Ultimate Horse Glossary for English Riders
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A
Aids
Aids are the signals a rider uses to communicate with the horse. The natural aids are the seat, legs, hands, and voice; artificial aids such as whips and spurs reinforce them. Clear, consistent aids are the foundation of every discipline, from a first lesson to Grand Prix. Learn the escalating aids method.
All Purpose Saddle Pads
Anatomical Bridle
An anatomical bridle is shaped to relieve pressure on sensitive areas of the horse's head. It usually has a cut-back or padded crownpiece that clears the base of the ears and a noseband shaped to avoid the facial nerves. Many riders choose one for horses that are sensitive at the poll or fussy in the contact. Do anatomical bridles help?
Ankle Boots
B
Base Layer
A base layer is a fitted top worn next to the skin to regulate temperature and wick away sweat. Riding base layers are often long-sleeved with built-in sun protection and breathable mesh panels, and are slim enough to wear under a show shirt, vest, or jacket.
Baucher
Bay
Bay is one of the most common horse coat colors: a brown to reddish-brown body with black points, meaning a black mane, tail, and lower legs. Shades range from light bay to dark bay, which can look almost black.
Bell Boots
Bit
A bit is the part of the bridle that sits in the horse's mouth, in the gap between the front and back teeth, and connects to the reins. Bits fall into two main families: snaffles, which act directly on the mouth, and curbs, which use leverage. They come in many mouthpiece shapes and materials, and the correct width matters, so measure your horse for a bit before buying.
Bitless Bridle
A bitless bridle steers and stops the horse through pressure on the nose, chin, and poll instead of the mouth. Styles include the sidepull, cross-under, and hackamore. They are popular for trail riding and for horses with mouth issues, but check your competition rules, as most dressage and many show classes require a bit. Pros and cons of bitless bridles.
Blankets
A horse blanket (called a rug in the UK) is a fitted covering that keeps a horse warm, dry, or protected. The main types are turnout blankets for outdoors, stable blankets for indoors, coolers for drying off, rain sheets, and fly sheets. Blankets are sized by length in inches from the center of the chest to the tail. Read our blanketing 101 guide.
Body Brushes
Box Rest
Box rest, also called stall rest, is a period of confinement to a stall that a vet prescribes so an injury or surgery can heal. It can last from days to months, so owners rely on slow-feed hay nets, stall toys, and controlled hand-walking to keep the horse calm. How to keep your horse happy on box rest.
Bradoon
Braiding
Braiding, called plaiting in the UK, is braiding a horse's mane, and sometimes its tail, for a horse show. Hunters traditionally wear many small, flat hunter braids, while dressage horses usually have fewer, larger button braids. Braids show off the neck and give a polished turnout.
Breastplate
Breeches
Breeches are close-fitting riding pants designed to move with the rider without bunching or rubbing. They have grip at the knee or across the seat, flat inside seams, and a sock-style cuff that fits under tall boots. Knee patch styles suit jumping, while full seat breeches are favored for dressage. How to choose the best breeches.
Bridle
A bridle is the headgear that holds the bit in the horse's mouth and connects it to the rider's hands through the reins. An English bridle is made up of the crownpiece, browband, cheekpieces, throatlatch, noseband, and reins. Bridles come in pony, cob, full, and oversize. How to choose the perfect bridle.
Browband
C
Canter
The canter is a three-beat gait that is faster than the trot and slower than the gallop. On the left lead, the footfall sequence is right hind, then left hind and right fore together, then left fore, followed by a moment of suspension. On a circle, the horse should lead with its inside foreleg. 4 exercises for a more balanced canter.
Cavesson
Chestnut
Chestnut is a reddish coat color ranging from light copper to a dark liver chestnut, with a mane and tail the same color or lighter. Unlike a bay, a chestnut has no black points; Western breeds often call it sorrel. The word also refers to the small, horny growths on the inside of a horse's legs.
Cinch
A cinch is the Western riding term for a girth: the strap under the horse's belly that holds the saddle in place. English riders say girth; see Girth.
