Equine terms
Welsh Pony Section B
"B" -registered animals are between 12.2 and 13.2 hands; resembles Welsh Mountain Pony except it shows more Hackney and Thoroughbred; handsome action makes it a good riding or light draft pony
Welsh Pony of Cob Type
"C" registers those not exceeding 13.2 hands, but that have an appearance that paces them in the cob category; thicker and more short set than others with the same desirable action; good for light draft and endurance or rough terrain riding
Dash
1 A race decided in a single trial 2 a screen at the front of a carriage to protect against splashing
artificial insemination
Injecting semen into the uterus by artificial means
ABRS
Association of British Riding Schools
Artificial Vagina
Device used to collect semen from a male.
Balanced Ration
Diet that contains all the nutrients required by an animal in correct and specific amounts
ataxia
Failure or irregularity of muscle actions and coordination.
base narrow
Stands close
bloodworms
Strongyles
tread worms
Strongylus westeri; genus of Strongyloides
bars
The lower portion of the jaw devoid of teeth, where the bit rests. the open spaces on the jaw between the incisors and premolars. 2. portions of the wall of the hoof that are turned inward at the heels and run more or less parallel to the sides of the frog. 3. in a saddle two long horizontal tree bars rest on the back of the horse. one on each side of the spine. they support and anchor the fork and cantle of the saddle
Den Bark
The particular bark the hounds give when they have run their prey to the ground
dermis
The sensitive vascular inner layer of the skin.
Absorption
The transport of dissolved substances into cells. and tissues
Trakehener
West German horse breed; developed for Army use; a series of crosses resulting in a solid, sturdy horse with endurance; docile, yet dynamic; used for show jumping, dressage, combined training, etc.
Westfalen
Westfalen is the German spelling of Westphalian; see Westphalian
types of horses
a classification of the different kinds of horses; one type is the light horse, which is subdivided into driving horses, racing horses, and riding horses,; under driving horses, we find harness, heavy harness, ponies, and roadsters; under racing horses, we find harness race, quarter race, and running race horses; under riding horses, we find five-gaited, hunters, jumpers, plantation walking, polo, ponies, stock, and three-gaited horses; the second types is work horses, which is subdivided into draft horses, farm chunks, southerners, and wagon horses
weight cloth
a cloth carried under the saddle on a horse; equipped with pockets in which lead weights may be inserted to achieve the correct weight
wagonette
a coach used for public service between towns; has a low body with two lengthwise facing seats and a rear entrance
Victoria
a coachman-driven summer vehicle that was much favored by ladies of fashion due to the ease of entering; introduced by the Prince of Wales in 1869; a small, four-wheeled carriage with a low seat and a folding top; designed for tow persons plus the coachman; usually drawn by one horse, often used for hire
warren
a colony of rabbit burrows
braid aid
a comb designed to separate the mane and into three even segments for easier braiding
treble
a combination obstacle consisting of three separate jumps
bitting
a combination of bridle harness pad and a cupper, a surcingle with rings through which driving lines may pass or to which reins may be attached 2. teaching the horse to be supple and willing in the bit
across the board
a combination pari-mutuel (race) ticket on a horse, meaning that you collect a prize if your horse runs first, second, or third
three-day event
a combined training competition completed over three consecutive days; consists of a dressage test, a cross-country section, and a show-jumping event
sulphonamide
a common drug used to control infections; an overdose may cause loss of appetite, weak pulse, diarrhea, and kidney dysfunction
western saddle
a common type of saddle distinguished by a large noticeable fork on which there is some form of horn, a high cantle, and large skirts; see illustrations pp. 291, 292
aplasia
a complete lack of development of a tissue or organ
absorbent
a compound or carrier used to apply topical medications to a horse
vitiligo
a condition characterized by the destruction of pigment in small or large circumscribed areas of the skin
sinking vagina
a condition in which the cervix has dropped down and becomes filled with urine; particularly found in older mares
splay footed
a condition in which the feet turn outward because the legs turn out through through their entire length
eczema
a condition involving the skin; inflammation of the skin with lesions of either a dry or weeping nature; allergies are probably the mot common cause 2. any non specific inflammation of the outermost layer of skin
torticollis
a condition marked by contracted neck muscles, producing twisting of the neck and an unnatural position of the head
Acidosis
a condition of acid accumulation in the body due to disruption of the normal acid-base balance, may be caused by overworking an unfit horse
wave mouth
a condition of uneven teeth wear found mainly in older horses
Dehydration
a condition resulting from excessive water loss or inadequate intake
Addison's disease
a condition that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol or aldosterone
tied in at the knee
a condition that occurs when the flexor tendons appear to be to close to the cannon bone just below the knee
bow legged
a conformation fault in which the hocks or knees are set too far apart and the feet are usually too close together; also known as bandy legs
back at the knee
a conformational fault visible in front legs when viewing them from the side, the knees are bent too far back also called calf knee
viral arteritis
a contagious viral disease causing inflammation of the arteries, often leading to abortion
skip
a container such as a bucket or basket used to remove stained and used bedding and straw from a stable
tie-out chains
a controlled outdoor exercise
bruise
a contusion caused by blunt impact without lacerations
vesicants
a counterirritant that produces blistering and scurfing of the skin
trappy
a course with sharp turns
buckaroo
a cowboy from the far western U>S> who follows the horsemanship and bridling traditions of the old-time California vaquros
bog rider
a cowboy whose job is to rescue cattle that have gotten trapped in mud or marchland
toe crack
a crack located specifically at the toe of the horse's foot; see quarter crack; also see blemishes and unsoundnesses (illus.)
trephine
a crown saw for removing a circular area of bone, chiefly from the skull
Tom Thumb bit
a curb bit with short, straight, swivel shanks and a broken mouthpiece. sometimes called a cowboy snaffle
transverse cross
a dark stripe that runs across the withers
by-day
a day not regularly scheduled on the fixture card, but the master of huntsman takes hounds out anyway
unthrifty
a defect in the way the horse looks, grows, behaves, and/or performs, as compared to what one would normally expect
track conditions
a description of the racetrack; fast indicates a track that is thoroughly dry and at its best; sloppy means the horses are running during or immediately after a heavy rain, water has saturated the cushion, and there may be puddles but the base is still firm; muddy means that water has soaked into the base and it is soft and wet, and footing is deep and slow; heavy indicates a track that is muddy and drying out, footing is heavy and sticky
bit
a device normally made of metal or rubber, attached to the bridle and placed in the horse's mouth so as to regulate the position of the horse's head and to help control the pace and direction of the horse
arch roller
a device to prevent pressure on the spine by preventing a horse from rolling and becoming cast in the stall. some are hinged at each side of the arch to fit any width of a horse
automatic timer
a device used for timed and speed based events, the horse breaks an electronic ray and he goes through the start triggering the clock and passes again to finish
spavin
a disease affecting the bones of the hock joint; usually appears as a bony enlargement on the inner and lower parts of the hock
white muscle disease
a disease brought about by a selenium deficiency in the diet that eventually damages muscle
swamp cancer
a disease caused by a fungus; lesions are most commonly found on the legs, abdomen, and chest; large ulcerated or draining nodules
aspergillosis
a disease caused by the fungus , Aspergillus, and marked by inflammatory granular lesions in the skin, ear orbit and nasal sinuses and sometimes in the bones and menegines
azoturia
a disease of horses marked by a sudden onset of perspiration and paralysis of the hind quarters and by the passing of light red to dark brown urin, occurs in horse sthat afer being engaged incontinuous work, are rested for several days and well fed and then suddenly returned to work. Also known as Monday morning Sickness or tying up
thrush
a disease of the foot caused by anaerobic microorganisms characterized by a pungent odor; is caused by wet or unsanitary conditions; thrush causes deterioration of tissues in the cleft of the frog or in the junction between the frog and bars; this disease produces lameness and, if not treated, can be serious
vesicular disease
a disease that includes the development of fluid-filled blisters on the outer layer of the skin or mucous membrane; in animals, includes foot-and-mouth disease, swine vesicular disease, and vesicular exanthema
windgall
a distention of the synovial sheath between the suspensory ligament and the cannon bone or of the synovial sheath between the long pastern and the middle inferior sesamoid ligament; usually a result of too fast or too hard road work, especially on hard surfaces; also called wind puffs or road puffs
trotting gene
a dominant gene that determines whether a hrse will be a trotter or a pacer
eel stripe
a dorsal stripe; a continuous stripe that runs down the back of a horse from mane to tail
Weymouth curb bridle
a double bridle using the English curb bit and a snaffle bit; used primarily on gaited horses, but also used for dressage and sometimes on hunters; see English bridle (illus.)
Weymouth bridle
a double-bitted, double-reined bridle where the snaffle bit and the curb bit are separated; commonly used on three- and five-gaited horses
Swedish Ardennes
a draft breed developed in the nineteenth century from the Belgian and the the French Ardennais; quiet and docile, these horses are still used to transport timber in mountainous regions
Breton
a draft breed found in Europe and Japan; known for good endurance; used for heavy farm work
about-turn
a dressage movement in which the horse is made to turn or pivot on the forehand or haunches
wrong bend
a dressage term to describe a horse that takes a turn without bending into the turn; the turn is straight, stiff, or even bent in the wrong direction
anesthetic
a drug or agent that is used to abolish the sensation of pain
antihistamine
a drug that blocks the effects of histamine in the body reducing allergies
antipruritic
a drug that prevents or relieves itching
anti-inflammatory
a drug that reduces inflammation
antipyretic
a drug that relieves fever
bronchial dilator
a drug that will dilate( enlarge) the bronchi and other air passages of the respiratory system
atropine
a drug used to relax smooth muscles in various organs, to increase heart rate and to dilate the pupil when applied to the eye
Bayo Coyote
a dun horse with a black dorsal stripe
zebra
a family relative of the horse
bodkin hitch
a farm hitch used in plowing heavy land
vertigo
a feeling of dizziness
vixen
a female fox
zygote
a fertilized egg
Adhesion
a fibrous attachment abnormally joining two adjacent tissues or organs
tooth rasp
a file with a long handle; used for floating or removing sharp edges from the teeth
bog spavin
a filling of the natural depression on the inside and front of the hock; an inflammation of the synovial membrane ; a bog spavin is much larger than a blood spavin and may be a blemish or an unsoundness
Australian checker
a flat rubber device shaped like an inverted Y, two bottom arms ends in disks which have holes in them so that they can be pulled over the bit rings, primarily used in racing
stirrup
a flat-based loop hung from either side of a saddle to support the rider's foot while riding and mounting; English or flat saddle stirrups are made of metal and vary according to tread, weight, and style; western-style stirrups are usually wooden or metal and may be covered with leather; bronc riding stirrups are rounded, decreasing the danger of a foot being caught; see English saddle; western saddle (illus.)
slab sided
a flat-ribbed horse
transudate
a fluid substance that has passed through a membrane or has been forced out of a tissue as a result of inflammation
stable fly
a fly similar to the house fly, but with a painful bite
Deerfly
a flying insect that inflicts painbite
wanderer foal
a foal suffering from convulsive syndromes caused by a lack of oxygen at birth
barker
a foal that is completely disorientated at birth or soon thereafter, the animal goes down followed by violent convulsions, in the latter stage he emits a sound like a yelping dog, hence the name
suckling
a foal that is not weaned
bone cutter
a forceps like instrument originally designed to cut bones; can be used successfully to remove the sharp points on a horse's teeth
water gripes
a form of colic resulting from the intake of too much water; can occur if working a horse too soon after drinking or if allowing a hot, stressed horse to drink too much water, especially cold water, before the horse has cooled down
Venezuelan equine encephalitis
a form of viral encephalitis transmitted by insects; see sleeping sickness
surrey
a four-wheeled vehicle with two forward-facing seats
stiff-necked fox
a fox that runs in a straight line
ariegeois
a french breed black in color with a thick mane and tail. energetic and well suited to farm work especially in mountainous regions
volte
a full turn on the haunches in dressage; a circle with a radius about the length of the horse; may also describe the smallest circle a horse is able to travel (generally about 19 feet in diameter)
Dermatophyte
a fungus that affects the hairs; the cause of ringworm
blood poisoning
a general infection of the blood; septicemia
toxemia
a general intoxication or poisoning sometimes due to the absorption of bacterial products formed at a local source of infection; presence of toxins or poisonous substances in the blood stream
trypanosomiasis
a general term for the diseases nagana, surra, mal de caderas, and murrina, all caused by various trypanosomes
unsound
a general term indicating that a horse has some form of body tissue damage, generally affecting bone, muscle, tendon, or ligaments, which can affect the horse's serviceability and performance at one or more gaits
sorghum
a grain that has a very hard outer seed cot that can slow digestion; not a preferred feed for horses; also called milo
electrocardiogram
a graphical recording of the cardiac cycle produced by an electrocardiograph ECG
spiv
a groom without permanent employment, but who is prepared to do odd jobs for anyone on a casual basis
breed registy
a group of breeders banded together for the purposes of recording the lineage of their animals, protecting the purity of the breed, encouraging further improvements of the breed, and promoting the breed
wobbles
a group of diseases of the spinal column and spinal cord; characterized by various defects of coordination; the wandering or staggering gait of affected horses; also called ataxia
breed
a group of horses having common origin and possessing certain distinguishable characteristics that are transmittable to their offspring
band
a group of horses. a herd
syndicate
a group of people or organization for the purposes of owning, leasing, and/or training a horse for a particular purpose
yearling head collar
a halter/head collar that is adjustable at the nosepiece to fit the growing head of a yearling
Dandy Brush
a hard bristled brush used to remove excess hair and loose dirt
bot block
a hard but porous synthetic black block used to remove botfly eggs from the horse's hair; the block can be sharpened by drawing it across a hard endge
Tarpan
a hardy dun horse origination in Poland; the breed has been extinct for more tan a century; found in the wild and used by farmers for meat and as work animals
bale
a hay that is packed together into a unit
albert head collar
a head collar with an adjustable throat latch that is slotted up into the loops of the front and over the headpiece. it has no metal rings on the cheek pieces, it is less liable to break because when the horse pulls back he tends to give in because of the pressure at the poll
broken crest
a heavy neck that breaks over and falls to one side
alfalfa
a high protein (18%) legume hay- good energy value and a great forage
tularemia
a highly contagious disease of rodents; resembles plague; transmitted by flies, ticks, fleas, and lice; may be contracted in horses by the bite of a tick
African Horse Sickness
a highly fatal viral infection transmitted by flying insects
ulcer
a hollow space on the surface of an organ or tissue due to the erosion, disintegration, and necrosis of tissues
uterus
a hollow, muscular organ in the pelvis of the female, in which the fertilized ovum is implanted and the embryo and fetus are protected and developed; the womb
bearing rein hook
a hook found on the upper part of the harness to hold the bearing rein
vasopressin
a hormone produced in the posterior pituitary gland that causes the smooth muscles in the blood vessels to contract
yearling
a horse between one and two years old; a young horse from January 1 to December 31 of the year following its birth
Westphalian
a horse breed of good size and stature; bred for athletic ability and temperament; used for dressage, combined training, and jumping
sweet feed
a horse feed that is characterized by its sweetness due to the addition of molasses
skate
a horse of poor quality
well in hand
a horse running at a fraction of his best speed
all around cow horse
a horse skilled at carrying out all the duties required of him by a cowboy
silver
a horse tail that is white with a few black hairs in it
Bleeder
a horse that bleeds after a workout or race, the result of a nasal hemorrhage caused from a ruptured throat vein or bleeding from the lungs
blind bucker
a horse that bucks indiscriminately, heading into anything when ridden
stall walker
a horse that constantly paces or circles in the stall; can be a symptom of a horse being too confined
wind sucker
a horse that cribs; see cribbing and wind sucking
bad doer
a horse that does not eat well or does not digest much of what he does eat
Bad traveler
a horse that does not travel well, generally nervous and hard to load
unraced
a horse that has not yet taken part in a race
easy gaited
a horse that has reactions to the rider's cues that are pleasant and enjoyable
stakes winner
a horse that has won a stakes race; denoted by black type on his sales catalog entry
stargazer
a horse that holds his head too high and thrusts his nose out and upward
sprinter
a horse that is able to move at great speed over a short distance, but is seldom able to maintain the pace over a long distance; runs best at distances under a mile
under saddle
a horse that is being ridden, as opposed to a horse that is led (in hand)
bad actor
a horse that is difficult, disagreeable, and uncomfortable to ride
winter horse
a horse that is kept at a home ranch for use during the winter
unregistered
a horse that is not accepted as a specific breed
bandy legs
a horse that is pigeon toed on this hind feet with the points of his hocks turned outward. bow legs
using horse
a horse that is used regularly for work purposes, generally with livestock; maintained primarily for a purpose other for show and racing
stable kicker
a horse that kicks frequently at the walls and doors of his stable; apparently kicks just for the satisfaction of striking something with his hind feet
tongue loller
a horse that lets his tongue hang out
stiff
a horse that moves without bend or even flexion
early to walk/trot
a horse that performs gate transitions too soon rather than waiting for his cue at various markers
barn crazy
a horse that resents the confinement of a barn and will kick and fight as a result in some cases this may be so severe the horse should be kept in a paddock with access to an open faced shed
bean shooter
a horse that throws his from feet violently forward at the trot, with little flexion, landing about twelve inches above the ground, a very undesirable trait
sleeper
a horse that unexpectedly wins a race having preiously shown poor form
bulldogging horse
a horse used for steer wrestling
bobtailed
a horse with a short or docked tail
bald
a horse with a wide blaze down the face. can extend down to the upper lip and around the nostrils
big hearted
a horse with an exceptional desire to please his rider
Wobbler
a horse with the condition called Wobbler's disease; seen on young horses usually under two years of age; characterized by uncoordinated movement of the hindquarters; may be due to some form of injury to the spinal cord
thrown out
a horseman or hound that loses his position in the hunt
swedged shoe
a horseshoe with a crease in the bottom surface to provide greater traction and protect the nail heads from wear
sticky
a hosre taht is most uncertain when attempting to jump any obstacle
blabber
a hound that bays and flings his tounge around when not on the line
bluetick
a hound that is mostly white with small splashes of black mixed in giving a bluish appearance
apprentice
a jockey in training
Willie Shoemaker
a jockey whose mounts won more than $63,000,000 in more than 7,200 races; considered the most successful jockey of all time
antilug bit
a jointed snaffle with one arm of the mouthpiece shorter and more curved than the other, the short side has a stronger action than the long side and is fitted on the side of the horse that is less responsive
standing back
a jumping horse that takes off to far away from the obstacle
stile
a jumping obstacle that consists of a portion of a fence or wall where steps allow people to cross, but deny access to livestock
worm
a jumping obstacle usually consisting of split logs and/or tree trunks and limbs piled on each other in a V-shaped manner
volvulus
a knotting and twisting of the intestines that causes an obstruction and colic
apathy
a lack of feeling, emotion, or interest
arena
a large enclosed by fence or wall riding area
Ascarid
a large nematode parasite found in the small intestine, also called roundworm
tuberosity
a large prominence on a bone, usually for the attachment of muscles or ligaments
stage coach
a large, four-wheeled coach drawn by as many as eight horses
squaw roll
a large, soft, protective roll across the back of the fork on a western springpseat saddle
stirrup wear leathers
a leather cover over the stirrup tread to reduce wear; laced or stitched on the underneath side of the tread
buckstrap
a leather loop attached to the saddle horn or around the fork to provide a handhold when riding a bung horse; usually used by a novice and, hence, also known as a fraidy strap
skirt wear leathers
a leather strap or leather plate on top of the skirt to prevent wear of the skirt by the rigging and stirrup leathers
breech strap
a leather strap that passes around the buttocks of a horse to prevent the saddle from slipping forward; it is seldom used except in packing
breeding hobbles
a leg restraint used on mares being bred to keep them from kicking and injuring the stallion
acephalia
a lethal condition in which the skull of a foal is not formed on birth; the fetus is always aborted or born dead
suspensory ligament
a ligament, bone, muscle, sling, or bandage that holds up a part
tilbury phaeton
a light and elegant four-wheeled vehicle with a folding top over the front seat and a rear set for the footman
Day Rug
a light horse blanket that has a braided looped string round the quarters; may have a hood for warmth during traveling; it is customary for the owners initials to be shown on the rug's rear corners
Adayevsky
a light type of Russian breed; similar to the Kazakh
stanhope
a light, open carriage with one seat
aluminum racing shoe
a lightweight shoe commonly worn by racehorses, the shoe weighs about 5 oz
viceroy
a lightweight, cut under, wire-wheeled show vehicle with a curved dash; used for some heavy harness classes, especially Hackney ponies, Shetlands, and harness show ponies
white pastern
a limb marking; white from the fetlock downward; may be half pastern, three-quarter pastern, etc.; see markings, leg (illus.)
