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Abortion -Equine: The
premature expulsion of the fetus or foal generally attributed to one of three
causes:
(1) Improper rations
(2) Injuries
(3) Bacillus
abortus.
Aged Horse: A horse
known to be nine years old or older.
Aids (Riding):
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. (Click Here For More
Information)
Airs Above The Ground (School Jumps): Are part of classic dressage referred to as the haute école (F. "high school"), an advanced component of classic dressage, is a highly refined set of skills seldom used in competition but often seen in demonstration performances. The "school jumps," or "airs above the ground" are a series of classic dressage maneuvers where the horse leaves the ground. These include the capriole, courbette, the mezair, the croupade, and levade. None are typically seen in modern competitive dressage, but are performed by horses of various riding academies, including the Spanish Riding School in Vienna and the Cadre Noir in Saumur. Horses such as the Andalusian, Lusitano and Lipizzan are the breeds most often trained to perform the "airs" today, in part due to their powerfully conformed hindquarters, which allow them the strength to perform these difficult movements. Though these movements are said to come from when the horse was used in war, in their modern form, it is unlikely the airs were used in actual battle, as all but the Capriole expose the horse's sensitive underbelly to the weapons of foot soldiers, and it is more likely that they were training exercises used off the battlefield. There were originally seven airs, many of which were used to build into the movements performed today.
The Courbette - Is a movement where the horse balances on its hindlegs and jumps, keeping its forelegs off the ground, thus it "hops" on its hindlegs.
The Capriole - is a movement where the horse leaps into the air and pulls his forelegs in towards his chest at the height of elevation, while kicking out with his hindlegs.
The Levade - Is a movement where the horse is balanced on its haunches at a 45 degree angle from the ground. It requires great control and balance, and is very strenuous.
The croupade, in which the horse does not kick out at the height of elevation, but keeps the hind legs tucked tightly under, and remains parallel to the ground.
The Ballotade - In this movement, the horse's hind hooves are positioned so one can see its shoes if watching from behind, but the horse is not asked to kick out. When the horse demonstrates proficiency in the ballotade, the capriole is introduced.
The Mezair - The horse rears up and strikes out with its forelegs. It is similar to a series of levades with a forward motion (not in place), with the horse gradually bringing its legs further under himself in each successive movement and lightly touching the ground with the front legs before pushing up again. The mezair was originally called the courbette by the old dressage masters, and it is no longer practiced at the Spanish Riding School.
Leading haute ecole demonstration teams include:
The Spanish Riding School, Vienna, Austria, 1735.
The Cadre Noir, Saumur, France, 1828.
Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, 1973.
The Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre, Queluz, Portugal, 1996.
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, where some individuals
have been clocked at speeds up to 55 mph. The American Quarter Horse is the
most popular breed in the
Andalusian, Lusitano (Iberian) Horse: Generally when we think of Iberian horses we think of two breeds the Andalusian and its closely related, Portuguese cousin the Lusitano. Andalusian & Lusitano horses have an impressive list of qualities, perhaps one of the most impressive facts is how little these horses have changed from those of the Iberian horse of centuries ago. Both horses has been used to help create new breeds and to improve and strengthen existing ones. Used in combination with Arabs and Barbs these horses comprise the greatest influence upon all modern equine breeds. The Carthusian Andalusian or Cartujano (The Carthusian Stud was established around 800 BC in the Andalusian region, thus the name) is generally considered the purest Andalusian strain and has one of the oldest recorded pedigree lines in the world. (For more Information about Andalusian, Lusitano & Iberian horses click here)
Anemia: Condition of the
body resulting from a lack of red corpuscles in the blood.
Arabian: The Arabian
horse is a breed of horse that originated in the
Arabian Racing: Arabian
racing was organized in the
Arena: An enclosed area
used for training and competitions. A dressage arena is called a Dressage Show Ring. Different riding
disciplines have different size requirements as follows:
Dressage (Small Size) 20 meters x 40
meters (66 feet x 132 feet)
Dressage (Large Size) 20 meters x 60
meters (66 feet x 198 feet)
Barrel
150 feet x
260 feet (45.645m x 79.118m)
Calf Roping
100 feet x
300 feet (30.43m x 91.29m)
Jumping
150 feet x 300 feet (45.645m x 91.29m)
(more or less depending on course)
Pleasure
Riding
100 feet x 200 feet (30.43m x 60.86)
Team Roping
150
feet x 300 feet (45.645m x 91.29m)
Appaloosa: The
Appaloosa is a horse breed known for its preferred leopard-spotted coat pattern
and other distinctive physical characteristics. (Click Here For More Information)
Asturian Horse (See Irish Hobby Horse Below): Also known as the Asturcon, this breed originated in Northern Spain. It is used for riding and packing and stands 11.2 to 12.2 hh (Hands High - one hand equals 4inches / 10.16 cm) Centuries ago the existence of a small horse breed originating in the northwest of Spain was recorded. The Romans referred to these horses as asturcons and thought well of them - and they were popular with the French during the Middle Ages. Pliny (23-79 A.D.) described them as a small breed that did not trot, but moved in an easy gait by alternately moving both legs on one side.
The ambling gait was natural for this small horse, and done in such a way that it gave a comfortable ride. As a result, they become popular as ladies' mounts. Known as palfreys in England, they were called haubini in France, a word that later became hobbye and eventually hobby horse. Much of this blood was taken to Ireland, where the "Irish Hobby" was greatly admired.
B
Bad Keeper: A horse who does not eat well or does not digest
what he does eat.
Bascule: (Jumping) Bascule is the natural round arc a horse's
body takes as it goes over a jump. The horse should rise up through its back,
stretching its neck forward and down, when it reaches the peak of his jump.
Ideally, the withers are the highest point over the fence. This is often
described as the horse taking the shape of a dolphin jumping out of the water.
Bascule can also refer more generally to the raising of the withers while the
horse is in motion. (Click Here For More Information)
Barrel Racing: Barrel racing is a rodeo event in which a horse and
rider attempt to complete a pattern around preset barrels in the fastest time. Though
both boys and girls compete at the youth level and men compete in some amateur
venues, in collegiate and professional ranks, it is primarily a rodeo event for
women. It combines the horse's athletic ability and the horsemanship skills of
a rider in order to safely and successfully maneuver a horse through a clover
leaf pattern around three barrels (typically three fifty-five gallon metal or
plastic drums) placed in a triangle in the center of an arena.
Barb Horse: Developed on
the Barbary Coast of North Africa, the Barb is a desert horse with great
hardiness and stamina. Due to the amount of cross-breeding, it is difficult to
find a purebred Barb today. The Barb generally possesses a fiery temperament
and an atypical sport-horse conformation, but nevertheless has had an incredible
impact on today's modern breeds. (Click
Here For More Information)
Basuto Pony (Also spelled Basotho Pony: The
Basuto is a pony breed from
Batak Pony: The Batak
Pony is a pony breed from
Bedding: Straw, sawdust,
wood shavings, sand, peat moss, leaves or sugar cane stalks are considered to
be good bedding for horses.
Belgian Warmblood: A
Belgian Warmblood, as the name implies, is a Warmblood type of horse. The
traits given the greatest importance in the breeding aim of the Belgian
Warmblood are performance in show jumping and dressage, as well as subjective
conformational correctness and robust health. (Click Here For More Information)
Bhutia Pony: Or
Indian Country bred which is the common name for the inter-bred mixture of
Bhutia Ponies, Spiti Ponies and Tibetan Ponies. These
animals have been interbred for years so that many of the individual
characteristics of the Bhutia and Spiti have been
lost, and they now are categorized as "Indian Country Bred". They
originated in the Himalayan region of
Bhutia-type ponies range in height from 12-13.2 hh, and are usually gray in
color, although a few are chestnut or roan. Spiti-type
ponies usually never get taller than 12 hh, and they are usually gray or dun in
color, although they may be any solid color. The ponies are kept mainly for
work, mainly as pack ponies and sometimes for riding, to which their stamina
and endurance serves them well. They generally have a willing and quiet
temperament.