Clipping
Clipping is shaving part or all of a horse's winter coat so it sweats less and dries faster when it is worked in cold weather. Common patterns include the bib, trace, blanket, hunter, and full clip. A clipped horse loses its natural insulation, so it usually needs blankets through winter. Read our horse clipping guide.
Close Contact Saddle
A close contact saddle is a jumping saddle with a flatter seat, forward-cut flaps, and minimal padding, so the rider feels close to the horse. It is the standard saddle for hunters, jumpers, and equitation, and pairs with an all purpose or close contact saddle pad. How to choose the right saddle.
Coat Polishes
Cob
Coggins Test
A Coggins test is a blood test that screens a horse for equine infectious anemia (EIA), a contagious viral disease with no cure. Most US states, shows, and boarding barns require a negative Coggins, usually renewed every 12 months, before a horse can travel or move in.
Colic
Colic is a general term for abdominal pain in horses, not a single disease. It ranges from a mild gas build-up to a life-threatening twist in the intestine. Signs include pawing, looking at the flank, rolling, and not eating or passing manure, so call your vet promptly if you suspect it. The complete guide to colic.
Collection
Collection is when a horse carries more weight on its hindquarters, shortening its frame and stride while keeping energy and lift. It is the top level of the dressage Scales of Training and makes movements like pirouettes and piaffe possible. Learn more about collection.
Colt
A colt is a young male horse, usually under four years old, that has not been gelded. A young female is a filly.
Contact
Contact is the steady, elastic connection between the rider's hands and the horse's mouth through the reins. Good contact is consistent but soft and follows the movement of the horse's head. In the Scales of Training this is called connection. Learn more about connection.
Coolers
Coronet Band
The coronet band is the ring of tissue at the top of the hoof where the hoof wall grows from. Injuries here can affect hoof growth for months, which is one reason riders use bell boots for protection.
Counter-Canter
Counter-canter is deliberately cantering on the outside lead, for example on the right lead while turning left. It is a balancing and straightening exercise that also appears in dressage tests. How to ride counter-canter.
Cribbing
Cribbing is a habit in which a horse grips a surface such as a fence rail or stall door with its front teeth, arches its neck, and sucks in air. It is linked to stress, diet, and confinement. More turnout, more forage, and cribbing collars are common ways to manage it.
Crop
A crop is a short riding whip, usually with a flat leather popper at the end, used just behind the rider's leg to reinforce the leg aid. Jumping rules limit crop length, and dressage riders typically carry a longer dressage whip instead.
Cross Ties
Cross ties are two straps fastened to opposite walls of an aisle or wash stall and clipped to each side of the halter. They keep the horse standing still and centered for grooming and tacking up. Look for breakaway or quick-release ends for safety.
Crownpiece
Curry Combs
D
D-Ring Snaffle
Dam
The dam is a horse's mother; the sire is its father. Both appear on pedigrees and sale listings.
Dandy Brushes
Diagonal
In the posting trot, the diagonal is the pair of legs the rider rises and sits with. On the correct diagonal, the rider rises as the horse's outside foreleg moves forward. To change diagonal when changing direction, the rider sits for one extra beat. How to post the correct diagonal.
Double Bridle
A double bridle uses two bits at once, a small snaffle called a bradoon and a curb bit called a Weymouth, each with its own pair of reins. It allows very refined communication and is used in upper-level dressage and some show classes.
Draft Horse
Draw Reins
Dress Boots
Dress boots are tall riding boots with a plain, laceless ankle and a stiff, straight shaft. They are the traditional choice for dressage and are also worn in the show ring. Compare field boots, which lace at the ankle.
Dressage
Dressage is an Olympic discipline in which horse and rider perform a test of set movements in an arena, scored by judges on accuracy, harmony, and the horse's way of going. Levels run from Introductory up to Grand Prix, and its training principles benefit every type of riding. A guide to dressage levels.
Dressage Saddle
A dressage saddle has a deep seat, long straight flaps, and long billets that buckle to a short girth, which lets the rider's leg hang long and close to the horse. It is used with a dressage saddle pad.