under blanket
a liner used to make a blanket heavier and warmer; needed in the winter under tha stable blanket; made of heavy wool or synthetic fleece
vesiicular stomatitis
a localized inflammation of the soft tissues of the mouth and the formation of blisters; a contagious disease caused by a virus
bronc-busting saddle
a loose designation for any wide-swelled, high backed, short-seated saddle designed to keep the rider in the saddle on a bucking horse
tout
a low-order con man who peddles tips, betting systems, etc., to the unwary race goer
Depression
a lowering of functional activity
ungulate
a mammal that has digits protected by a hoof, as in horses
barn
a man made structure used to shelter horse, tack, feed etc
brood mare
a mare kept for breeding or reproductive purposes
yeld mare
a mare that did not produce a foal during the current season
white flag
a marker used in equestrian sports to mark the left-handed extremity of an obstacle; also used to mark a set track and mist always be passed on the right
bordered
a marking that is circumscribed by an area of mixed color
tumor
a mass of new tissue that persists and grows independently of its surrounding tissue and that has no useful function
aged horse
a mature horse. in showing six years old or older
stallion
a mature male horse that has not been castrated; may be used for breeding
twitch
a means of restraint; a nose twitch is a wooden stick with a loop of rope or chain attached or a metal instrument that is used to apply pressure to the sensory nerves of the nose; a shoulder twitch is applied y grabbing skin at the horse's shoulder and rolling it around the knuckles
electuary
a medicated paste prepared with honey or other sweet substance, used in veterinary practice, and administered by smearing on the teeth, gums, or tongue.
ass
a member of the horse family used for domestic work before horses were tamed
whipper-in
a member of the hunt staff who assists the huntsman
borna
a meningoencephalitis caused by a virus found in food and water; the disease is highly fatal
toe weight
a metal weight fitted to a spur previously placed on the front hoof to induce a change or balance in motion; used extensively in the training and racing of harness horses
Backing
a method of breaking and training when , by grandual stages, the handler eventually sits on the horses back. to move in reverse
weight for age
a method of handicapping horses in a race by their age; older horses carry more weight than the younger horses
speed index
a method of rating racehorses; determined by both the horse's speed and distance covered
skin pinch test
a method of testing for dehydration; being by grasping a fold of skin and pull it away from the horse's neck, then release it; if the horse is well hydrated, the skin will return to its original shape immediately; if the horse is dehydrated, the fold will remain standing or lower very slowly
teasing
a method to test mares in estrus for heat; especially useful when the mare exhibits no other visible signs of heat
aerobe
a microorganism that can live and grow only in the presence of oxygen
single-jointed eggbutt snaffle bit
a mild bit that cannot pinch; the disadvantage is that it allows for very little movement of the mouthpiece
sporotrichosis
a mildly contagious disease causing modules in the subcutaneous lymph nodes; a chronic fungal infection
ash
a mineral matter in feed from the residue remaining after complete burning of organic matter
sulfur
a mineral required by horses; works with nitrogen to form the structure of some amino acids; most common horse feeds have adequate supplies of sulfur
calcium
a mineral that aids in muscular activity, blood clotting, enzyme activation, and bone formation.
stepping pace
a modified pace in which the rolling motion of the true pace is eliminated because the two feet on each side do not move together exactly
two track
a movement in which the horse moves forward with his front and back feet making two sets of tracks
turn on the forehand
a movement where the horse pivots on the forehand while describing concentric circles with his hind legs
antagonist
a muscle or group of muscles that acts opposite of the agonist to control and stabilize movement
Agonist
a muscle or group of muscles that contracts to contribute to the desired movement
voluntary muscle
a muscle used in an action the animal can control, such as moving a leg
"a" fork
a narrow saddle fork with no swell, shaped like the letter A with the peak at the base of the horn
strip
a narrow, white marking from the horse's forehead to his nose; see markings, face (illus.)
Batak
a native breed of the island of Sumatra, the largest Indonesion island, this breed, a cross between specially imported Arab stallions and selected mares of other breeds, is a sought after and valuable pony
voice commands
a natural training aid; must be consistent in word used, volume, tone, and inflection
walk
a natural, slow gait of four beats in which each foot strikes the ground in separate intervals in the fore, off hind, off fore; the walk should be free moving, even, and flat footed; see illustration
trot
a natural, two-beat diagonal gait in which the front foot and the opposite hind foot take off together and strike the ground together; a natural gait in which the tracks of the hind legs fall directly in the tracks of the forefeet
vitamin C
a nonessential vitamin for horses, as they are able to synthesize vitamin C in their digestive tract
timothy
a nonlegume hay; forage grass common to the midwest
bowline knot
a nonslip knot that will untie even if tightened very snugly' used for safety in restraint procedures
string
a number of horses under the control of one person or outfit
water
a nutrient consumed in large volumes; an average adult horse drinks six to ten gallons per day
stringhalt
a nve and muscle disorder characterized by the sudden, irregular, violent jerking up or flexing of the hock when the horse is moving
blinkers
a pair of eye shields fixed to the bridle or on the head covering; used to prevent a horse from looking anywhere but directly in front of him
botfly
a parasite that deposits tiny eggs on horses' legs and bellies; if ingested, the eggs mature in the digestive system and the larvae attach themselves to the stomach wall
ectoparasite
a parasite that lives on the skin surface, such as lice, fleas and mites
appendix
a part of the american quarter Horse Stud Book( half quarter horse)
bar
a part of the saddle tree that runs along each side and parallel to the horse's spine. inter dental space between the incisors and the molars where the bit lies
view halloo
a peculiar piercing scream uttered by some huntsmen when the fox is viewed; some hunts use whistles
blood horse
a pedigreed horse to most horsemen, the tern is synonymous with Thoroughbred and in some cases, more specifically the English Thoroughbred
earth stopper
a person employed to stop up fox holes prior to a hunt
acting master
a person temporarily appointed to organize a hunt until a permanent master is selected
broncobuster
a person who breaks and trains broncos
wrangler
a person who looks after horses
tipster
a person who makes a business of providing information or tips about the chances of a horse in a race
sugar eater
a pet horse
urinalysis
a physical, chemical, or microscopic analysis or examination of the urine
turning device
a piece of equipment used on horses that refuse to turn to one side or that hang to one side
walker
a piece of equipment used to exercise horses; consists of several arms extending from a central pole; horses are tied to the end of the arms and follow it in a circular path; see hot walker
wear leather
a piece of leather on a saddle positioned to reduce wear between leathers and other materials
welt
a piece of leather stitched into the outer seam in the leather covering of swell forks; extends up the sides of the swells; necessary to make the leather fork covering conform to the shape of the fork; there are two types of welts: a single welt is a single piece of leather between the stitched-together pieces of the leather of the seam; a turned welt is a double piece of leather between the stitched-together pieces of leather of the seam
standing martingale
a piece of training equipment that attaches tot he noseband, preventing the horse from raising his head
Authorisation Speciale
a pink card issued to a rider by the National Equestrian Federation permitting him to compete in international dressage, show jumping or combined training events
turn on center
a pirouette when the horse fails to keep the hindquarters on the spot
swung round
a pirouetting walk or canter when the horse makes the turn too quickly and is not under control
spur
a pointed device strapped on to the heel of a rider's boot and used to urge the horse onwards
venom
a poison; a toxic substance normally secreted by a snake, insect, or other animal
yew
a poisonous bush, also called Taxus, with green needles and red berries; sometimes grown as an ornamental bush; can cause a horse's heart to stop
water hemlock
a poisonous plant found in moist areas throughout most of the U.S
back hander
a polo stroke in which the player traveling forward hits the ball backward in the opposite direction
Sorraia
a pony from Portugal; thought to be one of the first breeds of horses to be one of the first breeds of horses to be domesticated by man; height: 12-13 hands; extremely hand; if domesticated, becomes a good riding and pack pony; distinguished by its zebra markings and eel stripe
team roping
a popular event that is the rodeo version of cattle work, in which a cowboy ropes a steer around the horns and another cowboy then ropes the steer's heels
toxoid
a portion of bacterial toxin that has no toxicity, but still retains the ability to stimulate production of antitoxin when injected; used for immunization
balanced seat
a position of the rider requiring a minimal amount of movement
Did Not Change Diagonal
a posting error on the part of the rider in which the rider does not change diagonal correctly
Skyros
a primitive breed of pony from the island of Skyros, Greece; known as being quiet and trustworthy
autoimmune disease
a production of antibodies against the body's own tissues resulting in disease
bookmaker
a professional betting man who is licensed to accept bets placed by others
steeplechase jockey
a professional or amateur jockey who rides in steeplechases, often at heavier weights than normally carried by horses that race on the flat
buckle quard
a protective leather covering over a buckle on one or both sides
bean
a puttylike mass of smegma that collects in the urethral diverticulum of the penis
walkover
a race in which only one horse has been declared a starter; generally, to qualify for the prize money, the horse has to be saddled, paraded before the crowd, and then walked past the winning post
stakes race
a race in which the owners nominate their horse for participation and pay subscription, entrance, and starting fees, whether money or any added prize is added or not; usually stakes races are classfied into grades
sprint
a race of short distance
allowance race
a race with both allowances and penalties in regard to the conditions of the race, moneys won, races won or the date the last race or races were won
slicker
a raincoat made of oiled canvas or other water-resistant fabrics
Yorkshire boot
a rectangle of material, usually felt, with a tape sewn along the center; after the leg is wrapped, the tape is tied just above the fetlock joint and the top of the boot is folded down over it; provides two layers of protection
tail guard
a rectangular piece of blanket or leather with three or four straps at the sides and a long strap at the top; fitted over a tail bandage to prevent the horse from rubbing the hair from his tail
brand
a registered mark of identification , may be on the cheek, neck, shoulder, or hip; may be a freeze brand or a hot brand
Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America
a registry for Belgians that require lineage traceable to US and Belgian studbooks
Spanish Mustang Registry
a registry in which the parents must be registered or pass inspection
Association of Parti-Colored Arabians APA
a registry of pinto colored Arabians
Wild Horses of America Registry
a registry to give recognition to wild horses and burros of America
bearing rein
a rein opposite the direction of the desired movement. this rein is laid against the horse's neck in the direction of the turn
amateur
a rider older than eighteen who does not get paid for riding
two-horse man
a rider who always goes to the hunt with a second horse so that he can hunt all day and keep up front without overtiring his mount
unseated
a rider who has been removed from the saddle by other than intentional methods of dismounting
tetanus
a rigid paralytic disease that causes death by asphyxiation due to rigidity of the respiratory muscles; caused by a toxin produced by a soil bacterium (Clostridium tetani); usually due to a contaminated puncture wound
sphincter
a ringlike band of muscle fibers that constricts a passage or closes an opening
sunfisher
a rodeo horse with good bucking abilities; used in bronc-riding events; a bucking horse that twists his body in the air
breeding roll
a roll placed between the stallion and mare at the time of breeding to prevent the stallion from penetrating too far into the vagina and injuring the mare
barbary pack
a rough scratched together pack of hounds not normally kenneled together but rounded up for the occasion with the hope that they will have sufficient nose and stamina to provide sport
breaking pen
a round pen built with high, solid walls to help prevent injury to horse and rider during training sessions
bolus
a rounded mass of food or medicine prepared by the mouth for swallowing
bit guard
a rubber or leather ring that lies between the horse's cheek and the bit ring or shank to prevent skin pinching
anquera
a rumble seat or mother in law's seat allowing a passenger to accompany the rider in a Mexican Saddle
stepping shortrt
a s
Texas trail saddle
a saddle popular around the 1880s to 1900; characterized by its three-quarter seat, high cantle with a roll, separate side jockey, eight-string seat, and full double rigging; a lightweight and comfortable saddle
utility saddle
a saddle that is between the jump seat and the show seat and is designed for general-purpose use, except jumping
bronc saddle
a saddle used in breaking broncos
eight-string seat
a saddle with a front jockey seperate from teh side jockey requiring four saddle strings on each side to anchor all the leather parts
spring-seat saddle
a saddle with a heavily padded seat and a large, soft, round cantle and pommel roll
six-string seat
a saddle with six saddle strings instead of eight, the two strings at the base of the fork are replaced with a screw-and-female arrangement
border-stamped saddle
a saddle with the full edge trim stamped with a design; often, just the corner of the fenders and skirts are stamped
black saddler
a saddler who specializes in making items of saddlery for riding horses
burning scent
a scent so hot so strong that hounds tear along the line without hesitation; also called screaming scent
three-quarter seat
a seat on which the leather extends forward to the rear edge of the stirrup leather grooves in the tree; has a separate side jockey; later, when the side jockey and the seat of the saddle became one piece of leather, it was called a short seat
spider
a second, reinforcing rigging strap over the fan of the tree of the tree attaching at each end of the rear rigging ring; reinforces the fank cinch rigging for heavy holding like steer roping
beef hide
a secondary grade of rawhide tree covering
zylazine
a sedative or tranquilizer used commonly in horses; rompun
breast-high scent
a sent that is so strong that hounds run with their heads down, but with their noses off the ground
biochemical profile
a series of chemical test run on blood or serum to evaluate organ function
bone spavin
a serious unsoundness affecting the bones of the hock joint; a bony enlargement that appears on the inside and front of the hind legs below the hock at the point where the base of the hock tapers into the cannon bone; also called jack spavin
syndrome
a set of symptoms that occur together, usually indicating a particular type of disease process
three-quarter shoe
a shoe used on horses that brush or those that need to have pressure removed from the heel; it has no inside heel, which leaves that section of the foot unprotected and without support; allows ailments such as corns to be treated easily
breast plate
a short , wide strap that passes over the neck in front of the withers; two adjustable straps run from each end of the short strap back to the saddle
bat
a short flat leather riding whip
billet
a short leather cinch strap that attatches to the rigging device or skirt slots on the off sid eof the saddle and to the cinch; used only with a buckle type cinch both front and rear 2. dropping of a fox
Diestus
a short period of sexual quiescence between metestrus and proestrus; 14-15 days long
bear trap saddle
a short seated wide swelled saddle with a high cantle, a true bear trap saddle has the wide swelled for Vs located backwards from the center: excellent for bronc busting, but dangerous if a horse falls because it is almost impossible for the rider to get out of it
trappy action
a short, quick turn
stock horse
a short-coupled, deep-bodied horse; a western-style horse of the Quarter Horse type, includes Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, Paints, etc;.; a horse suitable for working livestock
straight shoulder
a shoulder lacking sufficient angulation; see conformation comparisons (illus.)