Boer Pony: The Boer Pony
is a calm, tough pony originating from
Bosnian Pony: The
Bosnian Pony is a member of the group of horses known as the Balkan breeds, and
is thought to be descended from a cross between the Tarpan and the Asian Wild
Horse. The Bosnian Pony bears many similarities to both the Hucul and the Konik
breeds of pony, and the triad is generally known collectively as the Balkan
breeds. The breeds are all considered ancient, and the Bosnian Pony is thought
to have developed through a cross between the Tarpan and the Asian Wild Horse,
also known as the Przewalski horse. It is thought that there were infusions of
oriental stock by the Turks during the
Blemish: An abnormality
that does not seriously affect the serviceability of a horse.
Blind Spots: A problem
with having the eyes set out on the side of the head is that there is a blind
spot created directly in front of and behind the horse. The area in front of
the horse may be a true blind spot, or an area of indistinct
vision, depending on how far out the eyes are set. This area is
triangular in shape, wide at the eyes and comes to a point about 3-4 feet in
front of the horse. The area behind the horse is just slightly wider than the
width of the horse’s body and goes on indefinitely if the horse stands
with it head straight in front of it.
Body Brush: A soft brush
used to make a horse shine.
Box Stall: A stall in
the shape of a large box (12’ x 14’ / 3.66m x 4.27m).
Breeches: English Style
Riding pants.
Breeds - Horse: Horse
Breeds are loosely divided into three categories based on general temperament:
spirited "Hot Bloods" with speed and endurance; "Cold
Bloods", such as draft horses and some ponies, suitable for slow, heavy
work; and "Warmbloods", developed from crosses between hot bloods and
cold bloods, often focusing on creating breeds for specific riding purposes,
particularly in
Breed Registry: A group
of breeders banded together for the purposes of recording the lineage of their
animals, protecting the purity of the breed, encouraging further improvement of
the breed, and promoting the interest of the breed. (Click Here For More Information)
Breed Shows: Equestrian
shows that are dedicated to specific breeds.
Breed Types
Brush and Rails: (Jumpers) Obstacle composed of a vertical component with a hedge in front.
Byerley Turk or Byerly Turk: Was the
earliest (1686) of three stallions that were the founders of the modern
Thoroughbred horse racing bloodstock (the other two are the Godolphin Arabian
and the Darley Arabian). (Click Here For
More Information)
Buy a
C
Cadence: (Dressage) Cadence
is increased duration of a stride because of marked rhythm requiring flexible
strength and an actively swinging back. Examination of movies shows this is the
result of long ground contact times of limbs and not suspension (all four legs
off ground) as is sometimes supposed. Dressage horses usually do not lift
themselves off the ground more than a few inches (centimeters). Once in the
air, objects or animals quickly return to earth at the acceleration of gravity,
so falling several inches does not contribute substantially to the duration of
a stride.
Campdrafting:
(Australia/New Zealand) Campdrafting is an Australian competition in which a
horse and rider team works individual cattle over a set outside course.
Campdrafters use either English saddles as well as the Australian stock saddle
that was originally adapted from English tack.
Canter: (English) The
canter is a controlled, three-beat gait performed by a horse. It is a natural
gait possessed by all horses, faster than most horses' trot but slower than the
gallop, and is used by all riders. The speed of the canter varies between 16-27
km/h (10-17 mph), depending on the length of the stride of the horse. A
variation of the canter, seen in western riding, is called a lope, and
generally is quite slow, no more than 13-19 km/h (8-12 mph). (Click Here For More Information)
Carriage Driving:
(Driving) Carriage Driving involves the use of somewhat larger two or four
wheeled carriages, often restored antiques, pulled by a single horse, a tandem
or four-in-hand team. Pleasure competitions are judged on the turnout/neatness
or suitability of horse and carriage. (Click
Here For More Information)
Castration: Removal of
the testicles of a male to make him sterile.
Charger Horse: (Middle Ages) Medieval war horses were classified in three
types: Destriers, Coursers and Rounceys. These three types of horses were often
referred to generically as chargers. (Click
Here For More Information)
Chief Steward:
(Dressage) President of the jury who is located behind the C marker letter;
during a school test, the chief steward rings a bell when a competitor commits
an error in the course.
Closed Registry: A equine stud registry which requires the parents (Sire & Dam) of a foal to be pure bred to that breed. (Click here for more information)
Clydesdale: The
Clydesdale is a breed of draft horse derived from the farm horses of
(Click Here For More Information)
Cold Bloods: A breed
category which includes draft horses and some ponies, suitable for slow, heavy
work. Cold bloods are bred for their strength, muscularity and mild
disposition, thus the name cold blooded as opposed to a hot blooded animal. (Click Here For More Information)
Colic: Colic in horses
is defined as abdominal pain, but it is a clinical sign rather than a
diagnosis. The term colic can encompass all forms of gastrointestinal
conditions which cause pain as well as other causes of abdominal pain not
involving the gastrointestinal tract. The most common forms of colic are
gastrointestinal in nature and are most often related to colonic disturbance.
There are a variety of different causes of colic, some of which can prove fatal
without surgical intervention. Colic surgery is usually an expensive procedure
as it is major abdominal surgery, often with intensive aftercare. Among
domesticated horses, colic is a major cause of premature death. The incidence
of colic in the general horse population has been estimated between 10 and 11
percent on an annual basis. It is important that any person who owns or works
with horses be able to recognize the signs of colic and determine whether or
not a veterinarian should be called. (Click
Here For More Information)
Color Breeds: There are
some registries that accept horses (and sometimes ponies and mules) of almost
any breed or type for registration. Color is either the only criterion for
registration or the primary criterion. These are called "color
breeds," because unlike "true" horse breeds, with few other physical requirements, nor is the stud book limited in
any fashion. As a general rule, the color also does not always breed on (in
some cases due to genetic impossibility), and offspring without the stated
color are usually not eligible for recording with the color breed registry. (Click Here For More Information)
Collection: Collection
is when a horse carries more weight on his hind legs than his front legs. The
horse draws the body in upon itself so that it becomes like a giant spring
whose stored energy can be reclaimed for fighting or running from a predator.
The largest organic spring in the horse's body is the spine with the associated
muscle, and therefore the easiest one to observe in action. This spring is
drawn together in much the same way that a bow is drawn by an archer.
Collection: (Dressage)
Collection is the ability to gather, shift balance toward hindquarters and
maneuver the body with improved agility. Collection is often observed in terms
of relative elevation of forehand and hindquarters during basic gaits and
during transitions within and between gaits. Collection as consistent
maintenance of balance is a fundamental property of extensions and is heavily
dependent on tempo [strides per minute] of a gait.
Colostrum: The milk
secreted by the dam (Mother) for the first few days following birth of a foal.
Colt: A young stallion
(Male horse).
Combination: (Jumpers)
Set of two or more obstacles that are grouped together and count as a single
obstacle; each of its obstacles must be cleared separately.
Competition Ring: (Jumpers) Closed terrain marked with 12 to 15 obstacles that the horse and
rider must clear in a set order while committing the fewest faults possible.
Concentrates: Are
feeds that are low in fiber and high in total digestible nutrients. Examples of
this class of feeds are the various grains and high grade by products.
Conception: The
fertilization of the egg and beginning of growth of the embryo inside the
mare's body.
Conformation: Symmetrical disposition of the parts of a horse (how the horse is
proportionally put together). A horse's conformation is usually judged by what
its intended use may be (Form fits function). (Click Here For More Information)
Correct Dressage Gaits: (Dressage) Correct dressage gaits
defined walks, trots (including passage and piaffe) and canters --- in the
large spectrum of gaits that elite athletes like horses can perform, these
gaits have cyclic rhythmic characteristics that place them at the slower end of
gait velocities (tempo again): gaits are expected to progress in ways that show
expression and "swing"
Courser Horse: (Middle
Ages) A courser is a swift and strong horse, frequently used during the Middle
Ages as a warhorse. It was ridden by knights and men-at-arms. (Click Here For More Information)
Course Steward: (Dressage) Official in charge of enforcing the rules and overseeing that the
competition unfolds smoothly. (Click
Here For More Information)
Course Steward: (Jumpers)
Official in charge of enforcing the rules and of the layout of the course;
during the competition, the steward also controls who enters and exits the
track. (Click Here For More Information)
Cribbing: A vice in
which the horse bites or places its upper incisor teeth on some solid object,
pulls down, arches his neck, and swallows gulps of air which go into the
stomach, not the lungs.