Dressage Saddle Pads
Dressage saddle pads are longer and squarer at the bottom than all purpose pads, to match the longer, straighter flap of a dressage saddle. White is traditional in the show ring, while schooling pads come in every color.
E
Ear Net
An ear net, or fly bonnet, is a crocheted or knitted hood that covers the horse's ears to keep flies and gnats away while riding. Some have sound-dampening ears for noise-sensitive horses, and many are made to match a saddle pad.
Eggbutt Snaffle
An eggbutt snaffle has barrel-shaped joints where the rings meet the mouthpiece, so the rings are fixed rather than sliding. This keeps the bit stable and prevents pinching at the corners of the mouth, which makes it a popular first bit for many horses.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals, mainly sodium, chloride, and potassium, that horses lose in sweat. Supplementing them in hot weather, during hard work, or while traveling encourages drinking and helps prevent dehydration. Always provide fresh water alongside them.
Equitation
Equitation classes judge the rider rather than the horse: position, effectiveness, and accuracy over a course or on the flat. Hunter seat equitation is the most common English format, and equitation finals are a highlight of the junior show calendar.
Eventing
Eventing is a three-phase competition of dressage, cross-country, and show jumping, ridden by the same horse and rider. It is often called the triathlon of equestrian sport, and levels range from starter up to 5-star. How to introduce your horse to cross-country.
F
Farrier
A farrier is a trained professional who trims and shoes horses' hooves. Most horses need a visit every five to eight weeks, whether they are shod or barefoot. Tips for healthy hooves.
Fetlock
The fetlock is the joint just above the pastern, often called the horse's ankle. It takes enormous strain during work, which is why fetlock boots are used to protect it from knocks by the opposite leg.
Field Boots
Field boots are tall riding boots with laces at the front of the ankle, which lets the ankle flex more easily in a shorter jumping stirrup. They are the standard boot for hunters, jumpers, and equitation. Paddock boots vs. tall boots.
Filly
A filly is a young female horse, generally under four years old. Once she is older, she is called a mare.
Fly Mask
A fly mask is a mesh cover worn over the horse's eyes, and often its ears and nose, to protect against flies and UV light during turnout. The horse can see through the mesh. Choose one that fits snugly without rubbing, and take it off daily to check the eyes. How to choose a fly mask.
Fly Sheet
A fly sheet is a lightweight, breathable mesh blanket that protects a horse from biting insects during turnout. Many also block UV rays to reduce coat bleaching, and some add a belly band and neck cover for extra coverage. Why a fly sheet and mask help.
Fly Spray
Fly spray is an insect repellent applied to the horse's coat to keep flies, mosquitoes, and gnats away. Reapply after bathing or heavy sweating, and combine it with fly sheets and masks for the best protection. Tips for fly protection.
Flying Change
A flying change is when a horse switches canter leads during the moment of suspension, without breaking to trot. It is essential on jumper courses and appears in dressage from Third Level, building up to tempi changes every few strides. Flying changes 101.
Foal
A foal is a horse under one year old. Between its first and second birthday it is called a yearling.
Frog
The frog is the V-shaped, rubbery structure on the underside of the hoof. It helps absorb shock and supports circulation in the foot, and it should be cleaned with a hoof pick every day to help prevent thrush.
Full Cheek Snaffle
A full cheek snaffle has long arms, called cheeks, above and below the mouthpiece. The cheeks press against the side of the face when turning, which helps with steering, especially on young horses. Bit keepers hold the cheeks in place on the bridle.
Full Seat Breeches
Full seat breeches have grip material, traditionally suede and now often silicone, covering the seat and inner legs. The extra grip helps the rider sit deep in the saddle, which is why they are favored in dressage. Why choose full seat breeches?
G
Gait
A gait is a horse's pattern of leg movement. The natural gaits are the walk (four-beat), trot (two-beat), canter (three-beat), and gallop (four-beat). Some breeds have extra gaits, such as the tölt of the Icelandic horse.