elements
a show jumping word meaning one jump in a combination. a double has two jumps a triple has three
walk-trot horse
a show term meaning a saddle horse that only walks, trots, and canters; distinguished from the five-gated horse
six bar
a show-jumping competition in which the fences are identical in type placed in a straight line, and increase in height from the first to the last obstacle
bacterium
a single celled organism that multiplies by simple division can be spherical rod shaped or spiral some are beneficial some cause disease
acne
a skin condition caused by bacterial infection treatment involves wiping with antibacterial
sweet itch
a skin condition found in horses that are allergic to a particular pasture plant; causes intense irritation; rubbing to relive the itch leads to loss of hair; generally affects the crest, croup, and withers
demodectic mange
a skin disease caused by mites living in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, causing tissue damage through the production of toxins
bute
a slang term for phenylbutazone; an anti-inflammatory agent
slow gait
a slow animated, four-beat gait, similar to the rack; one of the gaits of the five-gaited American Saddle Horse; it is a true prancing action in which each foot in turn is raised and then held momentarily in midair before being brought down
amble
a slow four beat gait in which the horse's hind legs and foreleg on the same side are moved forward together but land separately without suspension
Tmor
a small and agile Indonesian pony; residents fo the Island of Timor and thus subject to strict isolation
strangulating lipoma
a small fatty tumor that is suspended by a stringlike structure and can encircle a piece of intestine, causing an obstruction and a lack of circulation to that segment of intestine
bot egg knife
a small knife with a serrated edge used to remove botfly eggs from a horse's coat
Assateague
a small pony believed to be the offspring from shipwrecked horses from colonial America, inbreeding caused a stunted appearance
vesicle
a small sac containing fluid, such as a blister
bridoon
a small snaffle bit used in conjunction with the curb on the double bridle; sometimes bradoon
tubule
a small tube
trapezium
a small, irregularly shaped bone behind the knee joint; see points of the horse (illus.)
buggy
a small, light, one horse carriage with or without a hood; four wheeled in the U.S. and 2 wheeled in the U.K.
tucked up
a small-waisted horse; may be a temporary condition due to hard work, lack of water, lack of bulk in the diet, etc.; also called gaunted up or ganted up
egg butt snaffle
a snaffle bit with oval (egg shaped) rings that join to the mouthpiece with a protective sheath that prevents lip pinching
snaffle key bit
a snaffle with small metal pieces dangling from the center, used in training young horses to the bit
body brush
a soft brush with fine bristles used to promote a healthy shine, a finishing brush
super saturated solution
a solution containing more of the ingredient that can be held in solution permanently; the ingredient will fall to the bottom of the solution if allowed to stand
squeal
a sound of anger, most often heard when horses are fighting
blind spavin
a spavin where the bone has degenerated, but there is no visible exostosis; a horse suffering from this condition will be lame without showing external signs of spavin
water jump
a spread show-jumping obstacle consisting of a sunken trough of water with a minimum width of 14 ft and a length of up to 16 ft; a small brush fence is usually placed on the takeoff side
elliptic spring
a spring used under the seat of carts and carriages to absorb shock
buckboard
a springless, four wheel carriage
Texas skirt
a square skirt so named because of its popularity in early-day Texas
Derby
a stakes race exclusively for 3 year olds a carriage originally built for Lord Derby; an open four-wheeled carriage; designed for carrying for carrying 4 passengers
boxstall
a stall in the shape of a large box' standard dimensions are 10x10 to 12x12
teaser
a stallion used to find mares in estrus by observing the mare's behavior toward him
steer wrestling
a standard rodeo event; the contestant rides alongside a running steer and jumps from the saddle onto the head and neck of the steer; the object is to stop the steer, twist it to the ground, and hold it there with the head and all four feet facing the same direction; the contestant that chieves this in the shortest amount of time is the winner; also called bulldogging
boundary rider
a station worker whose task is to ride the fencing on the property and repair any problems
back combing
a step in the process of main thinning to push back with a comb
stirrup, open
a stirrup without a front leather hood, shield, or tapderra
tack room
a storage room where bridles, saddles, and harnesses are kept
tie-down
a strap connecting the noseband on the bridle to the cinch; prevents the horse from throwing his head up; the western version of the standing martingale
tongue strap
a strap that passes across the tongue, fastening to the lower jaw; quite painful, but is used in flat racing to stop the horse from swallowing his tongue
Australian Pony
a strong attractive pony suitable for children, resembles the Welch Mountain Pony
apron
a strong covering worn by farriers to protect the front of the body while shoeing a horse
breaking cart
a sturdy, two wheeled , long shafted vehicle pulled by one horse
Activated Charcoal
a substance that absorbs many poisons and prevents them from being absorbed by the body
spasm
a sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle or constriction of a passage
blinkers stay buckle
a support attachment to hold blinkers in place
back stay
a support extending from the upper to the lower portions of the carriage platform
vaccine
a suspension of attenuated or killed microorganisms administered for the prevention or treatment of infectious disease; specific in that a separate vaccine must be used for immunization against each disease
stayapparatus
a system of muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the body and legs that has the following three functions; helps support he horse while standing, acts to reduce concussion during movement, and prevents overextension; also known as the ligamentous structure that locks the leg so the horse can sleep while standing
artificial lighting
a system used to prolong estrus during the later winter and hasten estrus in the early spring months when mares are more generally more reproductively inactive. also used to promote shedding and maintain show coats
wry tail
a tail that is carried to one side rather than being held straight
banged tail
a tail which has been trimmed level at the bottom, seen in dressage horses and hunters, but not in arabians and western pleasure horses
spike team
a team of three horses, two abreast immediately in front of the vehicle and one horse out in the lead; used to enable a four-horse team to continue its journey if one horse goes lame
attitude
a temporary behavior resulting from a specific situations and or environmental conditions
tendon, digital extensor
a tendon that helps bring the hoof forward and straightens the joint
tendon, digital flexor
a tendon that helps draw the hoof up and bend the fetlock joint
by or sired by
a term us to indicate the male parent of the horse
spares
a term used in English racing stables for hoses that are being prepared for racing, but are not up to the standard of those horses actually racing
blow up
a term used in the dressage arena or the show ring when a horse either breaks from the pace at which he is meant to be going, generally misbehaves, or bucks
adequate bone
a term used to indicate that the horse appears to have enough height and or thickness of bone for his size, generally a personal opinion
spavin test
a test in which the affected leg is held acutely flexed for about two minutes, then released immediately before the horse is trotted; the test is considered positive for bone spavin if lameness is markedly increased for the horse's first few steps
bluffter
a thick , foam rubber noseband, covered in fleece; obscures the horse's vision below and behind him; reduces shying during a race; used mainly on trotters and pacers
vaulting surcingle
a thick leather strap with two handles that is fastened around the horse's barrel just behind the front legs
artery
a thick-walled blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart
toe grab
a thin protrusion of metal on the ground surfaceo fthe toe of a horseshoe; used primarily in taining and racing plates to give increased grip and action
sticker
a thin, rectangular, metal wedge placed on the ground surface of the heel of a horseshoe; used to provide better traction
tongue grid
a thing, metal serpentine suspended high in the mouth above the bit; the horse is scarcely aware of its presence, but cannot physically bring his tongue high enough to put it over the bit
thruster
a thoughtless, inexperienced rider who makes a nuisance of himself by overriding hounds and larking
All Around World Champion Cowboy
a title achieved by the top money winner who competed in two or more rodeo events
zootoxin
a toxic substance of animal origin
diazepam
a tranquillizer and anticonvulsant used in horses; also called valium
transmission
a transfer of a disease, nerve impulse, or inheritable characteristic
amnion
a transparent sac that directly envelops the fetus
supportive treatment
a treatment directed at sustaining the strength of the patient
tendon sheath
a tube enveloping a tendon; secretes a lubricant to reduce friction at points of stress
umbilical cord
a tubelike cord that connects the fetus to the placenta; serves as the transport mechanism of nutrients and oxygen from the mare to the growing fetus; also called navel cord
Dentigerous cyst
a tumor containing different types of material such as hair or tooth tissue; also known as ear fistula or conchal sinus
benign
a tumor, not malignant or recurrent, with a favorable outlook for recovery
wraps
a turn of reins around the jockey's hands to restrain a horse
winding
a twisting of the striding leg around in front of the supporting leg so as to walk in the manner of a "rope walking" artist; most often occurs in horses with very wide front; also called rope walking
torque
a twisting or turning force
whiskey
a two-person, open carriage with very high wheels
electric fence
a type of fence in which an electric current is run through smooth wire or woven plastic wire strands or ribbons; also called hot wire
botulism
a type of food poisoning caused by a neurotoxin produced by a bacterium; characterized by abdominal pain, nervous symptoms, secretion disturbances, and dilation of the pupils; can be caused by feeding poor quality silage
Yorkshire halter
a type of halter with a complete, ribbed, hemp headpiece and nosepiece with a string throatlatch and a fitted shank; strong and particularly useful for horses that pull back
tie stalls
a type of housing for horses that provides stabling for more horses than box stalls and requires less bedding and labor; a manger is usually built into the front of the stall; a provision is made for tying the horse and a tail chain is often put across the back; severely restricts the mobility of the horse, therefore exercise important
bullfinch
a type of jump found in England; a thick hedge too high to be jumped and through which the rider must bore
webbed shoe
a type of shoe to protect corns
XC finish
a type of surface finish on malleable iron stirrups; an extrabright cadmium plating used in place of galvanizing
blood spavin
a varicose vein enlargement that appears on the inside of the hock, but immediately above the location of bog spavin; an enlargement of the saphenous vein on the inside of the hock
whelp
a very young puppy
biting
a vice in horse, especially young horses, stallions, and spoiled horse; it can result from hand-fed treats, petting or improper training
yawning
a vice in horses when the horse continually opens his mouth and stretches his head down and out so as to attempt to evade any contact with the bit
wood chewing
a vice that generally results from boredom, in which the horses will bite and chew wood; most horses don't swallow the wood
western equine encephalomyelitis
a viral disease of horses and mules that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord; observed west of the Mississippi River in the U.S.; also present along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts
easternequine encephalitis
a viral disease similar to western equine encephalitis; occurring in the US in a region extending from New Hampshire to Texas and as far west as Wisconsin; also found in Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of Central and South America
Adenovirus
a virus affecting horses and causing upper respiratory symptoms; of little significance except in horses with weakened immune systems
bet
a wager placed on a horse in a race or competition; to make a wager
snort
a warning signal used to alert a group of horses of impending danger, the sound is made by blowing air out through the nostrils; a horse will snort when he sees something that frightens him
biotin
a water-soluble vitamin of the B complex
weanling
a weaned foal that has not yet turned one year old
basic halter
a web headpiece and nose piece front its rope shank forms the nosepiece rear . its disadvantage is that there is not throatlatch and therefore the halter comes off easily
boot jack
a wedging device to help in removing boots, one foot holds the jack to the ground while the other heel is placed in the jack wedge; the wedge grips the boot so that the rider can pull the foot out easily
auction
a well established method of selling horses
stock seat equitation
a western class in which the rider is judged on his horsemanship, style and ability, and effectiveness at applying aids
squatter's rights
a western expression used when a rider falls off his horse
broom tail
a western range horse; a poor, ill-kept horse of uncertain breed and inferior quality
two-string saddle
a western saddle on which there are only two saddle strings, one on each back jockey of the saddle
swell, swells
a western saddle, the portion of the fork that bulges on each side from a line perpendicular to the point where the fork attaches to the bars of the tree; see western saddle; western saddle fork types (illus.)
stock saddle
a western-style saddle
skewbald
a white horse splashed with any solid color other than black
ankle marking
a white leg marking from the coronet to and including the fetlock
star
a white mark of varied size on the forehead; the size and shape should be noted; see markings, face (illus.)
white muzzle
a white marking over both lips up to the region of the nostrils
alum
a white powder with a sweet taste; used for its astringent action in control of diarrhea; mixed with zinc sulfate to control proud flesh
smoky eye
a whitish, clouded eye; see wall eyed
tufted whorl
a whorl where the hairs pile up into a tuft
bar plate
a wide metal plate connecting the branches of a horsehoe
broad spectrum
a wide range of activity, as in a wide range of bacteria affected by a broadspectrum antibiotic
stumor
a worthless horse or one that is not trying
trauma
a wound or injury that injures and destroys tissue
Declaration
a written statement from an owner, trainer, or representative, submitted before a race confirming that a particular horse will take part
average earnings index
a yearly earnings of a horse or the average earning of progeny as a proportion of the total amount of purses available in that year per horse
bitter rubberweed
a yellow flowered wed that may be only a few inches tall or as much as two feet tall; an irritant to the digestive tract
two-year-old
a young horse between his second and third birthday; for most registered horses, between January 1 and December 31 of their second year
three-year-old
a young horse between his third and fourth birthday; for a racehorse, between January 1 and December 31 of his third year
britzka
aPolish carriage used for hire; the front wheels are much smaller than the rear pair
ventilation
ability of air to be exchanged in an enclosed space such as a barn or trailer; generally provided by the doors, windows, and louvered boards of a barn; one of the critical aspects regarding a horse's health when constructing a barn
Agility
ability to move quickly and easily
Anaerobic
able to survive without oxygen
anhidrosis
abnormal condition of no sweat
big knees
abnormal growth caused by epiphysitis resulting from concussion
brachygnathia
abnormal shortness of the lower jaw; parrot mouth
emaciated
abnormally thin or weak, especially because of illness or a lack of food.
step mouth
abrupt change in height of the molars; often occurs between the third and fourth cheek teeth
albino
absence of all color pigments in the skin, hair and eyes. sensitive to light, not a true breed but started in the US originating from Morgan and Arabian crosses. They are docile, long lived and intelligent, with a special ability to learn circus exercises.