Cross Firing: A
fundamental of horse training is ensuring that your horse stays on the correct
lead during the canter. Horses have two leads: right lead and left lead. The
term ‘lead’ refers to the leg with which your horse leads with
during the canter. (Example)On the left lead, your horse's left leg stretches
out while the rest of the legs follow sequentially. When your horse
cross-fires, it means that both front legs are on one lead, while the back two
legs are on the opposite.
Horses that cross-fire aren't trying to be bad; usually, this
problem boils down to a lack of balance and muscle. Generally speaking,
horses are prone to cross-firing when they are moving on a circle, such as when
they are cantering in a round pen. Because they lack balance and muscle
control, they cross-fire to compensate. Just like when we compensate for an
injured limb, horses also compensate for lack of balance.
Cutting: (Western) This event highlights the "cow sense" prized in
stock horses. The horse and rider select and separate a cow (or steer) out of
small herd of 10-20 animals. When the cow tries to return to the herd, the
rider relaxes the reins and leaves it entirely to the horse to keep the cow
from returning to the herd. Depending on the level of competition, one to three
judges award points to each competitor.
D
Dam: A name for a mare
which has a foal.
Darley Arabian: The
Darley Arabian (1704) was one of three dominant foundation sires of modern
Thoroughbred horse racing bloodstock, the other two being the Godolphin Arabian
and the Byerly Turk. Modern genetic testing shows that this stallion was by far
the most prolific; having sired the ancestors on over 95% of all modern
Thoroughbreds. (Click Here For More
Information)
Destrier: (Middle Ages) The Destrier is the best-known war horse of the
medieval era. It carried knights in battles, tournaments, and jousts. It was
described by contemporary sources as the Great Horse, due to its size and
reputation. The term destrier is derived from the Vulgar Latin dextarius,
meaning "right-sided" (the same root as our modern dexterous and
dexterity). This may refer to the fact that it was led by the squire at the
knight's right side (or led by the right hand) or to the horse's pacing
(leading with the right). While highly prized by knights and men-at-arms, the
destrier was actually not very common. Most knights and mounted men-at-arms
rode other war horses, such as coursers and rounceys. These three types of
horses were often referred to generically as chargers. (Click Here For More Information)
Dismounting: Getting off
of a riding horse. This should always be done on the "near" or left
side of the horse.
Dominance Hierarchy (Also known as
"Pecking Order"): A dominance hierarchy (in humans:
social hierarchy) is the organization of individuals in a group that occurs
when competition of resources leads to aggression. Schjelderup-Ebbe,
who studied the often-cited example of the pecking order in chickens, found
that such social structures lead to more stable flocks in which aggression was
reduced among individuals. Dominance hierarchies can be despotic or linear. In
a despotic hierarchy, only one individual is dominant, while the others are all
equally submissive. In a linear hierarchy, for example, in the above cited
pecking order of chickens, each individual dominates all individuals below him
and not those above him. Dominance hierarchies occur in most social animal
species, including primates who normally live in groups. Dominance hierarchies
have been extensively studied in fish, birds, and mammals. Dominance
hierarchies can be simple linear structures, which often arise from the
physical differences among individuals in a group in relation to their access
to resources. They are also influenced by the complex social interactions among
individuals in the group.
Dosage Index: (Racing)
The Dosage Index is a mathematical figure used by breeders of Thoroughbred race
horses, and sometimes by bettors handicapping horse races, to quantify a
horse's ability, or inability, to negotiate the various distances at which
horse races are run. It is calculated based on an analysis of the horse's
pedigree. (Click Here For More
Information)
Double: (Jumpers)
Obstacle composed of two single components that are very close together; the
horse must clear it in a single jump.
Draft Horse: A draft
horse (USA), draught horse (UK) or dray horse (from the Anglo-Saxon dragan
meaning to draw or haul) is a large horse bred for hard, heavy tasks such as
ploughing and farm labor. There are a number of different breeds, with varying
characteristics but all share common traits of strength, patience and a docile
temperament which made them indispensable to generations of pre-industrial
farmers. Draft horses and draft crossbreds are versatile breeds used today for
a multitude of purposes, including farming, show, and other recreational uses.
They are also commonly used for crossbreeding, especially to light riding
breeds such as the Thoroughbred for the purpose of creating sport horses. While
most draft horses are used for driving, they can be ridden and some of the
lighter draft breeds are capable performers under saddle. (Click Here For More Information)
Drag Hunt: A form of
hunting in which an artificial scent is first
laid.
Driving:
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 form. It
encompasses a wide range of activities from pleasure driving, to harness
racing, to farm work, horse shows, and even International combined driving
competition sanctioned by the FEI. The term “in harness” is often
used to describe a horse being driven. (Click
Here For More Information)
Drench: A method
of giving liquid medicine to a horse by elevating his head and pouring it down
his throat from a
bottle.
Dressage: (pronounced
dress-ahhzh) A French term, most commonly translated
to mean "training") is a path and destination of competitive horse
training, with competitions held at all levels from amateur to the Olympics.
Its fundamental purpose is to develop, through standardized progressive
training methods, a horse's natural athletic ability and willingness to
perform, thereby maximizing its potential as a riding horse. At the peak of a
dressage horse's gymnastic development, it can smoothly respond to a skilled
rider's minimal aids by performing the requested movement while remaining
relaxed and appearing effortless. Dressage is occasionally referred to as
"Horse Ballet" (cf. nl:
Dressuur). Although the discipline has ancient roots, dressage was first
recognized as an important equestrian pursuit in the West during the
Renaissance. The great European riding masters of that period developed a
sequential training system that has changed little since then. Classical
dressage is still considered the basis of trained modern dressage. (Click Here For More Information)
Dressage Masters
Dressage Show Ring: (Dressage) Flat rectangular grounds where the competitors perform their tests; each routine must be executed in precise time, sometimes to music.
E
Endurance Riding: Distance riding competition. While many styles of saddle are used, English
saddles are very common at international levels.
English Pleasure: From
starting horses and/or riders, to finish work with an emphasis on movement and
relaxation.
English Riding (Classic Riding): English
riding is a term, arguably incorrectly, used to describe a form of horseback riding that is seen
throughout the world. There are many variations in English riding, but all
feature a flat English saddle without the deep seat, high cantle or saddle horn
seen on Western saddles or the knee pads seen on an Australian Stock Saddles.
Saddles within the various English disciplines are all designed to allow the
horse the freedom to move in the most optimal manner for a given task, ranging
from Classical dressage to horse racing. English bridles also vary in style
based on discipline, but most feature some type of cavesson noseband as well as
closed reins, buckled together at the ends, that prevent them from dropping on
the ground if a rider becomes unseated. Clothing for riders in competition is
usually based on traditional needs from which a specific style of riding
developed, but most standards require, as a minimum, boots; breeches or
jodhpurs; a shirt with some form of tie; a hat, cap, or equestrian helmet and a
jacket. (Click Here For More Information)
English
Saddle: A general name given to varies types
of saddles used in the riding discipline known as English. English saddles come
in. a wide range of styles and functions.
Equine Infectious Anemia or Equine
Infectious Anaemia (EIA) (Coggins): Equine Infectious Anemia or
Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA), also known by horsemen as swamp fever, is a
horse disease caused by a retrovirus and transmitted by bloodsucking insects.
The virus is endemic in the
Equitation: Equitation
is the art and science of riding horses safely, skillfully and gracefully.
Equitation refers to a rider's position while mounted, and encompasses a
rider's ability to ride correctly and with effective aids. In horse show
competition, the rider, rather than the horse is evaluated. Such classes go by
different names, depending on region, including equitation classes, rider
classes, or horsemanship classes. Judging criteria covers the rider's
performance and control of the horse, use of riding aids, proper attire,
correct form, and usually factor in rider poise and the cleanliness and polish
of horse, rider and equipment. The performance of the horse is not judged per
se, but a poorly-performing horse is considered to reflect the ability of the
rider. Equitation classes occur in the Dressage, Hunt seat, Saddle seat, and
Western disciplines. A good equitation rider is always in balance with the
horse, maintains a correct position in every gait, movement, or over a fence,
and possesses a commanding, but relaxed, presence, able to direct the horse
with nearly invisible aids.
Equestrianism: Equestrianism
refers to the skill and science of riding or driving horses. This broad
description includes both use of horses for practical, working purposes as well
as recreational activities and competitive sports.