Gallop
The gallop is the fastest gait: a four-beat version of the canter with a long, extended stride and a moment of suspension. It is used in racing, on cross-country courses, and for fitness work.
Gelding
A gelding is a castrated male horse. Geldings are generally calmer and more consistent than stallions, which makes them the most common choice for riding horses.
Girth
A girth is the strap that runs under the horse's belly to hold the saddle in place, buckling to the billets on each side. Jumping saddles use long girths, while dressage saddles use short girths with long billets. Anatomic shapes give elbow clearance, and elastic ends add comfort. In Western riding it is called a cinch.
Gray
A gray horse is usually born dark and gradually turns lighter with age, often becoming almost white. Many horses people describe as white are actually grays.
Gridwork
Gridwork is a series of jumps or poles set at fixed distances in a line. Grids help a horse learn to adjust its stride and use its body, and let riders work on position without worrying about finding a distance. Gridwork training elements.
H
Hackamore
A hackamore is a bitless bridle that works through pressure on the nose, chin, and poll. The mechanical hackamore used in English riding has shanks that create leverage, so it can be quite strong despite having no bit.
Half Chaps
Half chaps are leather or synthetic gaiters that zip around the lower leg from the ankle to just below the knee. Worn with paddock boots, they protect the leg from the stirrup leathers and add grip, making them an affordable alternative to tall boots for schooling.
Half Pad
A half pad sits on top of the saddle pad, under the saddle, to add cushioning or fine-tune saddle fit. Sheepskin, memory foam, and gel are common materials, and shim pads have pockets for inserts that correct the saddle's balance. A half pad is not a substitute for a well-fitted saddle. Does your horse need a half pad?
Half-Halt
A half-halt is a brief, coordinated use of the seat, legs, and hands that rebalances the horse and gets its attention without stopping. It is used before transitions, turns, and jumps, and is one of the most important skills in riding. The complete guide to the half-halt.
Halt
The halt is a full stop. In dressage, a square halt, with the horse standing evenly on all four legs, is judged at the start and end of every test. How to ride a square halt.
Halter
A halter, called a headcollar in the UK, is the headgear used to lead and tie a horse. Unlike a bridle, it has no bit. Leather and breakaway halters are the safer choice for turnout because they release if caught.
Hand
A hand is the unit used to measure a horse's height, equal to 4 inches (10.16 cm). Height is measured from the ground to the top of the withers. A horse listed as 16.2 hh stands 16 hands and 2 inches, or 66 inches.
Hay Net
A hay net is a mesh bag that holds hay. Small-hole slow-feeder nets mimic natural grazing by making the horse eat more slowly, which reduces waste and boredom. Hang nets high enough that a hoof can't get caught.
Helmet
A riding helmet protects the rider's head in a fall and is required at most barns and competitions. Look for a current safety certification, such as ASTM/SEI in North America or EN 1384 and PAS 015 in Europe and the UK, and replace it after any significant impact or about every five years. How to buy the right riding helmet.
Hock
The hock is the large joint in the middle of the hind leg, equivalent to the human ankle. It powers the horse forward and carries a heavy load in collection and jumping.
Hoof Boots
Hoof boots are removable boots that cover the whole hoof. They protect barefoot horses on rough terrain, or hold a poultice or medication in place during treatment. Hoof boot fitting guide.
Hoof Oil
Hoof oil, or hoof dressing, is a conditioner brushed onto the hoof wall to help manage moisture and keep the hoof from drying out. A glossy hoof oil is also a finishing touch for the show ring.
Hoof Pick
A hoof pick is a small hooked tool for cleaning dirt, stones, and manure from the underside of the hoof. Picking out the feet before and after every ride is a basic part of grooming and helps spot problems such as stones or thrush early.
Hunter
Hunters are show classes in which the horse is judged on its jumping style, movement, and manners over a course of natural-looking fences. The ideal hunter keeps a smooth, even pace and jumps in good form. Hunters vs. jumpers explained.