voluntary
accomplished in accordance with will
vice
acquired abnormal behavior that results from confinement or improper management; can affect the horse's usefulness, dependability, and health; examples are cribbing, weaving, and kicking
active immunization
acquired immunity due to the presence of antibodies formed by the body in response to an antigen
supplement
addition to a ration in order to increase specific nutrients; to provide more of a substance such as vitamins, minerals, or protein
ulcerated
affected with an ulcer
unilateral
affecting one side only
antispasmodic
agent that prevents muscle spasms
sulky
alight, two---wheeled racing rig; a small cart with rubber-covered wheels; designed for one person, used for trotting races
viable
alive or capable of living
bran disease
also called big head; nutritional inbalance reslting in bony deformities due to calcium reabsorbtion from bone
stress fractures
also called fatigue fractures; most commonly seen in young horses training at high speeds on dirt surfaces; incomplete microfractures usually on the front surface of the cannon bone
tipping head
also called tilted head ; the face of the horse is not held vertical; from the front, the head is slanted to the right or the left
acetyl promazine
also known as ace or acepromazine; a tranquilizer commonly used for horses
bursatti
also known as summer sores
Walking Horse
also referred to as the Tennessee Walking Horse; originally developed for plantation riding; characterized by an easy, running walk
wear
amount of biting surface of the incisors that is ground off in chewing
blind switch
an American term referring to a horse in a race that is behind a pocket of horses and is unable to get out and perform better
varnish roan
an Appaloosa roan pattern with a predominance of white hairs with dark varnishlike patches usually on the head, knees, hocks, and lower limbs
byerley turk
an Arabian stallion that was on of the three founders of the English thoroughbred; Byerley Turk was captured from the Turks at the siege of Budapest and brought back to en England by captain byerley , hence the name, never raced, the horse proved to be a top class sire
Brumby runner
an Australian bush horseman who captures wild horses
Waler
an Australian horse breed; a docile, courageous horse originally used by the military; the few remaining horses are now being used for jumping, hurdle races, and polo
Brumby
an Australian wild horse; cunning, resistant, and at times unmanageable; extinction is possible due to heavy culling of wild herds since the 1960s
throw up
an English expression meaning that the hounds have lost the scent and have given up or thrown up their heads
bent-top iron
an English stirrup that has a top that curves away from the rider's instep; this helps keep the heel down and is suitable for those riders who like to push their foot fully home in the iron
cade
an English term for a foal raised by hand
travel a horse
an English term; to trailer a horse
ookie
an abbreviated term for a bookmaker
bradycardia
an abnormally slow heart rate
edema
an accumulation of abnormally large amounts of fluid in the tissues
strangles
an acute infectious disease of the lymph glands caused by bacteria ; symptoms include nasal discharge, elevated temperature, and swelling of the lymph glands; if the swelling of the lymph glands is severe, it can restrict the horse's breathing (strangled), hence then name; also called (distemper
adjunct
an additional agent or measure used to assist a horse in overcoming a problem
Bacteriostatic
an agent that inhibits the growth of bacteria
tranquilizer
an agent that produces a quieting or calming effect without changing the level of consciousness
antiseptic
an agent used in the treatment of woulds or disease to prevent the growth and development of germs
tissue
an aggregation of similarly specialized cells united in the performance of a particular function
brace
an alcohol-based substance applied to horses' legs after exercise to prevent swelling
urticaria
an allergic condition characterized by the appearance of welts on the skin surface; also known as hives
appleton
an almost round horn cap the size of a small hen's egg
Tellington-Jones Equine Awareness Movement
an alternative approach to working with problem horses
bumper
an amateur race rider, an amateur race
arcade
an anatomic structure resembling a series of arches usually refers to the surface of the jaws that holds the teeth.
windy
an animal that whispers or roars when exerted; also called wind-broken
Autumn Double
an annual two race event held in Newmarket England consists of the Cesarewitch Stakes and the Cambridge Stakes
antitoxin
an antibody that can neutralize a specific toxin
blistering
an application of an agent to the skin to produce blistering and inflammation of the ski; used to treat chronic or subacute inflammation of joints, tendons, and bones; increases the blood supply to the site of the blister and induces more rapid healing
bug boy
an apprentice jockey, so called because of the "bug" or asterisk denoting the weight 5-lbs weight allowance in the official program
sit fast
an area of dry, dead skin on the neck or back; caused by pressure that stops the blood supply in the area
bridle marks
an area of wear on the face; the absence of hair caused by an improperly fitted bridle
temples
an area on each side of the forehead
tattoo
an artificial permanent identification; Thoroughbreds are tattooed on the inside of the lips
blacksmith
an artisan who works with iron and makes tools or weapons and horseshoes
breeding
an attempt to regulate the offspring though intensive selections of parents
skeleton-rigged saddle
an early saddle consisting of only a rawhide-covered tree and rawhide rigging for the rigging ring
breeze
an easy workout under stout restraints by the exercise rider to stabilize an already sharp horse's conditions between engagements
bioelectric impulse
an electrical impulse generated by living tissue such as muscle or nerve cells
totalisator
an electromechanical device used for a form of betting in which the total amount wagered, after deducting a percentage for costs, is divided among the holders of winning and placing tickets
brougham
an elegant, closed carriage with tow or four wheels designed for city use and drawn by one horse; named after an English lord
war bridle
an emergency bridle made of rope; used in leading unruly horses by exerting pressure on the poll; also called a come-along; often made of stiff lariat rope
valet
an employee who takes care of the jockey's equipment; helps the trainer saddle the horse, and helps carry saddle and equipment to and from the paddock
vertical flexion
an engagement of the entire body: abdomen, hindquarters, back, neck, and head; often mistakenly associated with head set; also called longitudinal flexion
stride
an entire sequence of steps in a particular gait; length of stride measured from where one hoof has left the ground to the spot where the same hoof again hits ground; see step
tryptophane
an essential amino aci
winging out
an exaggerated paddling; particularly noticeable in high-going horses
snorter
an excitable horse
youth
an exhibitor less than eighteen years old; additional age divisions are often created to separate children further
buy a lot
an expression used in racing for falling of a horse
take the horse
an expression used when a mare will stand and accept service from the stallion
adjuvant
an extra substance added to a prescription to increase the effect of the main ingredient
blue eye
an eye with a blue appearance; vision may or may not be affected, therefore it may or ma not be categorized as an unsoundness; also known as China eyed, glass eyed or cotton eyed
type
an ideal or standard of perfection combining all the characteristics that contribute to the animal's usefulness for a specific purpose; embodying all the breed's characteristics
broken wind
an inability to empty the lungs of air; caused by the rupture of some alveoli and characterized by difficult breathing ; a chronic cough and generally poor condition
spasticity
an increase in the normal muscle tone
Babesiosis
an infection spread by tick bite and caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Babesia
zoonosis
an infection transmissible under natural conditions from animals to humans
besnoitiosis
an infectious disease caused by protozoa that involves the skin, subcutaneous tissue, blood vessels, and other tissue
trichomonasis
an infectious intestinal disease characterized by sudden, severe diarrhea
alternative inflammation
an inflammation in which cell changes caused b bacterial toxins lead to tissue necrosis
Bursitis
an inflammation of the bursa, occasionally accompanied by the formation of a calcified deposit in the underlying tendon
bronchopneumonia
an inflammation of the lungs that begins in the terminal bronchioles, which become clogged with mucus and pus
alveolar periostitis
an inflammation of the periosteum of the alveoli due to infection, marked by separation and pain
bucked shin
an inflammation of the periosteum(bone skin) on front side of the cannon bone, usually occurring on the forelegs of young horses that are strenuously exercised; typically a temporary racing unsoundness
true lethals
an inherited condition in horses that causes death of the foal just prior to or shortly after birth
white foal syndrome
an inherited condition in which the foal is born health, all white, with blue eyes, but has a constriction in the large intestine; surgical correction is usually unsuccessful
white lethal
an inherited, genetic, lethal condition in foals in which the foal receives the gene for albinoism from both parents; the embryo will die in the uterus
tourniquet
an instrument for compressing a blood vesel by applying pressure around an extremity to control the circulation and prevent the flow of blood to or from the distal area
stethoscope
an instrument for listening to the sounds produced in the heart, lungs and gastrointestinal tract
electroretinograph
an instrument for recording electrical activity in the retina.
sweat scraper
an instrument for removing excess sweat or excess water after bathing a horse
speculum
an instrument for showing the interior of a passageway or cavity of the body; may be used to keep the horse's mouth open while the teeth are being floated
arthroscope
an instrument through which the interior of a joint may be inspected or operated on.
vise
an instrument used by farriers to finish shoes and to hold metal
uremia
an intoxication caused by the accumulation in the blood of waste materials normally eliminated in the urine; a result of inadequate kidney function
.tamed iodine
an iodine solution from which the usual burning effect has been removed
tie weight
an iron weight formerly used for ground-tying horses; rounded, but flat on the ground side, or square; usually weighed 8 lbs
Bell
an object rung in show competitions to signal competitors to start, restart, or stop, or to indicate eimination
spread fence
an obstacle in show jumping or cross-country that is wide rather than high; examples incldue water jumps and parallel bars
steward
an official at a race meeting appointed to see that the meeting is conducted according to the rules
Ysabella
an offshoot of the American saddle horse; originated in the U.S. on McKinzie Ranch, Williamsport, Indiana; used for pleasure riding and as an exhibition horse
break coach
an open four wheeled spring coach with two facing seats for the passengers, a front seat for the coachman, and an auxiliary rear seat for the footman; has a team of 4-6 horses
tonneau
an open vehicle drawn by one medium-build horse; easy to handle
vis-a-vis
an open, four-wheeled carriage with facing seats for four passengers
toxin
an organic poison; usually a protein produced by a living organism
Ehrlichia
an organism causing Potomac horse fever
virulent
an organism with great ability to cause disease; exceedingly pathogenic or noxious
Walking Horse Owner Association
an organization designed to promote the Tennessee Walking Horse
tug
an oval-shaped band topped with a buckle through which the shafts on a single-horse harness pass; in pair or team driving, the tug is the part of the harness by which the traces are attached to the hames; see harness parts A and B (illus.)
elk lip
an overhanging top lip; normally considered a conformation flaw
strain
an overstretching or overexercexertion of some part of musculature
bronco
an unbroken or imperfectly broken wild horse
bad minded
an uncooperative horse that resists training
bush track
an unofficial race meeting in the U.S.
arteritis
`inflammation of the arteries causing edema . can be caused by Equine Viral Arteritis EVA
breeching dee
a D shaped metal fitting that connects the breeching strap to the shaft
Dee
a D-shaped metal fitting through which various parts of the harness pass
Boulonnais
a French breed of very large quick-maturing draft horses, two distinct types- small and large; the small type is virtually extinct and the large type is used for draft work
Auxois
a French draft breed; a quiet, good-natured horse often branded with the letters TX on the left side of the neck; the breed dates back to the Middle Ages when it was used for drawing carriages and carts
Wielkopolski
a Polish breed; relatively new breed influenced by Arab, Prussian, Hanoverian, and English Thoroughbred bloodlines; used as draft horses and for riding; courageous, calm, and good mover
Sokolsky
a Polish draft breed influenced by the Norfolk, the Belgian Ardennes, and the Anglo-Norman; generally chestnut in color, but bay and brown are also found
Truckle Feature
a Quarter Horse that set the quarter-mile record at 21.02 seconds in 1969
Zemaituka
a Russian breed believed to be a descendant of the Asiatic wild horse; survives on poor feed; resistant to cold; may travel forty miles per day
Vladimir Heavy Draft
a Russian breed produced when local mares were crossed with a variety of draft breeds; a well-built, powerful horse
Budyonny
a Russian breed resulting from the cross between the Don and the English Thoroughbred: officially recognized in 1948 , a sturdy horse with a balanced appearance and great freedom of movement at all paces
Viatka
a Russian breed with good conformation and a solid biuld; suitable for light farm work
Tersky
a Russian breed; a docile, intelligent horse developed and bred at state-controlled locations for use in the military; now used for sporting events, cross-country, jumping, and dressage
abats Le Sultan
a Russian game on horseback , feathers and a mask
Turkoman
a Russian horse breed; an elegant horse developed from ancient breeds crossed with Akhal-teké bloodlines; noted for speed and endurance
troika
a Russian word meaning trio or three; a three-horse combination team hitched to a vehicle such as a carriage, wago, sleigh, or sled
Wing Commander
a Saddle Horse stallion that won the world's five-gaited championship six times
trotter
a Standardbred horse that races with a diagonal gait; slowest racehorse gait
Wurttemberg
a West German breed; a steady, docile riding horse used for saddle and light draft work
Bagman
a bagged fox. in places where foxes are scarce it is customary to bring a fox to hunt
Australian simplex safety iron
a balloon loop forward on the outer side of the iron on the stirrup that ensures the foot cannot become trapped
splashboard
a barrier designed to keep water from splashing up onto the passengers in a carriage; see carriage parts (illus.)
bilirubin
a bile pigment formed from the breakdown of red blood cells
bar bit
a bit consisting of a slightly curved bar with snaffle rings
bucking roll
and "extra set or swells" fastened onto the saddle horn to protect a rider when riding bucking horses ; allows the rider to wedge himself in, making it harder for the horse to buck him off
antirearing bit, chifney
a bit that has three rings, two for the cheek pieces and one for the lead rein, the upper part of the cheek swivels on the mouthpiece independently of the lower section, used to help control horse that rear
balanced bit
a bit that naturally turns to the straight up and down position. releasing the curb strap
broken bit
a bit with a break or hinge in the center of the mouthpiece
alkaloid
a bitter, basic organic substance found in plants
aneurysm
a blood filled sac formed by an abnormal dialation of the wall of an artery, a vein or the heart
bay
a body color in which the coat is dark red to yellowish brown in color and the mane, tail, and lower limbs are black. black on the limbs is referred to as black points
sorrel
a body color of red or copper red; mane and tail are usually the same color as the body, but may be flaxen
black
a body color where the skin mane tail and body hair are black. no other color s present, except that white markings on the face and legs are permitted
stirrup bolt
a bolt through the upper part of the stirrup, used to suspend it from the stirrup leather; also known as the cross bar at the upper end of the stirrup; the stirrup's point of suspension in the stirrup leather
ulna
a bone that, fused together with the radius, forms the forearm of the horse; see skeletal system (illus.)
spoke
a brace or bar extending between the hub and rim of the carriage wheel; see carriage parts (illus.)
breast harness
a breast piece elongated at each end to form long traces that pass through loops on the saddle and are coiled tightly around the length of the shafts of two wheeled sulkies
East Bulgarian
a breed developed at the end of the nineteenth century in Bulgaria by crossing TB Arabs and Anglo Arabs; an excellent saddle horse and a good jumper; lively, but mild mannered with good endurance
Danubian
a breed developed in Bulgaria a powerful, light draft horse, sometimes used under saddle; a strong and enduring breed; color: dark chestnut and black
Soviet Heavy Draft
a breed developed when draft mares were crossed with Belgian and Percheron stallions; the most common breed in Russia
calabrese
a breed found in Italy derived from the Arab, Andalusian, and English Thoroughbred bloodlines; an attractive horse with good endurance
alter-real
a breed from Portugal , quiet and intelligent, used for saddle horses, used by roualty in the 18th century, 15-16.1 hands
Einsiedler
a breed named after a town called Einsiedein in the Swiss Canton of Schwyz in Switzerland; generally these horse are docile and make good jumpers and saddle horses
American Bashkir Curly
a breed noted for a long, curly coat of hair especially well adapted to extremely cold weather like Russian mountains, Curlies are medium size and chunky, Registry formed August 14 1971
Suffolk
a breed of draft horse that is always chestnut in color
Tarbenian
a breed of horse from the French region of Tarbes; basically, an Anglo-Arab
Standardbred
a breed of light horses orgiinating in the U.S.; known ofr good stamina; used for driving and racing
Turkish Pony
a breed of pony not particularly attractive; calm in temperament; endurance makes it a good farm and pack animal
Spiti
a breed of pony originated in the Himalayas; used as a pack animal; a sturdy, vigorous mountain pony
Andalusion
a breed originating from Spain with influences fro m the Barb and many other European and American breeds characterized by high stepping movement, color, bay black gray and roan
Belgian Brabant
a breed originating in Belgium' generally classed as a division of the French Ardennes' docile workers with exceptional endurance
Belgian
a breed originating in Beljium, a heavy and closely coupled draft horse breed; common uses draft work and shows
Arabian
a breed originating in Saudi Arabia, oldest and purest of todays breeds. known for arching necks, flat croups, refined heads and one less vertebra.
