Ultimate Horse Glossary for English Riders

Term

Definition

All purpose saddle pads are typically square and offer a shorter slightly forward cut flap to accommodate all purpose or jumping style saddles. These pads typically feature a quilted fabric and may be worn in any color for schooling; this style pad may be used for shows by show jumpers and eventers and the color is often matched to barn or show outfit. Contrasting trims and bindings are common.

Ankle boots are also known as fetlock boots and they are designed to protect the horse’s ankles from interference injuries. Ankle boots are popular with jumpers and equitation riders. They are often made of leather or synthetic materials and may be lined with sheepskin or fleece.

Bell boots are designed to be worn over the upper portion of the horse’s hooves and are used to reduce the risk of overreaching injuries. Bell boots are also used during turnout to reduce the risk of lost shoes. Bell boots are generally made of heavy-duty rubber, PVC or durable ballistic nylon.

A body brush is a soft brush with medium to long natural or synthetic bristles that is used to remove light dust and dirt from the horse’s coat.

The boucher bit is a hanging cheek style bit with the smaller top ring connecting to the cheekpiece, and the larger ring connecting to the reins. Contrary to the first appearance this bit does not offer poll pressure because it has no leverage. This offers a very stable feel in the horse’s mouth.

Bradoon bits are snaffle bits that are designed to be used in conjunction with a Weymouth bit as part of a double bridle. They offer smaller rings and generally feature loose ring or eggbutt style cheekpieces.

Breastplates are attached to the saddle and prevent the saddle from slipping backward. Breastplates are commonly used in speed or jumping events or riding over rugged terrain. Breastplates may be made into a martingale with the use of an attachment that can be added to the center ring.

A browband is the part of the bridle that sits on the horse’s forehead below the ears. Browbands may be padded for comfort and are often decorative in style.

English cavessons, also known as nosebands are available in a variety of types. Cavessons may be padded for comfort. Cavessons are available with a standard buckle closure or may feature a pullback or crank cavesson. A plain, straight cavesson is also known as standard or French cavesson. This type of cavesson accommodates most horses. A drop cavesson looks similar to a plain cavesson, but buckles in front of the bit for greater control of the horse. A flash cavesson combines the styling of a standard cavesson with a secondary strap that buckles in front of the bit for control, yet allows for the use of a martingale. Figure 8 cavessons are also referred to as Mexican or grackle nosebands and feature a crossed front that buckles by the horse’s chin and jaw allowing for greater control without restricting airflow.

Coat polishes are used after bathing to increase the shine on a horse’s coat and to help reduce dust and dirt from sticking to the coat before competition. These polishes should not be used in the saddle area, or on the mane and tail if they are intended to be braided.

In cool weather, coolers are useful in drying a horse off after exercise and preventing the horse from catching a chill. Coolers are designed of wool, polar fleece or other technical fabrics with moisture-wicking properties. Coolers are often used as prizes in larger, championship competitions.

A curry comb is a rubber oval brush used to remove mud, sweat and loose hair while stimulating the horse’s skin.

Another common type of snaffle bit, the D-ring snaffle features a D shaped fixed cheekpiece design that helps prevent pinching of the lips and prevents the bit from sliding through the horse’s mouth. D-rings are popular for hunter riders and for horse racing. Racing style D-ring bits tend to feature a smaller cheekpiece and narrower mouthpiece than a hunter style D-ring bit.

A dandy brush is a hard bristle brush with medium length synthetic or natural bristles that is used to remove dried mud and sweat from a horse’s coat.

Draw reins are a common training aid used while riding to assist the horse in lea