Hunter Pace
A hunter pace is a cross-country trail event in which small teams ride a marked course over varied terrain, often with optional jumps. The winning team finishes closest to an optimum time set by experienced riders.
I
Impulsion
Impulsion is the controlled forward energy that comes from the horse's hindquarters. It is not speed: a horse with good impulsion is engaged and elastic, with energy flowing through a supple back to the rider's hand. Learn more about impulsion.
J
Jodhpurs
Jodhpurs are ankle-length riding pants worn with short jodhpur or paddock boots, often with garter straps under the knee. They are the traditional choice for young riders in the show ring, while older riders usually wear breeches and tall boots.
Jumper
Jumpers, or show jumping, are judged on objective results: a knocked rail or refusal earns faults, and the fastest clear round wins. Courses feature brightly colored fences and tight turns, and show jumping is an Olympic discipline. How to get into show jumping.
K
Kimberwick
A Kimberwick, also spelled Kimblewick, is a mild curb bit with D-shaped cheeks and a curb chain. Where the rein sits on the cheek changes how much leverage it applies. It is often used for strong ponies and horses that need a little more brakes.
Knee Patch Breeches
Knee patch breeches have grip only on the inner knee and calf, leaving the seat free to move. They are popular with hunter, jumper, and equitation riders who spend a lot of time in two-point position.
L
Lameness
Lameness is any irregular gait caused by pain or a mechanical problem in a leg or the back. Signs include a head bob, shortened strides, or unevenness. Vets find the source with flexion tests, nerve blocks, and imaging. Equine lameness: what you need to know.
Laminitis
Laminitis is a painful inflammation of the laminae, the tissue that bonds the hoof wall to the coffin bone. It can be triggered by rich grass, metabolic problems, or illness, and should be treated as a veterinary emergency. Severe cases can lead to founder.
Lead
In the canter, the lead is the foreleg that reaches farthest forward. On a circle or turn to the left, the horse should be on the left lead for balance. A simple change switches leads through a few walk or trot steps; a flying change does it in the air. How to ride simple lead changes.
Lead Rope
A lead rope clips to the halter for leading or tying a horse. Most are 8 to 10 feet of cotton or poly rope with a snap or panic clip. Never wrap a lead rope around your hand.
Leg Yield
A leg yield is a lateral movement in which the horse moves forward and sideways at the same time, crossing its legs, while staying nearly straight through the body. It teaches the horse to move away from the rider's leg and is usually the first lateral movement taught.
Liniment
A liniment is a topical product rubbed onto the horse's muscles or legs after work to cool, soothe, and stimulate circulation. Poultice vs. liniment: which to use.
Loose Ring Snaffle
A loose ring snaffle has rings that slide freely through holes in the mouthpiece. The movement encourages the horse to mouth the bit and relax its jaw. Rubber bit guards can prevent pinching at the corners of the mouth.
Lunge Line
A lunge (or longe) line is a long line, usually 25 to 35 feet, attached to the horse's halter, lunging cavesson, or bit so the horse can be worked on a circle around the handler. Lunging is used to warm up, exercise, or train a horse without a rider, usually with a lunge whip. Tips for longeing a green horse.
M
Mane Comb
A mane comb is a small metal or plastic comb used to detangle manes and tails, section hair for braiding, and pull manes to a neat length.
Mane Pulling
Mane pulling is a traditional way of thinning and shortening a mane by removing a few hairs at a time from underneath. A pulled mane lies flat and is easier to braid.
Mare
A mare is an adult female horse, generally four years or older.
Martingale
A martingale is tack that limits how high a horse can raise its head. A running martingale has two rings the reins pass through, while a standing martingale attaches directly to the noseband. Hunters often show in a standing martingale, jumpers commonly use a running martingale, and martingales are not allowed in dressage tests.
Mucking Out
Mucking out is cleaning a stall by removing manure and wet bedding and adding fresh bedding. A good manure fork, wheelbarrow, and broom make the daily job much faster.
N
Neck Cover
A neck cover, or neck rug, attaches to the front of a blanket to keep the horse's neck warm and dry. It is especially useful for clipped horses and horses living out in wet weather.