Swedish Warm-Blood
a breed originating in Sweden; the breed goes back to the early seventeenth century when it was derived from crossing several different breeds including the Arab, the Adalusian, the Frisian, and the Hanoverian
Swiss Warm
a breed originating in Switzerland; the main foundation stock is Einsielder; used for riding and light draft work
Beberbeck
a breed originating in West Germany resulting from the cross between Arabs, Thoroughbreds, and local brood mares; a willing disposition is combined with a heavy Thoroughbred appearance
American Association of owners and breeders of Peruvian paso horses
a breed registry to qualify for registration there must be a stallion report on file and proper paperwork submitted with photos and fee or, if imported, must be registered in Peru or Honduras
Ardennais
a breed that originated in France; among the most powerful of all draft breeds
surcingle
a broad strap about the girth to hold the blanket or saddle in place; can be used in vaulting; for training such as longeing and ground driving, it supplies fasteners for side reins or longs lines
Blaze
a broad, white marking covering the forehead(but not the eye or nostrils) and extending down the face covering the whole width of the nasal bones
bruised sole
a bruised or blood clot that has developed on the laminae of the hoof and can be seen on the sole of the hoof; the horse may be lame and show pain when pressure is applied to this area
appointment card
a card sent out to interested parties by the hunt secretary informing them of the time and date and place of forthcoming meets
top bed
a carriage footrest; see carriage parts (illus.)
tilbury
a carriage made to seat tow persons; has two wheels and is light and elegant; a typical English gig
calash
a carriage that may or may not have a fold-down top and bottom and is drawn by 1 horse
vector
a carrier; capable for transmitting a disease; applies to flies, mosquitoes, ticks, etc.
sinus
a cavity or hollow space
biotransformation
a change in the composition of a drug by the liver
arsenic
a chemical found in rodenticides, weed killers, and insecticides
Working Cow Horse
a class in which a horse is judged on his performance in cattle working and reining exercises
Working Hunter
a class in which the horse is judged on style, form, and his ability to negotiate a course safely
Western Horsemanship
a class in which the rider is judged on seat, hands, ability to control and show horses; judges may assign an individual riding pattern
Western Pleasure
a class in which the western-type horse is ridden in the show ring and judged at a walk, trot, and lope both ways of the ring on a loose rein
Avermectin
a class of dewormer effective against many parasites including bots, includes ivermectin
tovero
a classification of Paint; those horses that have characteristics of both toblano and overo coat patterns
blocks
anesthetic injection to numb certain parts of the body; used to diagnose location of lameness or to facilitate standing surgeries
varmint
another name for a fox
slip head
another variation of the English bridle; a simple strap attached to a snaffle bit adjusted under the headstall and used with a Weymouth or full bridle
tetracycline
antibiotic used against certain infections; can cause diarrhea in horses
tetanus antitoxin
antibody used for the purpose of temporarily immunizing against tetanus
apprehensive
anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen
sprain
any abnormal or unusual stretching of any ligament, tendon, muscle, or joint capsule; often associated with heat, swelling, and pain
stimulant
any agent, medicine, or drug that produces a feeling of wel being or increased energy or alertness
artifact
any artificial structure or feature concerning the anatomy of the horse eg a mark on a radio graph that may indicate bone fracture or damage
vessel
any channel for carrying fluid
warranty
any description, expression, or statement made concerning any matter relating to the conformation, health, or ability of a horse; given in writing at or prior to a sale; any legal recourse to litigation for recovery of any possible loss or damages by the purchaser can only apply to any matter detailed in the warranty
soporific
any drug or compound that induces or causes sleep
analgesic
any drug that relieves pain without causing unconsciousness
stopper
any drug that slows down a horse or prevents him from perfomring to the best of his ability
earth
any hole in which he fox takes refuge
stain
any horse that appears to be well bred, but is not registered
Sunday horse
any horse with comfortable gaits
timber
any jump or obstacle made of wood such as a gate, hurdle or fence
Blemish
any mark or deformity that diminishes the beauty of the horse, but does no affect his serviceability, there is no set classification to distinguish between an unsoundness or blemish for example, a splint may be either depending on location, cause and lameness
Dewormer
any number of commercial products administered by stomach tube, syringe or feed to control internal parasites
amino acid
any of a class of organic compounds that contains at least one amino group, -NH 2, and one carboxyl group, -COOH: the alpha-amino acids, RCH(NH 2)COOH, are the building blocks from which proteins are constructed.
small strongyles
any of forty species of strongyles that commonly infect the horse; thought to be less harmful than large strongyles; their larval migrations are limited to the intestinal walls
Diabetes
any of several metabolic disorders marked by excessive urination and persistent thirst
air above the ground
any of the high school movements in which the horses's legs are off the ground
tuberculosis
any of the infectious diseases of man and animals caused by a species of mycobacteria and characterized by the formation of tubercles and caseous necrosis in the tissues
bones
any of the separate parts of the hard tissue forming skeleton; there are four main classifications : short, long flat and irregular
venule
any of the small vessels that collect blood from the capillaries and join to form veins
Walking Horse Class
any of various competitions held for Tennessee Walking Horses at horse shows
sterilization
any procedure by which an individual is made incapable of reproduction, as by castration
transition rough
any resistance to the rider's aids during a transition; gait changes that are not smooth
agent
any substance or technique capable of producing a physical, chemical or biological effect
speedy cutting
any type of limb interference at the fast gaits
vehicle
anything that can mechanically carry diseased organisms from one source animal to another, such as clothing, food, water and dust
Eastern
applied to horses of Arab, Barb, or similar breeding
suitability
appropriate for a particular purpose or for a type or size of rider
speed of horses
approximate speed of normal gaits; walk, 4 mph; trot, 9 mph; gallop, 12 mph
aficionado
ardent devotee; fan; enthusiast.
axilla
area of the chest on the inside of the forearm
AI
artificial insemination
steroid
artificially produced drug that is similar to the natural hormone that controls inflammation; sometimes used illegally to promote muscle development
triple bar
ascending staircase jump consisting of three bars that add spread and increase in height
sweeny
atrophy or shrinking of the shoulder muscles due to a nerve injury
bull pen
auction ring
suckle reflex
automatic suckling when a finger or nipple is placed in a newborn foal's mouth; often used in the assessment of newborn foals
Badge of Honor
awarded to riders competing in Prix des Nations competition. bronze =5 silver=25 gold =50 competing in the Olympic games is as same as 5 Prix de Nations
brucellosis
bacterial infection found in poll evil and fistulous withers; causes variable fever, stiffness, and bursa enlargement at the poll or the withers
Echinochloa
barnyard grass
toes in
base narrow; see conformation comparisons, front limb (illus.)
toes out
base wide; see conformation comparisons, front limb (illus.)
eliminative behavior
behavior demonstrated by horses during defecation or urination, if given enough room a horse will usually walk some distance to an elimination spot
subcuticular
beneath the epidermis
submucous
beneath the mucous membrane
subscapular
beneath the scapula
subcutaneous
beneath the skin
back
between the withers and the loin, technically, the thoracic area from the 8th bertabra to and including the 18th dorsal vertebraor 2 beated gate in reverse or in racing to place a bet on a horse
aspiration biopsy
biopsy in which tissue is obtained by application of suction through a needle attached to a syringe.
blinders
blinkers
anal atresia
blocked anus, foal is born with no anal opening hence do products of digestion may pass, surgical correction is rarely beneficial
weights
blocks, normally of lead, placed in the weight cloth and used by the rider who is not heavy enough to make the specified weight for an event
thrombocyte
blood platelets; important in blood clotting
varicose vein
blood spavin; located at the inside of the hock
black type
bold face print on a horse's sales catalog that indicates a horse that has won or placed in a stakes race
tension band plate
bone repair mplant that prevents separation of a fracture
turbinate bones
bones in the nasal passage that filer and warm the air that is inhaled
vertebrae
bones that make up the spinal column; extend from the head to the tail
elbow
boney projection at the upper back of the foreleg; joint that permits forward bending of the leg
splint
bony enlargements occurring on the cannon or splint bones; characterized by swelling, heat, and sometimes lameness; most common in young, strenuously worked horses; see blemishes and unsoundnesses (illus.)
teeth
bony projections in the upper and lower jaws, used to grasp, pull, and chew food; when fully grown, the male horse has forty teeth; the female has thirty-six teeth and lacks canines; sharp points wear on the inside of the lower teeth and the outside of the upper teeth
tendon boot
boots made of leather with a thick pad at the back; used to protect tendons from overreach injury
top boots
boots with contrasting mahogany tops and white garters; originated with cavaliers in Britain in the 1700s, who used to turn down the tops of their boots to display the colored linings
thigh
bordered by the stifle, flank, croup, buttock, and gaskin; see points of the horse (illus.)
Three Bars
bred stallion that became a leading a Quarter Horse sire
burmese
breed found in Bruma; may be unreliable; has good endurance
Welsh Cob
breed from Wales; a courageous, agile horse bred from the Welsh Mountain Pony, possibly Arab, Spanish breeds, and the Hackney; now used for riding, jumping, trekking, and show jumping
Wild Horse of Wyoming
breed of the U.S. , originated from Arab, Spanish, Turkmene, and Berber lines; introduced by colonists and Cortez; stubborn and resistant
Tennessee Walking Horse
breed of the U.S.; height: 15-16 hands; strong, well built, docile, with a comfortable, four-beat running walk; common uses: show, saddle, harness, and all-around riding
Bosnian
breed originated in Yugoslavia, known for a calm temperament; widely used by farmers
Toric
breed originated in the Soviet Union; known for its quiet disposition; used for light agricultural work
Bhutia
breed originating in India; strong with good endurance; suited for rough terrain; used for pack
Appaloosa Horse Club
breed registry of more than 500000 Appaloosas
tice straw brush
brush that penetrates hair and lifts dirt
ankle boots
brushing boot to protect the fetlock joint as well as the tendons and ligaments above it
timed events
calf roping, team roping, and steer wrestling
adenocarcinoma
cancerous tumor of glandular tissue
tushes
canine teeth that erupt in the interdental space; usually only found in mature male horses
topical treatment
care affecting a particular spot on the surface of the body directed to the cure of a disease or injury
efferent
carrying away from a center
betting shop
censed bookmaker's establishment, not on a racecourse, that takes bets on horse races
simple lead chage
change from one lead to another with at least on stride at the walk or trot, or a halt in between
balance not maintained
change in balance by horse or rider
version
change of the polarity of the fetus in the uterus in relation to the mare
upward transition
change to a faster pace, as in going from a slow trot to an extended trot, or a walk to a canter
tying up
characterized by muscle rigidity and lameness; affecting the muscles of the croup and loin; accompanied by pain, disinclination to move, a variable temperature, and brownish colored urine; commonly seen in fit horses that resume heavy exercise after a few days of rest without any reduction in grain; also called Monday morning sickness, azoturia, or myositis
toxic shock
circulatory collapse due to the release of toxins from bacteria in the body
Amateur-Owner
class open to horses where the owner or member of the owners immediate family is the rider
trace clip
clipping the horse under the neck, along the belly, and bove the thigh; essentially the area the traces ofa cart would be; the back, neck, legs, and rump are not clipped
body clip
clipping the horse's entire coat including the legs
track right
clockwise movement in an arena so that the right leg is on the inside
astresia coli
closure of the colon, severed large intestines affected foals appear normal up to 24 hours then become colicky and die within 3-4 days
appointments
clothing, tack and equipment used in show riding
tobiano
coat color in Pintos and Paints; white patches extend from the back down, as if white paint were splashed on the horse from above; borders between color and white are usually sharper than in the overo; all the legs are white and the face is colored or colored with white facial markings
blue roan
coat color in which the coat has a blue tinge, which is the result of an equal mixture of white and black or black-brown hairs
blue dun
coat color in which the skin is black with the body color a dilute black, the mane and tail are always black, and there may be a dark dorsal stripe running from the base of the tail to the mane; a dark strip may also be present down the withers
strawberry roan
coat color; chestnut or sorrel with an equal miture of white hairs, gving the coat a pink tint; solid chestnut may be seen on the lower legs
yellow dun
coat color; dark skin with a diffuse yellow coat; the mane and tale may be black or chocolate; a withers stripe, list, and zebra markings may be present
brown
coat color; dark skin with black and dark brown hairs mixed; main and tail are black, hairs on the muzzle are the best indicator of the true color of the horse
white
coat color; light hair on white skin; this color is rare, as most light horses are gray (light hair on dark skin)
bright chestnut
coat color; primary color is bright golden red
Dark Bay
coat color; same as a bay with the primary coat color a reddish brown
stocking
coat marking; a white area on the leg, usually extending from the coronet up to the knee or hock; see markings, leg (illus.)
sock
coat marking; a white area on the leg, usually extending from the coronet up to the middle of the cannon bone
whorl
coat marking; may be a line or a spot where hair that lies in different directions meets; often seen on the neck in a circular pattern
amniotic fluid
colorless liquid surrounding the fetus, contains acids, salts, cells and mucus
agonistic behavior
combative behavior, a basic behavior pattern includes aggression, submission and attempts to escape
borium
common name for tungsten carbide, one of the hardest materials known; may be used to increase traction and durability in horseshoes
Western Division
composed of stock, trail, and pleasure horses classes; horses may be of any breed or combination of breeds as long as they are at least 14.1 hands, serviceably sound, and of stock horse type; riders must be dressed as for the stock seat equitation classes and carry a lariat or reata; a rain slicker may be required in trail and pleasure classes
titer
concentration
training tracks
concentric tacks inside the racecourse proper at Australian racetracks on which the great majority of Australian racehorses are trained; tracks that are set up for race-training purposes
astresia ani
congenital absence of a normal body opening the anus
umbilical hernia
congenital defect; the protrusion of contents of the abdomen through an opening in the muscle, forming a swelling or lump in the area of the navel
vitamin B
consists of a number of related compounds; B complex vitamins are present in virtually all the metabolic processes that take place in the horse
western bridle
consists of a set of reins, a bit, and a headstall; the type of reins may vary depending on rider's preference and use of the horse
urinary system
consists of the kidney, ureters, bladder, and urethra; removes waste materials from the body in the form of urine
thumps
contractions of the diaphragm in unison with the heartbeat; sometimes called diaphragmatic flutter
afferent
conveying toward a center
eclampsia
convulsions and coma in heavily milking mares due to loss of calcium through the milk
digital extensor tendon
cords of tough fibrous connective tissue in which muscle fibers end and muscles are attached to bone tendons of the fore and hind limbs that act to help move the hoof forward and lift the toe
snaffle bit
the oldest and simplest form of bit available; comes in a variety of types; consists chiefly of a mouthpiece with a ring at each end to which one pair of reins is attached, the snaffle is a nonleverage bit; the action of the snaffle is on the corners of the lips; some have a straight bar, some have a straight bar, some are slightly curved, and some are sing- or double-jointed; snaffle bit control requires two hands on the reins; the term snaffle is sometimes mistakenly used to describe any bit with a jointed mouthpiece; see English bridle (illus.)
angle of bite
the outer angle at which the upper and lower incisors meet
split hide
the outer, or grain, layer of a hide from which the under, or flesh, side has been removed
vulva
the outside opening of a mare's genital tract
Ectopion
the outward turning of the edge of the eyelid
bridle
the part of a horse's saddlery or harness that is placed about the head; there are three components to a bridle- reins, bit and headstall
twist
the part of an English saddle tree that is directly between the rider's thighs where they meet the body; see English saddle (illus.)