Equus Caballus: Latin name for the modern horse (Equus ferus
caballus) is a hoofed (ungulate) mammal, a subspecies of one of seven extant
species of the family Equidae. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55
million years from a small multi-toed creature into the large, single-toed
animal of today. Humans began to domesticate horses around 4000 BCE, and their
domestication is believed to have been widespread by 3000 BCE; by 2000 BCE the
use of domesticated horses had spread throughout the Eurasian continent.
Although most horses today are domesticated, there are still endangered populations
of the Przewalski’s Horse, the only remaining true wild horse, as well as
more common feral horses which live in the wild but are descended from
domesticated ancestors. Scientific Classification: (Horse) Kingdom: Animalia -
Phylum: Chordata - Class: Mammalia - Order: Perissodactyla - Family: Equidae -
Genus: Equus - Species: E. ferus - Subspecies: E. f. caballus - Trinomial name:
Equus ferus caballus. (Click Here For
More Information)
Eventing: Competition
that combines Dressage, cross-country jumping and show jumping, usually held
over a three-day period. Eventing is an internationally popular and recognized
Olympic competition. The equestrian sport of eventing has a steeplechase phase,
which is held in its "classic" or "long format". Unlike the
racing form, horses do not race each other over the course, but rather are just
meant to come under a pre-set "optimum time." The fences are usually
very similar in type, all with brush that is meant to be jumped through rather
than over. Ditches, post-and-rail, and other upright fences are not used.
Penalty points are added to the horse's score if he exceeds the optimum time,
but there is no reward for an especially fast round. (Click Here For More Information)
Extension: (Dressage)
Extension is the ability to maintain balance and rhythm while uncoiling the
spine during moderate to maximum covering of ground in each stride. Strongly related to coordination and strength acquired in
developing collection. Horses may differ markedly in terms of the place
in their training that extensions in level, then uphill balance will appear. (Click Here For More Information)
F
Farrier / Blacksmith: A
farrier cares for the feet of horses. A qualified farrier can trim, shod,
repair and set hoof angles, specific to the breed and the function of the
horse. A blacksmith can create and or modify custom shoes, such as studded
shoes.
Fault: (Jumpers) In jumping competitions, faults (1 point for each fault) are
assessed for the following mistakes:
Feathers: Long hair found on a horse such as on the fetlocks.
Feeds: Standard feeds
for a horse are hay, grass, oats, barley, corn, sweet feed and bran.
FEI: The Fédération
Équestre Internationale (commonly known as the FEI) or in English, the
International Federation for Equestrian Sports, is the international governing
body of equestrian (horse) sports. It recognizes and governs ten disciplines: dressage, combined driving, endurance riding, eventing,
horse-ball, Para-equestrianism, reining, show jumping, tent pegging, and
vaulting.
Figure: (Dressage) Set
of codified movements recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian
Events; a high-level test consists of up to 35 figures to execute from memory.
Filly: Female horse
under three years of age.
Fine Harness - Also called Formal
Driving: (Driving) Horses are hitched to a light four-wheeled
cart and shown in a manner that emphasizes flashy action and dramatic
performance. Refined pony breeds and certain light saddle horse breeds noted
for their action are most often seen in fine harness. Most fine harness
competition requires horses to perform a bit of a walk, and two types of a
high-action "park" trot, a slow trot with more controlled but elegant
action, and a faster, flashier trot where the horse exhibits the most animation
possible, often announced by the command "show your horses." (Or,
"show your ponies" in the case of pony shows). (Click Here For More Information)
Firing: A method of
strengthening tendons by piercing the skin of the foreleg between the knee and
pastern with a red hot iron. This is practiced largely with race horses which
have broken down in the tendons.
First Aid Team: Medical
staff who are ready to act in the event of injury to a rider.
Fixed or Bridged Reins:
Reins crossed and rested on top of horse's withers so that the horse pulls
against himself.
Flehmen (Also known as Flehmen
Reaction): This is a primarily male horse reaction the scent
given off by mares in estrus. The horse curls his upper lip back, showing his
teeth; then opening his mouth in order to draw a large quantity of air across a
specialized scent organ located in the roof of his mouth. This aids in analyzing
the scent.
Foal: Colt or filly
under one year.
Founder ( Laminitis): Laminitis (Commonly called Founder, from the nautical term "to sink")
is a disease of the digital Laminae of the hoof (foot of an ungulate). It is a
debilitating disease and is most well known in horses and cattle. (Click Here For More Information)
Furlong: (Racing) A furlong is one – eighth of a mile (660’ /
201.168m). A furlong is the standard form of measurement in racing.
G
Gaits: The natural ways
a horse moves. The three natural gaits (paces) of a horse are walk, trot and
canter. In the large spectrum of gaits that elite athletes like horses can
perform, these gaits have cyclic rhythmic characteristics that place them at
the slower end of gait velocities (tempo again): gaits are expected to progress
in ways that show expression and "swing".
Gaits-Artificial: An
exaggerated style which is taught as opposed to natural gaits. Some artificial
gaits are: foxtrot, gallop, pace, rack, running walk,
slow pace, stepping pace and the traverse or sidestep.
Gaits-Correct Dressage: (Dressage) Correct dressage
gaits are defined walks, trots (including passage and piaffe) and canters.
Gate: (Jumpers) Obstacle
shaped like a simple fence and made up of fixed boards laid side by side.
Gelding: A male horse
which has been castrated before he is two years old.
Gestation: The act or
period of carrying the young during the pregnancy period; 11 to 11 1/2 months
or 330 to 340 days for the
mare.
Godolphin Arabian: (c.
1724 – 1754), 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 (the other two are the Darley Arabian and the Byerly
Turk). He was given his name for his best-known owner, Francis Godolphin, 2nd
Earl of Godolphin. (Click Here For More
Information)
Gymkhana: An all-games
show or event (egg-in-spoon race, musical chairs, etc.) for horses and their
riders.
H
Half Halt: A signal of
preparation that can be used to help the horse maintain balance during changes
of gait, direction, or speed. The rider essentially calls the horse to
attention by increasing contact with the lower legs while simultaneously
increasing the rein contact ever so slightly. This creates a contained form of
energy that can then be utilized for a variety of uses, such as transitioning from
one gait to another.
Halter Classes (Also sometimes called
Conformation or Breeding" Classes): (Western) The conformation of the horse is judged, with emphasis on
the both the movement and build of the horse. The horse is not ridden, but is
led, shown in a halter by a handler controlling the horse from the ground using
a lead rope.
Halter Showmanship, also called
Showmanship at Halter, Youth Showmanship, Showmanship in-hand or Fitting and
Showmanship: (Western) In showmanship classes the performance
of the handler is judged, as well as the cleanliness and grooming of horse,
equipment and handler's attire, with the behavior of the horse also considered
part of the handler's responsibility. The competitor is judged on his or her
ability to fit and present the halter horse to its best advantage. The horse is
taken through a short pattern where the horse and handler must set up the horse
correctly at a standstill and exhibit full control while at a walk, jog, and
turning and in more advanced classes, pivoting and backing up. Clothing of the
handlers tends to parallel that of western pleasure competition. Halters are
leather ornamented with silver. Showmanship classes are popular at a wide range
of levels, from children who do not yet have the skill or confidence to succeed
in riding events, to large and competitive classes at the highest levels of
national show competition.
Hand: Unit of measuring
horse's height (to highest part of the withers):1 hand = 4 in. = 10 cm.
Subdivided into inches.(For example, 16.2 hands = 16
hands and 2 inches [or 66 inches or 45 cm.].)