Noseband
The noseband is the bridle strap that goes around the horse's nose. Common styles include the plain cavesson, flash, drop, figure eight (grackle), and crank; see Cavesson for details. A guide to nosebands.
Numnah
Numnah is a British term for a saddle pad cut to follow the outline of the saddle, usually made of sheepskin, fleece, or quilted cotton.
O
On the Bit
On the bit describes a horse that accepts a steady contact and is round through its topline, with the poll as the highest point and the face just in front of vertical. It comes from correct training from behind, not from pulling on the reins.
Overreach
An overreach is when the toe of a hind foot strikes the heel or back of a front leg. It can cause cuts and pulled shoes, and bell boots are the usual protection.
P
Paddock Boots
Paddock boots are ankle-high riding boots with a defined heel that stops the foot from sliding through the stirrup. They come in lace-up, zip, and elastic-sided styles, and are worn with half chaps for schooling or with jodhpurs for young riders in the show ring. Paddock boots vs. tall boots.
Pastern
The pastern is the part of the leg between the fetlock and the top of the hoof. Its angle and length affect how smoothly a horse moves and how much concussion travels up the leg.
Pelham
A Pelham bit combines snaffle and curb action in one mouthpiece. It has two sets of rings for two reins, one for direct snaffle action and one for curb leverage with a curb chain. Riders who prefer a single rein use a leather rounding, or converter.
Poll
The poll is the top of the horse's head, just behind the ears. The crownpiece of the bridle and halter sits here, and in a correct dressage frame the poll is the highest point of the neck.
Polo Wraps
Polo wraps are long, soft fleece bandages wrapped around the lower leg for support and protection during work. They must be applied evenly to avoid pressure points and they soak up water, so they are best for arena work in dry conditions. Leg protection guide: boots vs. wraps.
Pony
A pony is a horse that measures 14.2 hands (58 inches) or under when fully grown. In US hunter showing, ponies are split into small (12.2 hh and under), medium (over 12.2 to 13.2 hh), and large (over 13.2 to 14.2 hh) sections.
Posting Trot
Posting trot, or rising trot, is when the rider rises out of the saddle on one beat of the trot and sits on the next. It is easier on the horse's back and the rider than sitting trot. How to post the trot.
Poultice
A poultice is a clay-based paste applied to the lower legs after hard work to draw out heat and reduce swelling, usually covered with damp paper or plastic wrap and left on overnight. Poultice pads are also used on the sole of the hoof. Poultice vs. liniment.
Q
Quarter Sheet
A quarter sheet is a blanket that covers the horse's hindquarters while it is ridden. It tucks under or fastens to the saddle and keeps the back and hindquarter muscles warm during warm-up and cool-down in cold weather.
R
Rain Sheet
A rain sheet is a waterproof turnout blanket with no fill. It keeps a horse dry in wet, mild weather without adding warmth; look for breathable fabric to prevent sweating underneath. A rundown on rain sheets.
Reins
Reins are the straps that connect the bit to the rider's hands. English reins come in plain, laced, rubber-grip, and web styles, often with hand stops. Rubber and laced reins give extra grip in the rain or when jumping.
Rhythm
Rhythm is the regularity of the horse's footfalls and tempo within each gait. It is the first level of the dressage Scales of Training. Learn more about rhythm.
Riding Gloves
Riding gloves protect the hands from rein rub and improve grip, with reinforcement where the reins run between the fingers. Dark gloves are the norm in the hunter and jumper ring, while white gloves are common in upper-level dressage.
Riding Tights
Riding tights are stretchy, leggings-style riding pants with knee or full-seat grip. They are comfortable and affordable for schooling, while breeches remain the standard for most show rings. Breeches or tights?
Rug
Rug is the British word for a horse blanket. A turnout rug is a turnout blanket, and a stable rug is a stable blanket.
S
Saddle Pad
A saddle pad sits between the saddle and the horse to absorb sweat, protect the saddle, and add a little cushioning. English pads come in all purpose, close contact, dressage, and shaped styles to match the saddle.