bur
the part of the bar that extends forward in front of the fork
Abdomen
the part of the body between the thorax and the pelvis
brow band
the part of the bridle that lies across the horse's forehead below the ears
body colors
four basic coat colors exist in horses , black, brown, bay and chestnut; these colors are further added to by the effects of greying, roaning, dilution, and spotting of the coat
sound
free from any abnormal deviation in structure or function that interferes with the usefulness of the horse; physically fit and shows no signs of weakness or illness
bronc
from Spanish meaning wild, now used to denote meanness or wildness in a derogatory sense
Anterior
front of the body, organ
acquired gaits
gaits that a horse must be taught
team
generally two, four, or six horses harnessed together and pulling a vehicle; any numbr of horses pulling together through any number of hitches
bensimidazole
generic name for a chemically and functionally similar family of dewormers that includes cambendazole and thiabendazole
xylazine
generic name for a tranquilizer or sedative; see zylazine
alternaria
genus of fungus that if grown in the lungs causes irritation, inflammation, and allergic reaction
skeleton
gives the body form; supports soft parts and protects vital organs; the horse's skeleton is made up of 205 bones; see illustration
sweat glands
glands located all over the horse's body, except the legs
blow
greatly increased force of respiration, as after hard exercise
bruxism
grinding of teeth; usually a reflection of severe pain
table of the tooth
grinding surgace of the tooth
sulci
grooves, trenches, or furrows
blood culture
growth of bacteria found in the blood of an infected horse
bloom
hair that is clean and glossy; denoting a healthy appearance; good body condition
wire
has a wire scar
spinal column
has five regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (back), lumbar (loin), sacral (croup), and coccygeal (tail)
bowler hats
hats used for hunting dress for women other than farmers' wives and men other than farmers; made from a mixture of rabbit furl, gossamer, and shellac and invariably black
swaybacked
having a decided dip in the back; also termed easy backed and saddle backed
solid color
having no white markings
sored
having physical evidence of inhuman training practices
tricuspid valve
having three cusps; referring to the left atrial ventricular valve of the heart
bipartite
having two parts or divisions
bilateral
having two sides or pertaining to both sides
thrifty condition
healthy; active; vigorous
anal colon
the part of the large intestine extending from the cecum to the rectum where digestive fluid is absorbed and solid food residue is rolled into balls of dung; measures three to four inches in diameter and ten to twelve feet in length
suspensory apparatus
the part of the stay apparatus that supports the fetlocsk and keeps them from touching the ground
travel
the path of flight of each limb during movement
Acetabulum
the pelvic socket into which the ball at the proximal end of the femur fits to form the hip joint
technical delegate
the person at an international horse show or three-day event who is responsible for seeing that the competition is run accrding to international rules; usually from a country other than the host nation
trainer
the person who conditions and prepares horses for racing or other sport
winner's enclosure
the place on a racecourse reserved for the first three horses in the race and to which their riders have to return mounted immediately after the end of the race
weighing room
the place on a racecourse where jockeys are weighed
ante-post betting
the placing of bets on a race at an agreed price prior to the day of the race
apposition
the placing of things in proximity, bringing together the edges of a wound for suturing
simple
the point at which hairs converge from various directions
Welsh Mountain Pony
height: less than 12 hands; originated in Wales; section of the Welsh studbook that includes animals less than 12 hands; this pony is smaller and probably the most elegant of the Welsh ponies; resembles the Arab; appearance combined with action makes it a desirable riding and harness pony
ultrasound
high-frequency sound waves above the range of human hearing 1. used to break down unwanted tissue, promote healing by stimulating circulation, and aid in accurate diagnosis 2. a sonogram that uses sound waves bounced off tissues; is often used in diagnosing pregnancy
blood-brain barrier
highly protective barrier between the blood plasma and the extracellular fluid of the brain, which allows limited nutrients to pass as well as highly lipid-soluble, non-ionized drugs such as anesthetic agents
spleen
highly vascular, ductless, visceral organ in the upper left abdomen near or across the surface of the stomach; stores blood cells, breaks down old red blood cells, and produces some of the infection[fighting white blood cells
ball and socket joint
hip and shoulder joints
brittle hooves
hooves that are abnormally dry and fragile
thyroxin
hormone produced by the thyroid gland
adrenocorticotropic hormone
hormone produced in the pituitary stimulates the growth and secretions of the adrenal cortex
anabolic steroids
hormone that increases muscle mass
androgen
hormone that promotes masculine characteristics
van
horse box; horse trailer
Tibetan
horse breed of Tibet; possibly descended form Chinese and Mongolian ponies; strong; suitable for farm work, packing, or riding; lively and energetic
breeding stock
horse used to produce offspring
wagon horses
horses intermediate in weight and height between the draft and the chunk; weight: 1300-1600 lbs; height: 15.2-16.2 hands; usually have less depth of body and longer legs than draft horses; occasionally still used to make deliveries
balloted out horse
horses that have been nominated for a race or event but because of greater than the designated safety limit are not allowed to compete
egg bar show
horseshoe with a curved bar connecting the heals, given the shoe an egg shape; provides support to the heel of the foot and the fetlock
tail hounds
hounds that run at the rear of the pack
body language
how a horse holds and moves his body to convey his feelings
action
how a horse moves at all gaits, degree of flexion of the joints of the legs during movement , some classes require high, snappy action and others seek easy ground-covering action
Antiserum
human or animal serum containing antibodies that are specific for one or more antigen use for protection
allergy
hypersensitivity to a substance, resulting in an inflammatory immune response
sitting trot
in English riding events, the judge may call for the riders to trot their horses and sit the trot rather than post
weaving
in a rhythmic swaying of weight from one front foot to the other when confined; this nervous condition or habit can be socially contagious; may be a symptom of a horse under too much confinement
weigh in
in certain equestrian sports where a specified weight has to be carried, such as show-jumping, combined training and racing, the rider has to be weighed immediately after completion of the race or after his round in the competition to ensure the correct weight was carried throughout the event
weight out
in certain equestrian sports, a specified weight has to be carried, such as racing, combined training, and show jumping; the rider has to be weighed before the race or competition to ensure the correct weight is carried
unconstrained
in dressage, a horse that is moving freely, yet energetically, with relaxed muscles, as if on free rein
traces
in driving, the parts of the harness that run from the collar to the single tree; the leather bands by which pressure is to be transferred from the collar to the vehicle; see harness parts A, B, and C (illus.)
therapeutic index
in drug use, the margin between the safe dose of a drug that effect a cure and the toxic dose that will kill the patient
breakage
in pari-mutuel betting, the odd cents left over, after paying the successful bettors to the nearest ten cents
stone boat
in pulling competitions, the stone weight that is pulled
Dark Horse
in racing, a horse with a form that is little known outside his own stable
weight allowance
in racing, claimed by a jockey or apprentice who has not ridden a certain number of winners
each way
in racing, to back a horse to win and to place in the first three
breaking the barrier
in rodeo and timed events , when the contestant rides through and breaks the barrier before it is released; the contestant receives a penalty or may be disqualified
black walnut
in the form of shavings, black walnut trees can be toxic to horse; the tree may also be dangerous to horses in spring due to allergic respiratory reactions to the tree's pollen. if the horse chews on the bark, he may get colic or laminitis
underlay
in wagering parlance, when the odds are less than those estimated by the track's official morning line maker
diabetes mellitus
inability of the body to utilize sugars; results in an increase in blood sugar and an increase in urine production
aspermia
inability to secrete or ejaculate sperm
abasia
inability to walk due to lack of muscular coordination
tail
includes the dock and all the hair
elongate
increase in length
at the girth
indicates the rider's legs are positioned properly on r slightly behind the girth
arthritis
inflammation of a joint or joints
desmitis
inflammation of a ligament
sinustitis
inflammation of a sinus; marked by discharge of pus from one or both nostrils
vesiculitis
inflammation of a vesicle, especially the seminal vesicle of the male horse
arthrochondritis
inflammation of cartilage in a joint
bronchitis
inflammation of the bronchial tubes; often marked by fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing
aspiration pneumonia
inflammation of the lungs caused by the aspiration of vomitus or other foreign matter
synovitis
inflammation of the membrane lining the joint cavity
stomatitis
inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the mouth
Dermatitis
inflammation of the skin
bronchial pneumonia
inflammation of the smaller bronchial tubes; characterized by feaver, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, depression, dull eyes, coughing, and a rasping, crackling sound in the horse's rib cage
allergic bronchiolitis
inflammation of the smallest divisions of the bronchial tubes, deep in the lungs, caused by allergic reaction to a substance
tendosynovitis
inflammation of the tendon sheath
tenosynovitis
inflammation of the tendon sheath
tendonitis
inflammation of the tendons and tendon-muscle attachments
tracheitis
inflammation of the trachea
vaginitis
inflammation of the vagina marked by pain and a purulent discharge
stomach
initial part of the gastrointestinal tract where food is mixed with stomach acid and some nutrient absorption takes place
unlevel
instead of the feet taking even weight as they come to the ground at the walk or trot, one foot may take more weight than the other, giving the appearance of slight lameness
tongs
instrument used to hold hot metal
barren mare
intact female horse that was not bred or did not conceive the previous season
triglyceride
intermediate form of fat circulating in the body for chemical transport or nutrition
viscera
internal organs and glands contained in the thoracic and abdominal cavities
tapeworms
internal parasites of the small intestine of the horse
Arrythmia
irregular heart beat
Dew poisoning
irritated weepy patches on the face and caused b y contact with certain plant juices; examples are small headed sneezewood, stinging nettles and spurge
summer sores
irritated, spreading sores that develop from a wound; may be as small as a dime, but will enlarge rapidly within a week's time; caused by the eggs of the Habronema fly
Artificial Aids
items such as a crop whip spur and a martingale used to support natural aids used to support natural aids, used to help convey instructions to a horse
Aiken
jump made of vertical rails and a mound of fir boughs
Articulation
junction between two or more bones, joint
Buck-kneed
knees are too far forward, over at the knees
broken knees
knees showing scars or broken skin due to an open injury caused by a fall; these scars my be an indication that the horse is awkward and inclined to stumble
aleopecia
lack of hair in areas where normally present
deficiency
lack of one or more basic nutrients such as a vitamin, mineral or amino acid
anoxia
lack of oxygen
aplastic anemia
lack of red blood cells due to an inability of the bone marrow to produce them
splenius muscles
large flat muscles of the neck; see muscular system (illus.)
soup plate feet
large, round feet, much bigger than normal; common in horses having spent a considerable period of time (usually in excess of six months) walking in wet, swampy, and/or marshy conditions; the feet usually return to nomral when the horse is moved to dry ground
bending
lateral arcing of the body characteristic of circular works; the uniform bending of the horse's entire body from poll to tail to follow the track on curves and circles; may be referred to as lateral suppleness
brushing boot
legwear designed to protect the legs from the sores and lameness caused by one foot striking the other foot or leg
white cells
leukocytes or white blood cells; colorless blood cells active in body defense against infeciton or other assault; occur in five types: neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils
ultraviolet light
light rays beyond the violet end of the spectrum; having powerful chemical properties and used in radiation treatment
summer sheet
light, unlined blanket; see sheet
bumping the bit
lightly applying and then releasing pressure on the bit through the reins
white coronet
limb marking; hair immediately above the hoof is white; see markings, leg (illus.)
white heel
limb marking; white at the back of the pastern to the hoof; may be one or both heel bulbs; see markings, leg (illus.)
white fetlock
limb marking; white on the fetlock joint in any variation; see markings, leg (illus.)
ausultation
listening to organ sounds with a stethoscope
abscess
localized collection of pus
verminous aneurysm
localized dilation of the wall of an artery; caused by worm infestation
stirrup leathers
long leather straps that support the stirrups; see English saddle; western saddle (illus.)
anorexia
loss of or decrease in appetite
tripped
loss of or lack of balance; during a movement, when the horse trips in one or more strides
squamous cell carcinoma
lumpy, irregular cancer of the superficial cells of the skin
blood
make up 1/18th of a horses body weight; transports nutrients, oxygen and waste products, regulates temperature, equalizes water content, and produces immunities
Trotting Horse Association
makes the rules for harness horses
testicle
male reproductive gland that occurs paired in an external skin sac; produces sperm; also called testes
testosterone
male sex hormone responsible for masculine appearance and behavior of a stallion; secreted by the testicles and adrenal glands
udder
mammary gland; the equine udder consists of two mammary glands; may be called bag or dug
turn on the haunches
maneuver in which the horse's forehand rotates around his hindquarters; turn on the hindquarters
stones
masses of extremely hard and unuielding material
bedding
material put down in a stall on which the horse may stand or lie, straw, sawdust, wood shavings, sand, peat moss, leaves or sugarcane stalks are considered to be good bedding for horses
spermatozoa
mature male germ cels capable fo fertilizing the ovum; the specific output of the testes; sperm
digitalis
medication derived from the foxglove plant; used to increase strength of the heart contraction during heart failure
ball
medicine pill made from gelatin
third eyelid
membrane that covers the inside corner of the eye underneath the eyelids; in an injured eye, it can cover more of the eyeball
springing
methods of carriage suspension
trace minerals
minerals found in small quantities in feed and required in small quantities by the body
stakes class
money-earning class
anconite
monkshood
Balance forward
more weight supported by the front legs than the back
digestive organs
mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, cecum, large intestine, rectum, and anus
Adduction
movement of a limb toward the midline of the body
Diaphragm
muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities
Biceps
muscle with two heads or points of origin
butorphanal
narcotic tranquilizer used in horses
stenosis
narrowing or stricture of a duct or canal
stenosis
narrowing or stricutre of a duct or canal
Basuto
native to the Cape area of South Africa a small heavyset pony with short legs and hard hooves: tough and fearless, their endurance ability enables them to survive on poor rations
spooky
nervous and prone to shy
Ammonia Poisoning
nitrate poisoning
whole colored
no hairs of any other color on the body, head, or limbs
tendon
nonelastic, fibrous connective tissue that connects muscle to bone or cartilaginous structures
allele
nonidentical genes that are located at the same physical position on a chromosome
temperature
normal adult temperature varies among horses, but will usually range from 99.5-100 degrees F
biologically inert
not affecting body processes or eliciting a tissue reaction, as in a virus used to produce a vaccine
abnormal
not usual, not typical, strange
single foot
now called a rack; see rack
vitamins
nutrients necessary for growth and general health; different vitamins are used for different functions and can be categorized into two main groups: fat soluble (vitamins A, D, E, and K) and water soluble (vitamins C and B complex)
biological
of or relating to life or living processes; a medicinal preparation made from living organisms or their products, including vaccines, antitoxins, serums, etc
three-gaited saddle horse
often called walk-trot horses; horses that have three gaits: walk, trot, and canter
barb
old breed similar to Arabians, originated in North Africa and widely used for Cross-breed
Box
on a carriage the seat from which the driving is done
ventral
on or located toward the lower or bottom surface
back strap
on the driving apparatus, the strap that joins the crupper's dock piece to the saddle pad
wing
one of a pair of upright stands with cups or similar fittings used to support the poles or other suspended parts of a show-jumping obstacle
eluin
one of the many cries used by huntsman to encourage his hounds; this particular one tells them to draw a covert
benzene hexachloride
one of the products used to treat mange
bull riding
one of the standard events in a rodeo; the contestant has to ride a bull, which is equipped only with a rope around his middle that the rider holds with one hand, and a flank strap
bronc riding
one of the standard rodeo events; contestants attempt to ride a bucking horse for a specified period of time
Abayyan
one of the strains in the purebred Arabian
Abu' urqub
one of the strains in the purebred Arabian
also-ran
one who is defeated in a race, election, or other competition; loser
veterinarian
one who treats diseases or afflictions of animals medically or surgically; a practitioner of veterinary medicine or surgery
Bashkir Curly
originated from North Eurasia Russian Federation, resembles the look of a Morgan horse with the large wide set eyes of oriental horses, they have tough round hooves, a short back and a round barrel
Basque Pony
originated in Spain, very hardy, well adapted to survival in the wild, recently shown to be suited to riding, jumping, dressage, cross-country, etc
Asiatic Wild Horse
originating in Mongolia, still roams wild in Asia, has remained unchanged since the Ice age color dun main and tail are black eel striped
Suffolk Punch
originating in Suffolk County, England, this breed is said to b a descendant of the "Great Horse," which was a medieval charger bred in the Netherlands for military purposes by crossing the largest draft horses with eastern bloodstock; a strong, dependable draft horse; color; all shades of chestnut
bite, angle of
outer angle at which the upper and lower incisors meet
superficial flexor tendon
outer tendon connecting the muslces of the upper leg to the back of the pastern bones
bit bars
outside portion of the bit where it attaches to the shanks and rests on the bars of the mouth
turnout
overall appearance of a horse and rider
strangulated
overloaded with blood due to constriction
tick paralysis
paralysis due to a toxin secreted in the saliva of certain female ticks
barrel
part of a horses body between the forelimbs and the loins, may also refer to rib cage
waist
part of the English saddle just forward of the seat; see English saddle (illus.)
brain stem
part of the brain that controls basic body functions such as respiration, temperature and heart rate
bellyband
part of the driving apparatus on a two-wheeled cart; may be a separate band buckled onto the back band, or one continuous strap; serves to keep the shafts securely in position which is important for proper balance
thoracic vertebrae
part of the spinal column that has ribs attached; forms the chest; see skeletal system (illus.)
Blindness
partial or complete loss of vision; any evidence of defective vision constitutes as grounds for rejecting a horse for unsoundness
at grass
pasture horses
Anestrus
period of time when a female is not having estrous cycles
backer
person who places a bet on a horse
verminous
pertaining or due to a worm
topical
pertaining to a particular surface area, as in topical treatment
bacterial
pertaining to bacteria, plural
degenerative
pertaining to deterioration and change of a tissue to a less functional form
spastic
pertaining to or affected by spasm
toxic
pertaining to or due to the nature of a poison
adrenal
pertaining to the adrenal glands
vascular
pertaining to the blood vessels
systemic
pertaining to the body as a whole
buccal
pertaining to the cheek
visceral
pertaining to the large internal organs, especially those in the abdomen
vestigial
pertaining to the remnant of a structure that functioned at an early stage of develpoment; rudimentary
venous
pertaining to the veins
blue nose
photosensitization occurring on the nostrils
back of knee
pisiform bones
transverse
placed crosswise, at right angles to the long axis of a body part
bracken fern
plant known as Pteridum aquilinum; poisoning causes incoordination , abnormal stance, and convulsions; can be fatal
automatic water bowls
plummed in water to fill to a cerain spot all the time
arena markers
points used to define patterns and mark areas of an arena
acorn poisoning
poisoning due to eating oak leaves or green acorns; causes severe intestinal and kidney damage, and often results in death
taxus
poisonous plant
yellow star thistle
poisonous plant found throughout the southern western, and eastern U.S
bacteremia
presence of bacteria in the bloodstream
bar pressure
pressure on the indenture gap in the lower jaw
bay brown
primary coat color is brown, with black paints, black mane and tail and a by muzzle
tetany
probably related to the high crude protein content of certain pasturage; a diet lacking in magnesium and calcium is associated with the condition
Thoroughbred
product of at least 200 years of breeding; the Darley Arabian, the Byerly Turk, and the Godolphin Arabian are the progenitors of the breed; today's Thoroughbreds usually stand 16=17 hands and are fine in conformation with long, well-muscled legs; their fame lies in racing; also used as saddle horses, polo mounts, and hunters; the term Thoroughbred refers strictly to the breed and should not be used as a synonym or purebred
degenerative joint disease
progressive deterioration of a joint cartilage causing lameness
stirrup bar
projections on the English saddle tree of either metal or fiberglass to which the stirrup leathers attach; see English saddle (illus.)