Harness Racing: Harness racing is a form of horse-racing
in which the horses race in a specified gait. They usually pull two-wheeled
carts called sulkies, although races to saddle (trot monté in French) are still occasionally conducted, especially in
Haute Ecole : The haute école (F. "high school"), an advanced component of Classical dressage, is a highly refined set of skills seldom used in competition but often seen in demonstration performances. The "school jumps," or "airs above the ground" are a series of classic dressage maneuvers where the horse leaves the ground. These include the capriole, courbette, the mezair, the croupade, and levade. None are typically seen in modern competitive dressage, but are performed by horses of various riding academies, including the Spanish Riding School in Vienna and the Cadre Noir in Saumur. Horses such as the Andalusian, Lusitano and Lipizzan are the breeds most often trained to perform the "airs" today, in part due to their powerfully conformed hindquarters, which allow them the strength to perform these difficult movements. Though these movements are said to come from when the horse was used in war, in their modern form, it is unlikely the airs were used in actual battle, as all but the Capriole expose the horse's sensitive underbelly to the weapons of foot soldiers, and it is more likely that they were training exercises used off the battlefield. There were originally seven airs, many of which were used to build into the movements performed today. (Also See Airs Above The Ground)
Airs Above The Ground (School Jumps)
The Courbette - Is a movement where the horse balances on its hindlegs and jumps, keeping its forelegs off the ground, thus it "hops" on its hindlegs.
The Capriole - is a movement where the horse leaps into the air and pulls his forelegs in towards his chest at the height of elevation, while kicking out with his hindlegs.
The Levade - Is a movement where the horse is balanced on its haunches at a 45 degree angle from the ground. It requires great control and balance, and is very strenuous.
The croupade, in which the horse does not kick out at the height of elevation, but keeps the hind legs tucked tightly under, and remains parallel to the ground.
The Ballotade - In this movement, the horse's hind hooves are positioned so one can see its shoes if watching from behind, but the horse is not asked to kick out. When the horse demonstrates proficiency in the ballotade, the capriole is introduced.
The Mezair - The horse rears up and strikes out with its forelegs. It is similar to a series of levades with a forward motion (not in place), with the horse gradually bringing its legs further under himself in each successive movement and lightly touching the ground with the front legs before pushing up again. The mezair was originally called the courbette by the old dressage masters, and it is no longer practiced at the Spanish Riding School.
Leading haute ecole demonstration teams include:
The Spanish Riding School, Vienna, Austria, 1735.
The Cadre Noir, Saumur, France, 1828.
Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, 1973.
The Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre, Queluz, Portugal, 1996.
Head Shy: A horse that
is afraid of having its head touched or of quick movements about the head.
Heat Period: The
period in which a mare can be bred. Heat periods usually recur at about
21-day intervals. This interval may be as short as 10 days or long as 37. The
duration of the heat period averages 4 to 6 days, but it may range from 1 to 37
days.
Hobby Horse Irish - (See Asturian): (Middle Ages)The Irish Hobby is an extinct breed of horse native to the British Isles that developed prior to the 13th Century. The breed provided foundation bloodlines for several modern horse breeds, including breeds as diverse as the Connemara pony and the Irish Draught. Mares of Irish Hobby breeding may have been among the native horse breeds of the British Isles that provided foundation stock for the Thoroughbred. There is ample evidence that the Irish Hobby was imported into and used in England and Scotland for various activities, including racing. This quick and agile horse was also popular for skirmishing, and was often ridden by light cavalry known as Hobelars. Hobbies were used successfully by both sides during the Wars of Scottish Independence, with Edward I of England trying to gain advantage by preventing Irish exports of the horses to Scotland . Robert Bruce employed the Irish Hobby for his guerilla warfare and mounted raids, covering 60 to 70 miles a day. Hobby horses have an important association with Asturian horses also known as the Asturcon, this breed originated in Northern Spain. It is used for riding and packing and stands 11.2 to 12.2 hh (Hands High - one hand equals 4inches / 10.16 cm) Centuries ago the existence of a small horse breed originating in the northwest of Spain was recorded. The Romans referred to these horses as asturcons and thought well of them - and they were popular with the French during the Middle Ages. Pliny (23-79 A.D.) described them as a small breed that did not trot, but moved in an easy gait by alternately moving both legs on one side. The ambling gait was natural for this small horse, and done in such a way that it gave a comfortable ride. As a result, they become popular as ladies' mounts. Known as palfreys in England, they were called haubini in France, a word that later became hobbye and eventually hobby horse. Much of this blood was taken to Ireland, where the "Irish Hobby" was greatly admired.
Hogging or Roaching: Clipping the mane close to the neck.
Horse Behavior: Horse
behavior is best understood from the perspective that horses are prey animals
with a well-developed fight-or-flight instinct. Their first response to a
threat is to flee, although they are known to stand their ground and defend
themselves or their offspring in cases where flight is untenable, such as when a
foal would be threatened.
Horse Breeds: Horse
breeds are loosely divided into three categories based on general temperament:
spirited "hot bloods" with speed and endurance; "cold
bloods", such as draft horses and some ponies, suitable for slow, heavy
work; and "warmbloods", developed from
crosses between hot bloods and cold bloods, often focusing on creating breeds
for specific riding purposes, particularly in
Horse Racing: Broadly
speaking, a riding discipline that uses a very lightweight saddle based on an
English design. (Click Here For More
Information)
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. Equipping a horse is often referred to
as” tacking up”.
Hot Bloods: Hot
Bloods are a breed category with the characteristics of fiery temperament,
speed and endurance. Spirited breeds such as Arabians, Barbs and Thoroughbreds
fairly represent the category of Hot Blood.
Hunter / Jumper: From
starting novice horses and riders to the competition ring. Judging is based on
movement, balance, potential, and suitability. (Click Here For More Information)
I
Iberian Horse: Generally when we think of Iberian horses we think of two breeds the Andalusian and its closely related, Portuguese cousin the Lusitano. Andalusian & Lusitano horses have an impressive list of qualities, perhaps one of the most impressive facts is how little these horses have changed from those of the Iberian horse of centuries ago. Both horses has been used to help create new breeds and to improve and strengthen existing ones. Used in combination with Arabs and Barbs these horses comprise the greatest influence upon all modern equine breeds. The Carthusian Andalusian or Cartujano (The Carthusian Stud was established around 800 BC in the Andalusian region, thus the name) is generally considered the purest Andalusian strain and has one of the oldest recorded pedigree lines in the world. (For more Information about Andalusian, Lusitano & Iberian horses click here)
Impulsion: (Dressage)
Impulsion is the willingness to move forward. A particular
type of prompt, fluent, obedient reaction to aids. A horse with
impulsion feels "ahead of the leg".
Impaction: An impaction
(obstruction) of a horses intestines is life threatening, leading to
dehydration, colic even death, if the obstruction is not dislodged and removed.
Impaction can happen in the cecum or the large colon or both. When impactions
do happen in both the cecum and the large colon it becomes difficult to
dislodge or remove and usually requires surgery. Even non-surgical treatments
of serious impactions can take several days of treatments. These treatments
consist of medication and lubricants which keep the impaction moving. (Click Here For More Information)
Infectious Diseases:
Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens (bacteria, fungi, Viruses, protozoa
and parasites). Many of the most serious diseases can be prevented by vaccines.
(Click Here For More Information)
Irish Hobby Horse - (See Asturian): (Middle Ages)The Irish Hobby is an extinct breed of horse native to the British Isles that developed prior to the 13th Century. The breed provided foundation bloodlines for several modern horse breeds, including breeds as diverse as the Connemara pony and the Irish Draught. Mares of Irish Hobby breeding may have been among the native horse breeds of the British Isles that provided foundation stock for the Thoroughbred. There is ample evidence that the Irish Hobby was imported into and used in England and Scotland for various activities, including racing. This quick and agile horse was also popular for skirmishing, and was often ridden by light cavalry known as Hobelars. Hobbies were used successfully by both sides during the Wars of Scottish Independence, with Edward I of England trying to gain advantage by preventing Irish exports of the horses to Scotland . Robert Bruce employed the Irish Hobby for his guerilla warfare and mounted raids, covering 60 to 70 miles a day. Hobby horses have an important association with Asturian horses also known as the Asturcon, this breed originated in Northern Spain. It is used for riding and packing and stands 11.2 to 12.2 hh (Hands High - one hand equals 4inches / 10.16 cm) Centuries ago the existence of a small horse breed originating in the northwest of Spain was recorded. The Romans referred to these horses as asturcons and thought well of them - and they were popular with the French during the Middle Ages. Pliny (23-79 A.D.) described them as a small breed that did not trot, but moved in an easy gait by alternately moving both legs on one side. The ambling gait was natural for this small horse, and done in such a way that it gave a comfortable ride. As a result, they become popular as ladies' mounts. Known as palfreys in England, they were called haubini in France, a word that later became hobbye and eventually hobby horse. Much of this blood was taken to Ireland, where the "Irish Hobby" was greatly admired.
