Making Sense Of Horse Terms
There are so many horse terms, some that we understand and others that leave us a bit baffled. Leg parts, hoof anatomy, points, tack, and training methods. Gaits and illnesses add to the mix, and when we need to know what we’re talking about it’s so easy to trip over it all. Horse terms aren’t really as complicated and scientific as they seem at first, and below are a few of the most common ones that you will here in equine circles.
Frog- this is the v-shaped protrusion on the underside of the hoof, prone to fungus and tenderness if not properly cleaned on a regular basis.
Fetlock- the rear side of the lower leg joint, the knobby protrusion above the hoof area.
Forelock- the portion of the mane which falls forward between the ears and down the forehead.
Withers- the joint and muscle area located at the base of the neck where the mane usually ends, considered the top point of the animals shoulder. Horses are measured for height from the ground to the highest point of the withers.
Hands- originally meant to signify the average distance between the tip of the thumb to the tip of the pinky on a spread out hand, this unit of measurement equals a perfect four inches.
Lunging- a term for a training and exercising technique using a long lead (lunge) line and a whip. The whip is used for sound and motion only, and the optimal outcome produces a more supple and responsive horse.
Canter- the third natural gait in a horse’s speed progression. The canter can be a very slow, gentle gait which you would ask for in place of the choppier trot, and can be fast enough to encourage a full out gallop if it isn’t controlled properly. It is the most comfortable and desirable gait for riders.
Gallop- The fastest, four beat gait of the horse. This gait is identified by the full stretch and retraction of the horse’s back, neck, and legs during each beat. This gait is capable of producing speeds toppling 30 miles per hour.
Colic- a potentially deadly digestive tract condition in horses. Horses have one stomach, and do not have the ability to regurgitate. Should a bloating or blockage occur with the sensitive stomach or intestinal areas, the pain becomes unbearable to the horse, and blood circulation becomes deficient in that area. A horse needs to move in order to digest. The more movement, the better chance your horse has of passing the blockage and coming out of colic. This is why a horse befallen with colic should never be allowed to lay down or consume any food or water.
These horse terms are merely a drop in the bucket, yet hopefully mean the difference between confusion and understanding. Good luck.