Thoroughbred Horses for Sport
promotes Thoroughbreds in the Olympic disciplines
symmetrical
proper balance or relationship of all parts
splint boots
protective coverings worn around the cannons of the front legs to prevent injury
skid boots
protective leg boots that cover the rear portion of the fetlocks to prevent abrasion and burns when the horse is performing sliding stops; often used on roping and reining horses
arthrocentesis
puncture of a joint space using a needle to remove accumulated fluid
sport horse
purebred or crossbred horse suitable for dressage, jumpig,eventing, and endurance
asking the question
pushing a horse to make a supreme effort when he is near his physical limit in a competitive event
track bandage
q. a fabric wrap with a slight degree of elasticity used to keep cottons in place on leg wraps; often used on racehorses 2. a wrap used to control short flyaway hairs in the tai; it may cut of circulation in the tail if wrapped too tightly or left on longer than three hours; also called tail bandage
trailer
q. the horseshoe heel that is extended one-half inch or more beyond the heel of the horse's foot; 2. vehicle used for transporting horses
swipe
racetrack slang for a groom, stable hand, or exercise boy
atrial fibrillation
rapid, random, ineffective contractions of the atrium
tracheal wash
recovery of mucus from the lung by injecting and then withdrawing a sterile solution; done through a long, flexible, fiber-optic endoscope or a small surgical incision
banting
reducing a jockey's weight
Dermatomycosis
referring to a superficial fungal infection of the skin
eccrine
referring to outward secretion from the seat gland
weed
refers to a horse that is small, underdeveloped, and lacking size and muscle when compared to other horses of the same breed
aseptic
refers to something being sterile, free from living germs
aids, lateral
rein and legs acting mainly on the same side
diaphragmatic
relating to the muscular partition separating the cavities of the chest and abdomen
vasectomy
removal of part of the vas deferens in the male; this operation causes the sperm to be produced, but prevents the sperm from passing out during ejaculation, thus preventing conception
Dialysis
removal of waste products from the blood
weaning
removing the foal from the dam; usually done at four to six months of age by separating the foal and dam
vitamin A
required for normal body cell function, especially in the skin, hair eyes, and other outer body tissues; deficiency can cause moon blindness or the inability to see properly at night
brace bandages
resilient bandages on the legs of horses worn in some cases in an effort to support lame legs; worn in other cases to protect a horse from cutting and skinning his legs while racing
vitamin K
responsible for the production of the blood-clotting factor; any deficiency will cause internal bleeding
ear twitch
restraint by twisting the ear at its base
Autoimmunity
result of the production of autoantibodies, may cause damage to normal tissues
Devonshire Slipper iron
shaped like a heelless slipper and hung on a revolving bar from the stirrup leather; the slipper itself is leather and covers the front of the riders foot
trochar
sharp, hollow-pointed instrument for piercing the wall of a body cavity
acuity
sharpness of vision
elbow boots
sheep skin lined pads worn high on the front legs to protect the elbows from the front feet as they are folded back in top stride; needed on high-gaited trotters
antisweat sheet
sheet used to keepp a sweating horse warm as he cools down from a workout, thus preventing him from getting a chill
travel boots
shipping boots; thick, contoured, padded boots held in place by straps; specifically designed to protect the leg during travel
boil
shoe boil
three-calk pacing shoe
shoe for pacers
three-calk trot shoe
shoe for trotters
acute
short and relatively severe course of development , opposite of chronic
smooth coat
short, hard, close-fitting coat of hair
sloping shoulders
shoulders properly angulated
aids
signal or cues used by the rider to communicate with the horse
boggy hock
similar to a bog spavin except that the entire joints swells
electrolytes
simple inorganic compounds that dissolve in water; in body fluids, they are capable of conducting electricity in various body functions such as nerve impulses, oxygen and carbon dioxide transport, and muscle contractions; the important electrolytes in horses are sodium, potassium, chloride and calcium
worming
slang for the act of administering medications to help control parasitic infestation; medication may be administered through tubing, paste, in the feed, etc.; more correctly called deworming
slow lopers
slang term for western pleasure horses
strangury
slow and painful urination; caused by urehtra and badder spasm
Black Marks
small areas of black hairs on any other color
skirts
small flaps on either side of the seat covering the stirrup bars; see English saddle; western saddle (illus.)
ear cones
small hoods made or cloth, they are slipped over the ears to deaden the sound of horses coming from behind
ecchymosis
small patches of skin discoloration or mucous membranes caused by the escape of blood from vessels into the tissue
Dapple
small spots patches or dots on the coat that contrast in color or shade with the base color such as dapple grey
wolf teeth
small teeth located in the interdental space just in front of the premolars; horses may have up to four wolf teeth
atrium
smaller paired chambers of the heart receiving blood from the veins and transporting it to the ventricles via muscle contractions
wheals
smooth, slightly raised areas of the skin surface that are redder or paler than the surrounding areas
balling up
snow build up in horses hooves . greasing the soles or snow pads will help prevent
Alveoli (dental)
socket in the jaw bones in which the teeth are held
Dental pulp
soft core within the tooth where nerves and blood vessels are located
bank
solid earthen ramp or wall that is used as a drop jump
bray
sound of a jack
borborygmus
sounds caused be the passage of food, fluid, and gas through the digestive system; these sounds are increased in spasmodic colic and diarrhea, and decreased in impaction
aerophagia
spasmodic swallowing of air followed by eructations
elderberry
species of poisonous plant that contains cyanide and can cause sudden death if eaten
wash rack
specific area for washing horses; must ensure good footing when wet and adequate drainage
snowflake
spotting all over the body, but may be dominating over the hips; small white or frostlike spots on a dark base coat
elasticity
springiness to the step, making the horse barely seem to touch the ground
Bulldogging
steer wrestling
viscous
sticky; thick; syrupy
diarrhea
stool of abnormal frequency and liquidity
bladder
stretchable, membranous sac that temporarily stores urine secreted by the kidneys
zebra marks
striping on the limbs, neck, withers, or quarters, as in the zebra-striped legs of a dun
bar risers
strips of wood or leather placed on top of the bars behind the fork to shape the contour of the seat
anantomy
study of the structure and shape of the body and its parts
substrate
substance acted on by a chemical
surfactant
substance found in foals' lungs to allow the lungs to inflate adequately
dicoumarin
substance produced in moldy or spoiled of sweet clover
aborfifacient
substance that causes abortion
antivenin
substance that counteracts the toxicity of venom
antioxidant
substance that prevents oxidation of other molecules
animal hair bleach
substance used to remove yellow stains and discoloration in mane and tail
tied up
suffering from the painful spastic condition of large rump muscle masses; also known as azoturia
ashyxiation
suffocation
sullen
sulking; resentful; withdrawn
Dermatitis Granulosa
summer sores
boil
summer sores
arthodesis
surgical fusion of a joint
thoracentesis
surgical puncture of the chest wall for draining fluid
abdomincentesis
surgical puncture to remove fluid from the abdomen
biopsy
surgical removal and examination of living tissue as an aid to precise diagnosis
acute inflammatory response
swelling due to a recently acquired bruise or injury; can be reduced with cold therapy
stock up
swelling of the horse's lower leg with edema due to restricted exercise
warble
swelling under the horse's skin caused by a parasitic larva of the ox warble; in horses, larvae sometimes migrate to the back or flank area where they form abscesses after failing to break through the surface
trichoglyphs
swirls of hair coat; cowlicks; hair whorls
turgid
swollen and congested
swishing tail
tail movement; some horses may swish out of frustration; shows resistance
training
teaching the horse what actions are expected in response to the cues of the handler
Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID)
technical name for coggins test
apnea
temporary cessation of breathing
volatile
tending to evaporate very quickly
against the clock
term used in show jumping, a competition, or jump-off, in which the competitor with the fewest faults and the fastest time becomes the winner
abortion
termination of pregnancy
Blind Country
terrain so overgrown with weeds and underbrush that it is not possible to gauge the jumps and footing
wall of the hoof
that part of the hoof that is visible when the foot is placed flat on ground; divided into the toe, the quarters ( the sides), and the heel; see hoof (illus.)
skull
the 37 bones comprising the structure of the head; see illustration
stillbirth
the delivery of a dead foal that occurs after 300 days from the date of conception; any birth of a dad foal prior to 300 days after conception is usually termed an abortion
stretch call
the demand on the racehorse by the jockey for the final effort just prior to the finish off the race
bascule
the desirable arc a horse body makes as it goes over a jump
appetite
the desire of the horse to eat feed and drink water. depressed appetite is usually a symptom of a health problem
tap root
the direct female line of descent or female line in a pedigree
swan neck
the downward arch of the upper and lower sides of the neck
Defecation
the elimination of solid waste products from the body
autopsy
the examination of a corpse to determine the cause of death
tail, female
the female or bottom line of the pedigree
atlas
the first vertebra of the cervical region
urine
the fluid excreted by the kidneys, passed through the ureters, stored in the bladder, and discharged through the urethra; healthy urine is of a slightly amber color
tracheotomy
the formation of an artificial opening into the trachea to keep a horse from suffocating in an emergency
urolithiasis
the formation of urinary stones and solid masses of mineral substances somewhere in the urinary tract
toe
the front part of the hoof; see hoof (illus.)
length of Daylight
the gauge of victory in a race; if there is room for one horses body between the first and second horses body he may be called to winner by 1 length of daylight
temperament
the general consistency with which the horse behaves; the horse's suitability for the job he is to perform
tactile hairs
the hairs on the outside of the nostrils and lips of the horse; help the horse distinguish between good and bad feed
breeching
the harness apparatus by which the horse holds back the vehicle when there is no brake
ear
the hearing organ of the body
agglutination titer
the highest dilution of a serum that causes clumping of bacteria or other particular antigens
withers
the highest point of the horse's shoulders; the bony protrusion between the neck and back; see points of the horse (illus.)
Den
the home of a fox, when hounds pursue a fox into his hole, they are said to den him
solution
the homogeneous mixture of one or more substances dispersed in a sufficient quantity of dissolving medium
whinny
the horse's sound that denotes happiness, anticipation, anxiety, etc.
tote board
the indicator board of the totalisator on which is flashed all pari-mutuel information before or after the race
transfusion
the introduction of whole blood or a blood component directly into the bloodstream
uveal tract
the iris, ciliary body, and choroid of the eye
stifle
the joint between the hip and the hock; corresponds to the knee of humans' see points of the horse (illus.)
ankle
the joint on both the fore and hind limbs between the cannons and pasterns
bareme
the jumping competition table used in judging , table a covers jumping only and table c includes speed
white line
the junction of the wall and sole of the hoof where the sensitive and insensitive laminae meet; visible on bottom of hoof; see hoof (illus.)
unsteady head
the lack of steadiness of head carriage due to loss of balance or difficulty in movement; some horses may consistently be unsteady in their head carriage
belly
the large cavity that contains the stomach, liver , spleen, intestines, kidneys, and bladder; the soft underside of the horse's barrel behind the rib cage; also known as abdomen
biceps femoris muscle
the large muscle of the thigh area
Achilles tendon
the large tendon at the back of the hind leg , originating from the point of the hock and connecting to the large muscles of the gaskin
tibia
the larger of the two bones of the gaskin, between the stifle and the hock; see skeletal system (illus.)
bots
the larvae of the botfly
throng
the lash of a whip
trace horse
the lead horse when horses are driven in front of each other; at the bottom of steep hills, spare horses were often available to be hitched in front of a single horse to help with a heavy load
effusion
the leaking of the blood fluid; exuding the blood fluids through the walls of the blood vessels
ballatrade
the leap of a horse when four feet are in the air and only the shoes of the hind feet are showing, an air above the ground performed by a horse trained in the classical manner, the movement involves a half rear then the horse jumps forward, drawing the hind legs up below the quarters, before landing on all four legs
underpinning
the legs and feet of the horse
base wide
the legs are farther apart at the feet than at the chest
underline
the length and shape of the line from the ebow to the sheath or udder
dilution
the lessoning of intensity of the basic hair color(palomino to cremello)
ankylosis
the loss, or absence, of mobility in a joint due to disease, injury, or a surgical procedure
type B knee
the lower epiphysis of the radius; in the process of closing, slightly open
type A knee
the lower epiphysis of the radius; mature, completely closed
type C knee
the lower epiphysis of the radius; open, immature
brisket
the lower part of the horse's chest between the front legs' pectoral muscles
sire
the male parent of a horse
bronchial tree
the many divisions of the bronchi before they reach the lung tissue
standing heat
the mare's heat cycle, when a mare will stand for a stallion to breed her
eardrum
the membrane that stretches across the entrance of the inner ear and transmits sounds; tympanum
axle
the metal axis on which the wheels of the driving vehicle turn
stirrup iron
the metal, D-shaped device on the saddle through which the leather runs and on which the foot rests; see English saddle (illus.)
swing team
the middle team in a six-horse hitch; the team in front of the wheelers in an eight-horse hitch
breakover
the moment in a horse's stride between landing and takeoff
butcher boots
the most common of the tall English boots; plain, full length hunting boots fitted with garters
vulva winking
the movement of the labia or lips of the vulva when a mare is either in season or urinating; exposes the clitoris
triceps
the muscle that has three heads or parts; part of the forearm; heavy, three-branched muscle behind the shoulder and above the elbow; see muscular system (illus.)
breast
the muscular area between the front legs
Vic
the name of the hores General Custer rode in the Battle of the Little Bighorn
Dentition
the number and type of teeth and their arrangement in the horses mouth
white blood cell count
the number of white blood cells in a specific volume of blood; used to assess infection
age
the number of years since birth. Horses age is calculated from January 1
zebrass
the offspring resulting from the mating of a horse and a zebra
barrier
the point at which the race starts. in timed rodeo events, the stock is given a predetermined head start depending on arena conditions. a rope is stretched across the front of the box out of which the contestant's horse will come. the barrier rope is released by a measured length of twine that is pulled loose from the calf or steer as he reaches the designated distance
apex
the point of the frog, toward the toe
sole
the portion of the ground surface of the hoof between wall, bars, and frog; see hoof (illus.)
throat
the portion of the saddle seat under and just in front of the rider's crotch; also called the twist
bishoping
the practice of artificially altering the teeth of an older horse in an attempt to make it sell as a younger horse
Blindfolding
the practice of using a covering over the eyes, such as such as a towel, sack or sweater; used to load, handle, and lead horses from burning buildings,etc.
uniform
the prescribed dress worn by followers of the hunt
time limit
the prescribed period of time in which a competitor must complete a show-jumping course if he is not to be eliminated
time allowed
the prescribed time in which a competitor must compete an event if he is not to incur time faults
blood pressure
the pressure of the blood on the walls of the arteries; dependent on the energy of the hear action, the elasticity of the walls of the arteries , and the volume and viscosity of the blood
small intestine
the primary site of protein digestion; consists of the duodenum, jejunum, and leum
big race
the principal race of the day at any race meeting
digestion
the process of converting feed nutrients into substances the body is able to use
Calcification
the process of tissue becoming hardened by a deposit of calcium
synthesis
the production or buildup of a substance by combining its elements or compounds
skull cap
the protective headgear worn by riders; with race jockeys, it is generally covered with the owner's racing colors
breed character
the quality of conforming to the description of a particular breed
betting
the quotation of the wager prices of horses in a certain race' to place a bet on a horse
Eclipse
the racehorse that was unbeaten in 24 hours races in 1764; nearly 90 percent of all Thoroughbreds trace back to this sire
starter
the racetrack official whose duty is to get the horses off to a fiar start in a race
specfic gravity
the ratio of the weight or mass of a given volume of a substance to that of an equal volume of another substance used as the standard
tarsus
the region of articulation between the gaskin and lower hind leg; the hock; see skeletal system
bit proportion
the relationship of the distance of the shank above the mouthpiece to the distance below the mouthpiece
tail docked
the removal of a large quantity of hair from the tail by either cutting or pulling to produce a very short tail; in some cases, a horse's tail used to be severed to permanently shorten it
spinal tap
the removal of fluid from around the spinal cord for analysis
cadence
the rhythm, tempo, and horse's pace; when the horse covers equal distances on the ground in equal spaces of time; the gate is rhythmical, steady. elevated, and regular
attire
the rider's clothes
base
the rider's seat and weight
stint
the right to graze or pasture one or more horses on common land
terrets
the rings on the surcingle; any harness through which the reins pass; see harness parts A and B (illus.)