J
Jennet (sometimes called Spanish
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. The jennet was an ideal light riding horse, and
as such spread across Europe and provided some of the foundation bloodstock for
several horse breeds in the
Judge: (Dressage) Person
in charge of evaluating the performances; five judges (including a president)
are positioned around the ring and score each figure out of 10.
Jumpers: (Jumpers) This
term referrers to several English riding disciplines including: Eventing
Hunter, Hunter / Jumper, Show Jumper / Stadium Jumping and Steeple Chasing. All
these disciplines share horses that jump over obstacles the difference is the
height, length and type of obstacles. (Click
Here For More Information)
Jump Judges: (Jumpers)
There are usually four jump judges who calculate the competitors’
penalties based on the course and the marking system chosen.
L
Laminitis or Founder: Laminitis (Commonly called Founder, from the nautical term "to sink")
is a disease of the digital Laminae of the hoof (foot of an ungulate). It is a
debilitating disease and is most well known in horses and cattle. (Click Here For More Information)
Light Horses: Animals
produced to meet the specific purposes of riding, racing, stock horses, etc. Lightness: (Dressage) Lightness is an
impression of self-carriage based on grace as an expression of poise, fluent
movement and flexible strength. A light horse is "up at the
withers" in positive relative elevation.
Livery: The care,
feeding, stabling, etc., of horses for pay.
Longeing / Lungeing: Longeing (USA) or Lungeing (UK) 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. Longeing is performed on a large circle with
the horse traveling around the outside edge of a real or imaginary ring with
the trainer in the middle. (Click Here
For More Information)
Lope: (Western) The
western term for canter. A good lope is smooth and slower than the canter
that’s expected in English riding.
Lusitano (Iberian) Horse: Generally when we think of Iberian horses we think of two breeds the Andalusian and its closely related, Portuguese cousin the Lusitano. Andalusian & Lusitano horses have an impressive list of qualities, perhaps one of the most impressive facts is how little these horses have changed from those of the Iberian horse of centuries ago. Both horses has been used to help create new breeds and to improve and strengthen existing ones. Used in combination with Arabs and Barbs these horses comprise the greatest influence upon all modern equine breeds. The Carthusian Andalusian or Cartujano (The Carthusian Stud was established around 800 BC in the Andalusian region, thus the name) is generally considered the purest Andalusian strain and has one of the oldest recorded pedigree lines in the world. (For more Information about Andalusian, Lusitano & Iberian horses click here)
M
Mare: The name given to
the female of the horse species.
Marker Letter: (Dressage) One of several signs placed around the ring
at regular intervals; they act as reference points for the rider during the
execution of the figures.
Measuring: The four
common measurements of a horse are bone, girth, height, and weight.
Mounting: Getting onto a horse properly. Always mount from the "near" or left side.
N
National Hunt Racing: (Racing)In the UK and
Near-Side: The left side
of a horse.
O
Obstacle Steward: (Jumpers) Person in charge of righting the upset obstacles.
Off Side or Far Side: The right side of a horse.
On The Bit: When
responding to the riders aids and moving forward in a balanced and willing
manner. The term describes a feel that advanced riders have when they are
effectively communicating with their horse.
On The Flat: (English) A term referring to riding or training performed over ground
without obstacles.
Open Registry: A equine stud registry which incorporates desirable traits in confirmation, movement and jumping ability of similar breeds. (Click here for more information)
Open Show: An equestrian
show open to all breeds.
Oxer: (Jumpers) Two-part
obstacle composed of movable parallel bars; there are two designs, one of
identical heights (Square Oxer) and one of different heights (Jumping Oxer). (Click Here For More Information)
P
Pace: The natural ways a
horse moves. The three natural gaits (paces) of a horse are walk, trot and
canter. In the large spectrum of gaits that elite athletes like horses can
perform, these gaits have cyclic rhythmic characteristics that place them at
the slower end of gait velocities (tempo again): gaits are expected to progress
in ways that show expression and "swing".
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 (chestnut) base coat. (Click Here For More Information)
Palfrey: A Palfrey is a
type of horse highly valued as a riding horse in the Middle Ages. It is not a breed. The word "palfrey" is cognate with the
German word for horse (of any type), "Pferd".
Both descend from Latin "paraveredus", meaning a post horse or
courier horse. The German term for a palfrey, meanwhile, is Zelter, which
literally means "ambler" and is cognate with the Icelandic tölt.
Parasite: An organism
living on or in the horse such as lice (external) and worms (internal).
Para-Equestrian: Para-Equestrian
is a sport in both Dressage and Driving which has been steadily developing for
the past 25 years and is available and practiced by equestrians with a wide
variety of disabilities. Indeed, PE Dressage has been a regular fixture at the
Paralympic Games since 1996, while 2006 was host to the fifth Para-Equestrian
World Driving Championships. In the vein of creating opportunities for all
people with disabilities to compete and achieve their goals in equestrian
sport, athletes are classified according to the level of their
disability/impairment so as to provide for meaningful competition.
Pari-mutuel Betting: Pari-mutuel
betting (from the French language, Pari Mutuel or mutual betting) is a betting
system in which all bets of a particular type are placed together in a pool;
taxes and a house "take" or "vig" are removed, and payoff
odds are calculated by sharing the pool among all winning bets. In some
countries it is known as the Tote after the totalisator which calculates and
displays bets already made. (Click Here
For More Information)
Parturition: Act a mare
of giving birth.
Pecking Order or Dominance Hierarchy: A
dominance hierarchy (in humans: social hierarchy) is the organization of
individuals in a group that occurs when competition of resources leads to
aggression. Schjelderup-Ebbe, who studied the
often-cited example of the pecking order in chickens, found that such social
structures lead to more stable flocks in which aggression was reduced among
individuals. Dominance hierarchies can be despotic or linear. In a despotic
hierarchy, only one individual is dominant, while the others are all equally
submissive. In a linear hierarchy, for example, in the above cited pecking
order of chickens, each individual dominates all individuals below him and not
those above him. Dominance hierarchies occur in most social animal species,
including primates who normally live in groups. Dominance hierarchies have been
extensively studied in fish, birds, and mammals. Dominance hierarchies can be
simple linear structures, which often arise from the physical differences among
individuals in a group in relation to their access to resources. They are also
influenced by the complex social interactions among individuals in the group.
Pedigree: A form showing
the line of ancestors and their performance for an individual horse.
Pinto or Paint: A Pinto
horse has a coat color that consists of large patches of white and another
color. In nations using British English, the term used to describe this pattern
is "coloured".
Pleasure Driving: (Driving) Pleasure driving, sometimes called Carriage driving in some nations:
Horses and ponies are usually hitched to a light, two-wheeled cart (four-wheeled
fine harness carts are also seen, particularly at the highest levels of
competition), and shown at a walk and two speeds of trot, with an emphasis on
manners. Nearly any breed of horse can be trained for pleasure driving. (Click Here For More Information)
Poling or Rapping: A
cruel practice of striking the under part of a horse as he goes over a jump
with any number of devices from a bamboo pole to a heavy bar wrapped with
barbed wire, or with an electrified wire. It is a short cut taken by
inefficient trainers to make a horse jump higher than the object over which he
is being schooled, mainly to prevent ticks or knocking off of the bar.
Polo: A team sport. With
the exception of western-style "cowboy polo," Polo utilizes
English-style equipment that is adapted for the sport.
Pony: A horse of a small
breed, 14.2 hands and under.
Post and Plank: (Jumpers) Obstacle composed of wide movable boards (planks) that are laid one
on top of another; planks are less stable than bars.
Post and Rail: (Jumpers)
Obstacle composed of a set of movable bars that are laid one on top of another.
Puberty - Equine: The
state of being capable of begetting or bearing offspring (point of sexual
maturity). Mares generally reach the age of puberty when 15 to 24 months of
age.
Pulling Leather:
Hanging onto the saddle to keep your balance.
Purebred: An animal
whose blood lines are pure. Not to be confused with the breed thoroughbred.
Q-R
Ranch Horse: (Western)
An event that, depending on breed sanctioning organization, tests multiple
categories used by working ranch horses: Ranch riding, which is similar to
western pleasure; Ranch trail, testing tasks performed during ranch work, often
judged on natural terrain rather than in an arena; Ranch Cutting, judged the
same as a cutting event; Working ranch horse, combining Reining, Roping, and
working cow horse; and ranch conformation and is judged like a halter class.