Scales of Training
The Scales of Training are the building blocks of classical dressage training: rhythm, relaxation (suppleness), connection, impulsion, straightness, and collection. Each step builds on the one before it. Learn more about relaxation.
Shedding Blade
A shedding blade is a flexible metal loop with a serrated edge, used in spring to pull out loose winter coat. Use it gently over the large muscled areas and avoid bony parts of the body.
Shipping Boots
Shipping boots are padded boots that cover the lower leg from just below the knee or hock down over the coronet band. They protect the legs from knocks and scrapes while the horse travels in a trailer. What to pack for shipping your horse.
Shoulder-In
Shoulder-in is a lateral movement in which the horse's shoulders are brought in off the track so it moves on three tracks, bent away from the direction of travel. It is a key suppling and straightening exercise in dressage. How to ride shoulder-in.
Show Coat
A show coat is a tailored riding jacket worn in competition. Hunter and equitation riders traditionally wear navy, black, or other muted tones, while dressage riders usually wear black or navy. Modern technical show coats are stretchy, breathable, and machine washable.
Show Shirt
A show shirt is a fitted, usually white, riding shirt with a collar that fastens with a snap or button, or is worn with a stock tie. Most modern show shirts use breathable, stretchy technical fabrics.
Sire
The sire is a horse's father; the dam is its mother.
Snaffle
A snaffle is a bit that acts directly on the mouth without leverage, so the pressure the rider applies on the rein is the pressure the horse feels. Snaffles come in loose ring, eggbutt, D-ring, full cheek, and Baucher styles, with single-jointed, double-jointed, or straight mouthpieces. They are the most common bits in English riding.
Spurs
Spurs are small metal devices worn on the heel of the boot to refine the leg aid. They are meant for riders with a stable lower leg and should be used lightly. Most competitions have rules on spur length and style.
Stable Blanket
A stable blanket is a non-waterproof blanket designed for horses kept in a stall. It is lighter and less rugged than a turnout blanket and is often layered for extra warmth.
Stallion
A stallion is an adult male horse that has not been gelded.
Standing Wraps
Standing wraps are thick quilted pads held on with a stable bandage, used on the lower legs while a horse stands in its stall. They give support, keep the legs warm, and help prevent swelling after hard work or during travel.
Stirrup Irons and Leathers
Stirrup irons are the metal or composite footrests that hang from the saddle on stirrup leathers. Safety stirrups, with a breakaway side or offset design, help the rider's foot come free in a fall. Check leathers often for cracking and stretching.
Stock Tie
A stock tie is formal neckwear worn with a show shirt, traditionally white and secured with a stock pin. It is commonly worn in dressage and as part of formal eventing attire.
Surcingle
A surcingle, or roller, is a wide padded strap that goes around the horse's girth area with rings for attaching side reins and lunge lines. It is used for lunging and ground driving without a saddle.
Sweat Scraper
A sweat scraper is a curved blade used to remove excess water and sweat from the coat after bathing or hosing, which helps the horse dry faster. How to cool your horse down after exercise.
T
Tack
Tack is the umbrella term for the equipment used on a horse for riding and handling: saddles, bridles, bits, girths, saddle pads, martingales, and more. The tack room is where it is stored.
Tall Boots
Tall boots are knee-high riding boots that protect the lower leg and give a close, secure feel. The two main styles are field boots, with laces at the ankle, and dress boots, which are plain and stiff. Getting the calf width and the height to the back of the knee right is the key to a good fit. Paddock boots vs. tall boots.
Tendon Boots
Tendon boots protect the back of the front legs from strikes by the hind feet. Open-front tendon boots are popular in show jumping because they leave the front of the leg open, so the horse still feels it if it touches a rail. How to protect your horse’s legs during exercise.
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a hot-blooded breed developed for racing and known for speed and stamina. Off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) are popular second-career horses for jumping, eventing, and hunters.
