg waxed, cotton, ripstop nylon etc. and come in different weights for differing weather conditions. |
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| O |
| Off side |
The side of the horse that is not usually used to mount (right). |
| On The Bit |
A horse in on the bit when it is fully accepting the
pressure of the bit in it's mouth, is moving forward freely and is ready
to respond instantly to the rider's commands. |
| Overreaching |
An interference in the gait of the horse in which the hind foot steps on the heel of the forefoot on the same side. |
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| P |
| Paddock Rug |
Intended for turning out a horse for short periods of time. |
| Papers |
Written record of family ancestors |
| Passage |
French word used to describe an elevated trot. |
| Pastern |
Part of the leg between the coronet and the fetlock |
| Pelham |
A bit which combines the action of a curb and snaffle bit
in one bit. |
| Piaffer |
A specialised movement performed at the trot. The action
is performed on the spot and in effect is marking time in two time. |
| Piebald |
A horse of black and white irregular colouring. See diagram - Colours and Markings |
| Pirouette |
A short turn of the horse in a small circle not more than
the length of the horse itself. |
| Points of the Horse |
The names given to different parts of the horse's body. See diagram - Points of the Horse |
| Pony |
Horse measuring under 15 hands in height |
| Puissance |
A show jumping competition in which the winner is the
horse that jumps the greatest height. |
| Purebred |
A horse whose recent ancestors are of the same breed (not to be confused with Thoroughbred, which is a breed) |
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| Q |
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| R |
| Registration |
|
| Ripstop |
This is a type of material which some manufacturers use for their rugs. It is usually a man-made toughened fabric. However, the name does not mean that is is impossible to rip. |
| Rollers |
These can be either leather or webbing and are generally used to hold a rug in place that does not have cross
surcingles. There are two padded areas which should be placed on either side of the horse's back behind the withers and allow a clear channel for the backbone so ensuring the spine does not receive unnecessary pressure. The long stap of the roller is then passed under the horse's belly and fastened on the side using buckles with either one or two
staps. |
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| S |
| Saddle Seat |
An American term for a type of riding position. |
| Sesamoid Bones |
Small bones attached to the cannon and pastern by ligaments. Located behind the fetlock joint. |
| Shoulder In |
A schooling movement. The horse is bent round the rider's
inside leg, so that the forehand is brought off the straight track and the
head and neck are bent towards the centre of the school. |
| Shoulder Out |
As Shoulder In, except the horse is bent round the
rider's ouside leg and the head and neck are bent towards the outside of
the school. |
| Sire |
Father of a foal |
| Skewbald |
A horse whose coat comprises of irregular patches of
different colours, in particular brown and white. See diagram - Colours and Markings |
| Snip |
Small white marking around the nostril area. See diagram - Colours and Markings |
| Socks |
The name given to legs which have white markings no higher than the
fetlocks. See diagram - Colours and Markings |
| Spavin |
A bony or soft enlargement of the hock. |
| Splint Bones |
Can be found one on each side of the cannon bone. |
| Square Halt |
When the horse halts with his legs correctly placed, thus
making a rectangle of the body. |
| Stallion |
Entire Mature male horse, four years or older to be used at stud. |
| Star |
A white marking on the horses' forehead. See diagram - Colours and Markings |
| Stifle |
The equivalent of the human knee, joint between the femur and tibia, has a knee cap (patella) attached to the front.
See diagram - Points of the Horse |
| Stocking |
The name given to legs which have white as high as the knee or the hock.
See diagram - Colours and Markings |
| Stripe |
Narrow white strip down a horses' face. See diagram - Colours and Markings |
| Stud |
The name given to an establishment where horses are bred. |
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| T |
| TB |
Abbreviation for the breed Thoroughbred. |
| Trot |
The trot is a 2-beat gait in which the head is held steady and the diagonal feet move together. Faster than a walk. |
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| U |
| Unsoundness |
A fault in conformation that does affect performance or way of going. |
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| V |
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| W |
| Walk |
The walk is a slow, 4-beat gait in which the feet move diagonally -- front left, rear right, front right, rear left. |
| Wall Eye |
An eye which is blue, rather than the normal dark brown colour. It does
not affect vision. |
| Warm-blood |
The resulting off-spring of the mating of a cold-blooded
horse with a hot-blooded horse. |
| Way of Going |
Movement, and the placement of feet during movement. |
| Weanling |
Horse of either sex, between six months and one year |
| Withers |
The top of the shoulders, between the neck and the back. The highest point of the withers is used in measuring the horse’s height (see ‘hand’).
See diagram - Points of the Horse |
| Whorl |
An area of the horses' coat which has a circular pattern, where the
meeting hairs are growing in different directions. Whorls are different in
all horses and should be marked on any registration cards to help aid in
identification should the horse be stolen or lost. |
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| X |
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| Y |
| Yearling |
Horse of either sex, between one and two years of age |
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| Z |
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