Red Ribbon on Tail: A
sign that a horse kicks.
Registration: Entering horse into the registry of the breed association if he meets
qualifications laid down by the
organization.
Regularity: (Dressage)
Regularity is consistent repetition of a regular gait pattern (a pattern is a
repeated motif or a template).
Reining: (Western)
Reining is considered by some the "dressage" of the western riding
world, with FEI-recognized status as a new international discipline at the
World Equestrian Games, reining requires horse and rider to perform a precise
pattern consisting of circles at a lope and gallop with flying changes of lead,
rapid "spins" (a turn in one spot on the haunches),
"rollbacks" (a rapid turn immediately followed by a gallop in the
opposite direction) and the crowd-pleasing sliding stop (executed from a full
gallop). (Click Here For More
Information)
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. (Click Here For More Information)
Riding Discipline: A
riding discipline is a specific riding form. Arguably there are two
distinct riding disciplines English and Western. Within these two riding forms
are “Riding Styles”;
such as Dressage in the English Riding Discipline and its counterpart in the
Western Riding Discipline; Reining. (Click
Here For More Information)
Riding Horse: (UK/Australia/New Zealand) A flat class for horses
between a hack and a hunter in type, and show quality, substance, good bone,
correct conformation, presence and true action.
Roadster: (Driving) A
horse show competition, usually for ponies, (a few light horse breeds also
offer roadster classes), where exhibitors wear racing silks and ride in a sulky
in a style akin to harness racing, only without actually racing, but rather
focusing on manners and performance. Roadsters are shown at two types of trot,
known as a "road gait" and "at speed". (Click Here For More Information)
Roller: A training
surcingle, sometimes called a "roller," which has many extra rings
attached, running from the ribcage up to the withers area. It usually has
padding to relieve pressure on the spine.
Rouncy: (Middle Ages) The term rouncey (also spelt rouncy or rounsey)
was used during the Middle Ages to refer to an ordinary, all-purpose horse.
They were used for riding, but could also be trained for war. It was not
unknown for them to be used as pack horses. (Click Here For More Information)
Roughage: Feed that is
high in fiber and therefore low in digestible nutrients. Such feeds as hay,
corn fodder, and straw belong to this
class.
S
Saddle: A leather
covered seat for the rider on horseback. The English saddle and the Western
saddle are the common types. (Click Here
For More Information)
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
Scope or Scopey: (Hunter
/ Show / Stadium Jumping) When riders speak of a horse's scope, they are
referring to that animal's willingness and ability to jump fences easily. A
horse that jumps with little effort, and endless power is considered to be
'Scopey'. Scope is a rudimentary requirement in the Show and Stadium Jumping
worlds. Riders and trainers in this discipline select animals which display
scope and can jump with ease over the biggest of obstacles; which in
"A" or Gran Prix classes can be as high as 6' 5" (1.9558 m) and as wide as 12' (3.6576 m) and
scope becomes an absolute necessity for success. Horses with tremendous scope
are rare and command huge sums of money to purchase.
The term scope or Scopey is relative to the level of competition a horse is
involved in. Horses can be Scopey for their relative divisions. You can have a
Scopey 3' 6" (1.0668 m) first year green hunter that can move up to the
regular working hunters 4' (1.2192 m). You can have a Scopey children's jumper
that may or may not be able to move up in height, but is Scopey in that
division. (Click Here For More
Information)
Self-Carriage: (Dressage) Self-Carriage is a combination of thoroughness and straightness that
often appears as "swing" or cadenced gaits and fluent transitions on
a light contact.
Shank: A long strap or
rope used for leading the horse.
Shire: The Shire horse
is a breed of draught horse (
Show Hack: (UK/Australia/New Zealand) Competition featuring horses of elegant appearance,
with an excellent way of going and self-carriage.
Show Hunter or Hunter: Competition over fences where the horse's form, style and way of going are
paramount. Show hunter includes Green, Working, and Conformation divisions.
Show hunter may include a "hunter under saddle" section that does not
require jumping.
Show Hunter: (UK/Australia/New Zealand) Competition on the flat where horses are evaluated
on manners and way of going.
Showing: (Driving) Most draft horse performance competition is done in harness.
Draft horses compete in both single and multiple hitches, judged on manners and
performance.
Show Jumping - Also called Stadium
Jumping: Competition over fences, jump stands and assorted
obstacles. Scoring in this discipline is entirely objective and is based on the
time elapsed and the number of obstacles cleared without knockdowns or in some
venues; rubs. Show jumping is an internationally recognized and enjoyed Olympic
competition. (Click Here For More
Information)
Sire: The male parent of
a horse.
Sport Horse/Warmblood: A specialized group of horses which primarily use an open registry to incorporate desirable charactistics of confirmation, movement and jumping ability. Warmblood horses are used primarily for classic riding disciplines such as dressage and jumping also in eventing. (Click here for more information)
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.
There are many different types of stables in use today such as the American
barn which is a large barn with a door each end and individual stalls inside or
free standing stables with the classic top and bottom opening doors. The term
"stable" is also used to describe a group of animals kept by one
owner, regardless of housing or location.
Stallion: A male horse
of breeding age.
Stallion Foal: A male foal
(colt).
Straightness: (Dressage)
Straightness is the alignment of the whole body from nose to tail while
retaining the capacity to produce lateral and longitudinal flexibility.
Steeplechase: (Racing)The steeplechase is a form of horse racing (primarily conducted in the
United Kingdom, United States, Australia, France, and Ireland) and derives its
name from early races in which orientation of the course was by reference to a
church steeple, jumping fences and ditches and generally traversing the many intervening
obstacles in the countryside. In the
Sterility or Barrenness: Not fertile - horses that are incapable of producing young are sterile.
Stock: A hunting necktie which can be used as a bandage for horse
or rider should an emergency arise.
Straight or Team Penning: (Western) a timed event
in which a team of 3 riders must select 3 to 5 marked steers out of a herd and
drive them into a small pen. The catch: riders cannot close the gate to the pen
till they have corralled all the cattle (and only the intended cattle) inside.
The fastest team wins, and teams exceeding a given time limit are disqualified.
A related event is Ranch sorting. (Click
Here For More Information)
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. It also is a primary component of a horse harness. A basic
surcingle is unpadded, attaches around the horse by means of buckles or rings,
and has no other hardware. A training surcingle, sometimes called a
"roller," has many extra rings attached, running from the ribcage up
to the withers area. It usually has padding to relieve pressure on the spine. A
variation of this design is used for equestrian vaulting.
T
Tack (Horse): 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. Equipping a horse is often referred to as tacking up.
Examples of tack are: The saddle, bridle, girth, martingale, etc.
Team Penning: (Western)
a timed event in which a team of 3 riders must select 3 to 5 marked steers out
of a herd and drive them into a small pen. The catch: riders cannot close the
gate to the pen till they have corralled all the cattle (and only the intended
cattle) inside. The fastest team wins, and teams exceeding a given time limit
are disqualified. A related event is Ranch sorting.
Tennessee Walker
or Tennessee Walking Horse: The Tennessee Walker or Tennessee
Walking Horse is a gentle and comfortable riding horse. The breed was
originally bred in the
Tent Pegging: Tent
pegging (sometimes spelled "tentpegging" or
"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. More broadly, it refers
to the entire class of mounted cavalry games involving edged weapons on
horseback, for which the term "equestrian skill-at-arms" is also
used.
Thoroughbred: The
Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although
the word "thoroughbred" is sometimes used to refer to any breed of
purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed.
Thoroughbreds are considered a "hot-blooded" horse, known for their
agility, speed and spirit. (Click Here
For More Information)
Thoroughness: (Dressage)
Thoroughness is a premier quality encompassing the whole training. A horse that
is "through" is relaxed, alert, willing, on the aids, has learned the
physical requirements for body alignment that replaces resistances [straightness].
In short, a "through" horse appears at ease with required exercises,
is poised and graceful. The exercise that is sometimes cited as proof of
thoroughness is the "shaukel".
Tie Stall: An area
between two partitions in which the horse is generally tied to his manger. tie stall:(5 or 6 ft. x 9
ft.)