Throatlatch
The throatlatch is the bridle strap that runs under the horse's throat to stop the bridle from slipping off over the ears. You should be able to fit about a fist's width between the strap and the jaw. The word also describes the area where the horse's head meets its neck.
Thrush
Thrush is a bacterial infection of the frog, recognized by a black, foul-smelling discharge. It thrives in wet, dirty conditions, so daily hoof picking and clean, dry bedding are the best prevention.
Transition
A transition is any change between gaits, such as trot to canter, or within a gait, such as working trot to medium trot. Smooth, balanced transitions are a hallmark of good training.
Trot
The trot is a two-beat gait in which diagonal pairs of legs move together. Riders can post or sit the trot, and its variations include working, collected, medium, and extended trot. Medium trot exercises.
Turnout
Turnout is the time a horse spends loose outdoors in a field or paddock. Regular turnout supports a horse's physical and mental health. The case for more turnout.
Turnout Blanket
A turnout blanket is a waterproof, durable blanket made for horses living or spending time outside. Warmth is rated by fill weight, from 0 g (a sheet) to lightweight (about 100 g), medium (about 200 g) and heavyweight (300 g and up). Toughness is rated by denier, a measure of how thick the outer fabric is. Our horse blanketing guide.
Two-Point
Two-point is a jumping position in which the rider lifts their seat out of the saddle, leaving two points of contact, the legs, with the horse. It frees the horse's back and is used over fences, at the gallop, and as a balance exercise. How to perfect your two-point.
W
Walk
The walk is a four-beat gait with no moment of suspension. Dressage tests judge the free, medium, collected, and extended walk.
Warmblood
Warmbloods are a group of sport horse breeds, such as the Hanoverian, Dutch Warmblood (KWPN), and Holsteiner, developed by crossing hot-blooded and heavier horses. They dominate international dressage and show jumping.
Weymouth
A Weymouth is the curb bit used with a bradoon in a double bridle. Its shanks and curb chain apply leverage for refined control in upper-level dressage.
Whip
A whip reinforces the rider's leg aid. Dressage whips are long so the rider can touch the horse behind the leg without taking a hand off the rein, jumping bats and crops are shorter, and lunge whips are long enough to reach the horse on a lunge circle.
Withers
The withers are the ridge between the shoulder blades at the base of the neck. They are where a horse's height is measured and a key point for saddle fit, since the saddle must clear the withers without pinching.
Y
Yearling
A yearling is a horse between one and two years old.
Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Terms
What is the difference between a snaffle and a Pelham?
A snaffle acts directly on the horse's mouth with no leverage. A Pelham combines snaffle and curb action in one bit, using a curb chain and a second rein (or a rounding) to add leverage for more control.
What is the difference between a girth and a cinch?
They do the same job of holding the saddle on. Girth is the English riding term and cinch is the Western term.
How is a horse's height measured?
Horses are measured in hands from the ground to the top of the withers. One hand equals 4 inches, so a 16.2 hh horse is 16 hands and 2 inches, or 66 inches, tall.
What is the difference between breeches and jodhpurs?
Breeches end at the ankle in a sock-style cuff and are worn under tall boots or half chaps. Jodhpurs are full-length pants worn over short paddock or jodhpur boots, traditionally by young riders.
What is the difference between field boots and dress boots?
Field boots have laces at the front of the ankle for flexibility in a shorter jumping stirrup. Dress boots have a plain, stiff shaft and are traditional in dressage.
Are half chaps as good as tall boots?
Half chaps with paddock boots give much the same leg protection and grip as tall boots and cost less, which makes them popular for schooling. Most show rings expect tall boots for adult riders.
What is the difference between hunters and jumpers?
Hunters are judged subjectively on the horse's style, movement, and manners. Jumpers are judged objectively on faults and time, with the fastest clear round winning.
What does tack mean?
Tack is all the equipment used on a horse for riding and handling, including saddles, bridles, bits, girths, saddle pads, and martingales.
What should I wear to my first riding lesson?
Wear a certified riding helmet, boots with a small heel such as paddock boots, long close-fitting pants such as riding tights or breeches, and riding gloves for grip.