Trail Class: (Western) In this event, the rider has to maneuver the horse through
an obstacle course in a ring. Horses must cross bridges, logs and other
obstacles; stand quietly while a rider waves a flapping object around the
horse; sidepass (to move sideways), often with front and rear feet on either
side or a rail; make 90 and 180 degree turns on the forehand or haunches, back
up, sometimes while turning, open and close a gate while mounted, and other
maneuvers relevant (distantly) to everyday ranch or trail riding. While speed
isn't judged, horses have a limited amount of time to complete each obstacle
and can be penalized for refusing an obstacle or exceeding the allotted time.
Transitions: (Dressage)
Transitions are strides between the cyclic patterns that define each gait or
are changes in the amount of ground covered per stride while maintaining a
consistent, unhurried rhythm. They should be level, fluent, prompt adjustments
of limb phases. Transitions depend strongly on balance and rhythm (repetition
of a regular pattern). Transitions involve both pattern shifts (leg
positions at a given instant in the stepping that identifies a gait stride) and
velocity differences between gaits.
Triple Bars: (Jumpers)
Three-part obstacle composed of movable parallel bars; each successive obstacle
increases in height. (Click Here For
More Information)
Trot: 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. (Click Here For More Information)
Trotter: A trotter is a horse trained for harness racing. (Click Here For More Information)
Types of Horses: A
classification of the different kinds of horses as follows:
U
Umbilical Cord: A
tube-like structure connecting the mare's body with the growing fetus.
V
Vaulting: Vaulting is a
competitive discipline where both dynamic and static gymnastic elements are
combined and performed on a cantering horse. It requires outstanding physical
condition from the vaulter and a harmonious relationship with the horse is
imperative if a display of strength, coordination, rhythm, suppleness and
balance is to be achieved. Vaulting was recognized as an FEI discipline in
1983.
Veterinarians: Doctors
who treat animals; they examine the horses before the competition and may
intervene in the event of injury.
Vices: Objectionable
traits found in a horse but not serious enough to be classified as
unsoundness’s. The common ones are weaving, biting, wind-sucking,
cribbing kicking, blanket tearing, halter pulling and crowding.
W
Walk: The walk is a
four-beat gait that averages about 4 miles per hour (6.4 km/h). When walking, a
horse's legs follow this sequence: left hind leg left front leg, right hind
leg, right front leg, in a regular 1-2-3-4 beat. At the walk, the horse will
always have one foot raised and the other three feet on the ground, save for a
brief moment when weight is being transferred from one foot to another. A horse
moves its head and neck in a slight up and down motion that helps maintain
balance. (Click Here For More
Information)
Wall: (Jumpers) Obstacle
composed of a set of usually wooden, stacking blocks; the top of the wall is
rounded to prevent the horses from being hurt. (Click Here For More Information)
Wall and Rails: (Jumpers) Obstacle made up of a wall with one or two movable bars on top. (Click Here For More Information)
Warmblood / Sport Horse: A specialized group of horses which primarily use an open registry to incorporate desirable charactistics of confirmation, movement and jumping ability. Warmblood horses are used primarily for classic riding disciplines such as dressage and jumping also in eventing. (Click here for more information)
Water Jump: (Jumpers)
Water Jump is an obstacle made up of a water-filled ditch with a hedge in
front; the horse commits a fault if it touches the water or the lath marking
the end of the river. (Click Here For
More Information)
Weanling: A weaned foal
before he becomes a yearling.
Welsh Pony: The name
Welsh Pony designates a group of four related types of pony and horse native to
(Click Here For More Information)
Western Equitation - sometimes called
Western Horsemanship, Stock Seat Equitation, or, in some classes, Reining or
Seat Equitation: (Western) competitions are judged at the walk,
jog, and lope in both directions. Riders must sit to the jog and never post. In
a Western equitation class a rider may be asked to perform a test or pattern,
used to judge the rider's position and control of the horse. Tests may be as
simple as jogging in a circle or backing up, or as complex as a full reining
pattern, and may include elements such as transitions from halt to lope or lope
to halt, sliding stops, a figure-8 at the lope with simple or flying change of
lead, serpentines at the lope with flying changes, the rein back, a 360 degree
or greater spin or pivot, and the rollback.
Riders must use a western saddle and a curb bit, and may only use one hand to
hold the reins while riding. Two hands are allowed if the horse is ridden in a
snaffle bit or hackamore, which are only permitted for use on
"junior" horses, defined differently by various breed associations,
but usually referring to horses four or five years of age and younger. Horses
are not allowed to wear a noseband or cavesson, nor any type of protective boot
or bandage, except during some tests that require a reining pattern.
Riders are allowed two different styles of reins: 1) split reins, which are not
attached to one another, and thus the rider is allowed to place one finger
between the reins to aid in making adjustments; and 2) "romal reins,"
which are joined together and have a romal (a type of long quirt) on the end,
which the rider holds in their non-reining hand, with at least 16 inches of
slack between the two, and the rider is not allowed to place a finger between
the reins.
The correct position for this discipline, as in all forms of riding, is a
balanced seat. This is seen when a bystander can run an imaginary straight line
that passes through the rider's ear, shoulder, hip, and heel. This means the
rider's feet and legs must hang directly in balance so that the heel hits this
line, with heels down. The rider should also be sitting as straight as
possible, but with their hips under their body, sitting firmly on their seat
bones, not sitting on one's crotch with an arched back. The rider should have
their weight sunk into their seat and distributed through their legs. The
rider's shoulders should be rolled back and their chin up to show that they are
looking forward.
The western style is seen in a long stirrup length, often longer than even that
used by dressage riders, an upright posture (equitation riders are never to
lean forward beyond a very slight inclination), and the distinctive one-handed
hold on the reins. The reining hand should be bent at the elbow, held close to
the rider's side, and centered over the horse's neck, usually within an inch of
the saddle horn. Due to the presence of the saddle horn, a true straight line
between rider's hand and horse's mouth is usually not possible. Common faults
of western riders include slouching, hands that are too high or too low, and
poor position, particularly a tendency to sit on the horse as if they were
sitting in a chair, with their feet stuck too far forward. While this
"feet on the dashboard" style is used by rodeo riders to stay on a
bucking horse, it is in practice an ineffective way to ride.
Western Pleasure: In
western pleasure, the rider must show the horse together with other horses in
an arena at a walk, jog (a slow, controlled trot), and lope (a slow, controlled
canter). In some breed competitions, a judge may ask for an extended canter
and/or a hand gallop, and, less often, an extension of the jog. The horse must
remain under control on a loose rein, with low head carriage, the rider
directing the horse with nearly invisible aids and minimal interference.
Western Riding Discipline:
Western riding is a style of horseback riding which evolved from the ranching
and warfare traditions brought to the
Western Riding: (Western)
Western Riding is a class that judges horses on a pattern, evaluating smooth
gaits, flying lead changes, responsiveness to the rider, manners, and
disposition.
Western Saddle: A common
type of saddle. The parts of this saddle are horn, fork, seat, cantle, saddle
skirt, back housing or back jockey, lace strings,
White Line Disease:
White Line Disease is a problem affecting the health of the horse's hoof. The
condition becomes obvious in the horse's foot as the hoof wall delaminates.
White Line Disease destroys the inner hoof wall. This causes a separation from
the outer hoof wall (Laminae). The outer hoof wall will actually become brittle
and the firm horn tissue of the hoof becomes crumbly and 'cottage-cheese-like',
and deterioration begins to break away. This disease can be cured with the
proper treatment, and treatment needs to take place immediately once the
disease is recognized. White Line Disease is dangerous and can cause serious
problems if left untreated. (Click Here
For More Information)
Wind: The breathing
ability of a horse.
Withers: Area of a horse
at the base of the neck, above the shoulders, where the neck joins the body.
Working Cow Horse - also called Reined Cow Horse: (Western) A judged
competition that is something of a cross between cutting and reining. A horse and rider team work a single cow in an arena, making
the cow move in a directed fashion through several maneuvers.
Working Hunter:
(UK/Australia/New Zealand) Working hunter is a competition over fences where
the horse's form, style and way of going are paramount. ("Working
hunter" is also a subgroup of show hunters in the
Y
Yearling: A foal born in
the spring becomes on the following January 1 a yearling.
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