warming-up
the routine of graduated exercise until the horse is properly conditioned for strenuous effort
submaxillary salivary gland
the salivary gland located between the jaws
Burghley
the seat near Stamford in Lincolnshire, of the Marquis of Exeter; the home of Britain's principle autumn three day event, the Burghley Horse Trails
axis
the second cervical vertebra, a line around which part of the body is arranged or is symmetrical
smegma
the secretion of sebaceous glands, especially the cheesy secretion
diaphysis
the shaft of a long bone between the ends
backstretch
the side of the track furthest from the winning post
tail, male
the sire line or top line in a pedigree
bifurcation
the site where a single structure divides into two branches
smooth mouth
the smotth biting surface of the uper and lower incisors after the cups have disappeared; indicates a horse that is older than twelve years
bone marrow
the soft material filling the cavities of bones; made up of a meshwork of connective tissue containing branching fibers; the mesh is filled with marrow cels' functions mainly in the production of red blood cells and some white blood cells
tempo
the speed at which the footfalls occur in a gait; increasing the tempo means covering more yards per minute
backside
the stable and training area of a racetrack
bridle cavesson
the standard noseband with many English bridles used to encourage a horse to keep his mouth closed
association saddle
the standard saddle design approved in 1919 by the management of four large western rodeos
tense
the state of the horse mentally and physically; when a horse is agitated, either by outside distractions or because he has not been taught to relax
unbalanced
the state of the horse when he has lost his balance temporarily or completely
splinter bar
the stiff bar attached to the front of the carriage; the bar by which the vehicle is drawn; see harness parts D (illus.)
back band
the strap on a single harness driving apparatus that passes through the saddle and fastens to the shaft tugs
body
the sum of four main parts; neck and head, forequarters, body or trunk and the rear quarters
bulge
the swell in the saddle formed when the outer edges of the fork curve back toward the bar
wheelers
the team on the pole or tongue, hitched directly in front of a rig or wagon in a four- (or more) horse hitch
Deciduous teeth
the teeth that are shed at maturity; by the age of five years, all deciduous teeth will be shed; milk teeth
spinal cord
the thick trunk of nerve tissue that extends down the spinal canal from the base of the brain to the pevlic region
Acceptance Time
the time designated prior to a race or event during which the owner or trainer has to announce whether a particular horse, previously nominated, will indeed be a starter
villi
the tiny, fingerlike extensions of the intestine; designed to increase the surface area
binder
the top of a cutand-laidfence, a sapling woven between upright stakes
back jockey
the top skirt pf a western saddle , leather flaps that cover and protect the tree bars from the back of the cantle to the end of the saddle
take out
the total amount deducted from the bet on a race to b paid to the taxing authority and the racetrack
synergism
the total effect of combined agents that is greater than the simple sum of their individual effects
Aliementary Canal
the tract in which digestion occurs that extends the length of the body from the lips to the anus, gastrointestinal
therapy
the treatment of disease
urachus
the tube connecting the fetal bladder with the placenta
vas deferens
the tube that carries sperm from the epididymis to the urethra in the male
urethra
the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body; transports semen in the male
afterwale
the upper ridge of the padded harness collar
working from the ground
the use of longeing and long reining as part of the education process of the horse; consists of some form of training that is performed without a rider on the horse's back
agistment
the use of someone else's land and pasture for the grazing of a horse for the payment of a fee, generally on a weekly or monthly basis
ultrasonic
the used of controlled doses of high-frequency sound for therapeutic treatment; see ultrasound
Tang horse
the war horse of Chinese art; usually depicted with open mouths and tossing heads
ware riot
the warning to the hounds when they show signs of riot
behavior
the way a person or horse behaves or acts
teeth, aging
the wear, angle of bite, and presence of various features on the teeth allow a horse to be given approximate age if the exact date of birth is not known
tag
the white tip of the fox's tail
web
the width of the horseshoe from the inner to the outer edges
trachea
the windpipe, whcih descends from the larynx to the bronchi
tree
the wooden, plastic, or fiberglass structure forming the foundation of the saddle, which consists of a fork, two bars, and a cantle; see I English saddle tree; western saddle tree
sleeing sickness
there are three types eastern, western, and Venezuelan; inflammation of the white matter in the brain and spinal cord often caused by a virus; see encephalomyelitis
beefy hocks
thick, meaty hocks, lacking in quality
buttress
thickened angle at the heel of a horse's hoof wall
sternum
thin structure of bone and cartilage that forms the ventral surface of the rib cage; serves as an attachment for the distal ends of the ribs; the breastbone
Belmont
third race of the triple Crown Series; horses race one and one half miles, race is run by 3year old Thoroughbreds
trial and error
this is a method by which horses learn; reinforced through the judicious employment of reward and punishment
trandem
three horses harnessed abreast
transplacental
through the placenta
Alveoli
tiny sacs of lung tissue specialized for the movement of gases between air and blood
tips
tip shoes; small, lightweight toe ends of shoes; used on horses at grass to stop their feet from breaking up and, sometimes, because of their light weight, on racehroses duirng a race
ectopic
tissue or organ found in an abnormal location
digital cusion
tissue that located below the heel of the foot ; functions as a shock absorber
vascular tissue
tissue with a good supply of blood vessels
spread eagle
to be thrown from the horse
acclimatize
to become accustomed to a new climate or management
throw off
to cast hounds at the beginning of the meet; derived from the early practice of taking hounds to the covert side coupled together; when the time came to start the hunt, the couples were thrown off
alter
to castrate or geld a horse rendering him sterile
anesthetize
to cause a loss of sensation of pain with or without a loss of conciousness
bolt
to charge or run off; a serious bad habit 2 gulp food without chewing
water out
to cool a harness horse after a race by walking him about and only allowing him occasional drinks of water
alight
to dismount
tap
to drain fluid from a body cavity using a hypodermic needle
Demineralization
to eliminate excessively mineral or organic salts; as in tuberculosis, cancer and osteomalacia
ejaculate
to expel suddenly, or the semen expelled in ejaculation
break down
to lacerate a suspensory ligament or fracture a sesamoid bone so the back of thefetlock drops to the ground
untrack
to lead or ride the horse a few steps
blow a stirrup
to lose a stirrup iron; in some competitions, the rider would be disqualified
bolt a fox
to make a fox leave his den or drain in which he has taken refuge by putting a terrier behind him
tendencies
to move or act in a certain way; e.g., the horse has a tendency to resist stepping into a trailer
win in a canter
to pass the winning post at an easy pace; being far ahead of the rest of the field
vaccinate
to protect a horse against a likely disease or infection by the administering of a vaccine; also called inoculate
turn away
to put a horse out on pasture for a period of time to rest and unwind
bed down
to put down a bed of straw, shavings, or other fibrous material for a horse in a stable or loose box
tack up
to put on bridle and saddle
attenuate
to reduce in force or degree; to weaken
balk
to refuse stubbornly or abruptly; to stop short and refuse to go on
Debride
to remove foreign material and contaminated or dead tissue; often a part of a wound treatment
ear down
to restrain a horse by biting or twisting his ear
bareback riding
to ride without a saddle or blanket. a rodeo event known as bronc riding- riders hold on to a leather strap and attempt to ride a bucking bronco
boil over
to start bucking
unwind
to start bucking
break
to teach a young horse to obey commands, and to accept direction and control
underface
to train a horse to jump an obstacle that is clearly too small and that the horse can accomplish with ease
electrocautery
to use an electrical device that, when heated, is used to cut and or sear tissue and stop bleeding; the apparatus consists of a heating element (usually platinum or iron wire), a holder, and an electric rod
blow out
to walk or exercise a horse either to loosen his muscles for further exercise or to prevent chilling and stiffening after a hard workout
Debilitate
to weaken
breeze in
to win a race very easily
tapadera
toe fender; leather covering or shields over the front of western stirrups to protect the rider from brush; a decorative covering used in parades
Balling Gun
tool used to administer pills, boluses, or magnets to livestock
boot hooks
tools that help the rider pull on the tall leather boots; they have a handle of bone ivory wood or metal surmounting a metal hook; the hooks are used in pairs and are slotted into two cloth loops inside the boots
Aflatoxicosis
toxins produced by molds growing on feed; can cause severe liver damage
Acepromazine
trade name for Phenothiazine tranquilizer
ataractic
tranquilizer
synovial fluid
transparent fluid resembling the white of an egg; secreted by the synovial membrane and contained in joint cavities, bursae and tendon sheaths for lubrication
trailering
transporting horses in a trailer suited to their large size
bronchi
tubes extending from the trachea into both longs; either or both of the two main branches of the trachea, one going into each lung
torsion
twisting, as in torsion of the intestines in colic
adrenal glands
two small flat organs located in front of the kidneys that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream
bulbo-urethra
two small glands, present in the male, that produce a secretion that helps provide a medium for the conveyance of spermatozoa during ejaculation also called Cowper's Gland
slit braid tie
two straps held together by means of a slit in each strap
thyroid gland
two-lobed endocrine gland in the neck that controls the rate at which basic body functions proceed; produces the hormone thyroxin
Decubitus
ulcers or sores formed from prolonged lying down; especially at the elbow, stifle and bony prominences of the head
barefoot
unshod
smooth
unshod; barefoot
thoroughpin
unsoundness or a blemish; soft, puffy swelling that appears on the upper part of the hock, in front of the large tendon; the swelling can be pushed from one side to the other; see blemishes and unsoundnesses (illus.)
tachycardia
unusually fast heart rate
stifling
upward fixation of the patella; occurs when the stifle joint is fully extended; if permanent it is a serious unsoundness
transition
upward or downward change between gaits, speed, direction, or maneuvers
uroliths
urinary stones
brain chain
used by hunting horse trainers' a variation of the chambon; a gag runner is situated on both sides of the bridle just below brow band; a chain runs across the brow band and is attached to tow straps that pass through the gag runner and to the girth; not to be used while the horse is being ridden
bandage
used for protection against injury and for support, warmth and general veterinary care
asterisk
used in front of a horses name on his registration papers , indicated imported. used in front of a jockey's name it indicates that he is an apprentice rider
walleyed
used to describe lack of pigment in the iris; the eye is bluish white or gray in color; is not considered a blemish; also referred to as glass, blue, china, or crockery eye
blood typing
used to help determine the parents of any particular horse; red blood cells can be divided into eight separate systems and these can be further subdivided into a number of factors
veterinary thermometer
used to take rectal temperatures
tincture of iodine
used to treat navel cords of newborn foals, wounds, ringworm, etc.
style
usually relates to a way of going; distinct personal flair of an individual horse; involves presence and charisma
tetanus toxoid
vaccine for prolonged protection against tetanus
takeoff point
when jumping, the point from which the horse leaps to complete the jump; putting the horse in a position to jump from the correct point is the rider's responsibility
blank day
when no fox is found within a covert; day in which hounds fail to start o fox
behind the movement
when the body of the rider is behind the vertical ; he may be putting too much weight on the loins of the horse and impeding the action of the hind legs and movement of the horse's back
strike off late or early
when the canter does not start at the marker
Diagonal
when the forefoot moves in unison with the opposite hind foot A maneuver from one corner of the arena to another through the center
winging in
when the hoof swings in when viewing a horse from the front at the walk or trot
unsteady halt
when the horse comes to a halt but does not really achieve immobility; he may fidget with his legs or his head, or move off the line
wandering
when the horse has deviated from a straight line or the circle on which he started
simple change of leads
when the horse is brought down from the canter to a walk or trot for, ideally, one stride and is restarted into the canter on the opposite lead
buttress foot
when the horse's hoof become pyramidal in shape, which can be caused by a source of low ringbone
buckling over
when the knee appears bent over; often seen in old horses due to hard work and strain in younger years
track up
when the left hind steps into the left forefoot print, and the right hind foot steps into the right forefoot print; said of the trot and walk; for many horses, tracking up at the trot is a sign of adequate impulsion
undershot jaw
when the lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw and protrudes
black points
when the mane, tail, and legs are black or darker than the rest of the horse
tailing
when the pack of hounds, because of ill-matched age, speed, or ability, tends to straggle out
back aids
when the rider alters his center of gravity as a cue, also called weight aids, action of the loins, seat aids, pushing buttocks forward, braced back and driving seat
white eye
when the sclera around the eye is visible, as in the Appaloosa; see human eye
too low
when the whole front of the horse is carrying too much weight
sliding plates
wide, flat-surfaced horseshoes used on the hind feet of reining horses
bight
with closed reins, such as with an English bridle, the ends of the reins' even though western reins are often split, their ends are also referred to as the bight
boot trees
wood, plastic, or metal formed of a number of shaped pieces and slotted together inside the boots to preserve the shape of tall leather boots; keeping boots from sagging at the ankles
Abrasion
wound from A wearing away hair or rubbing away by friction.
allantoic fluid
yellowish brown fluid originating in the placenta and kidneys that protects the fetus and lubricates the birth canal; expelled on rupture of the placenta
young entry
young hounds and young riders just entered
zoonotic disease
zoonosis
Bastard Strangles
• Same as Strangles but the bacteria travels along the lymphatic tissues breaking out into large epithelial ulcers
WBC
see white blood cell count
teeth, wolf teeth
see wolf teeth
dehiscence
separation of the layers of a surgical wound
tenectomy
the cutting out of a lesion of a tendon or a tendon sheath
spots
1. coat marking; small areas on the coat that are a different color than the primary coat color; small, rounded collections of hairs differing in color form the rest of the body 2. a small white patch of hair located on the forehead; see markings, face (illus.)
sterile
1. completely free of living organsims 2. a stallion or mare that is infertile
Daisy Cutter
A horse that seems to skim the surface of the ground at the trot; such horses are often predisposed to stumbling
Barn sour
A horse who balks when asked to leave the barn or stable area
Dam
A name for a mare that has a foal; the female parent of a horse
Dental Star
A star shaped or circle like structure near the center of the wearing surface of the permanent incisors; used to judge age
allergen
A substance that causes an allergy
electron microscopy
A technique in which uses a focus beam of electrons, rather than a beam of light, to examine cell structure.
barrel racing
A timed event in Western Riding where horse and rider complete a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels.
Alsike
A type of clover that is toxic to horses
Dally Horn
A type of horn used by dally ropers; there must be enough room on the horns neck for the lariat to be wrapped around it counterclockwise one or two times so that the dally roper can play out his lariat to absorb the shock when the roped animal reaches the end of rope
avoidance
A type of negative reinforcement in which performing a response prevents an aversive stimulus from occurring in the first place.
Tevis Cup
America's most famous endurance ride; ridden over the old Pony Express route from Lake Tahoe across the Sierra Nevada to Auburn, California
ADS
American Driving Society
AERC
American Endurance Ride Conference
AHSA
American Horse Show Association Started in 1917-1918 Produced a set of rules (often revised) to govern horse shows and competitions throughout the United States Promoted fairness, protection of horses
AJPHA
American Junior Paint Horse Association
APHA
American Paint Horse Association
AQHA
American Quarter Horse Association
Appaloosa
American horse breed best known for its colorful spotted coat pattern. development is attributed to the Nez Perce Indians in Oregon, Washington and Idaho region agile, docile, athletic with good stamina, noted for a variety of colorful coat patterns and markings, mottled skin aon the nose and genitals, striped hooves and white sclera encircling the eye, most common use cow hors, pleasure, stock saddle and endurance
Desert bred
An Arabian horse directly descended from horses that have been proven to have Bedouin haritage
Avelignese
An Italian breed; height: 12-14 hands; easy-going nature; excellent for beginners
angular limb deformity
An abnormal alignment of leg bones caused by genetics, trauma, congenital problems or nutritional imbalances
articulate
divided into or united by joints
elimination
dropping a contestant from further rounds in a competition
Anthelmintic
drug designed to reduce the number of parasitic eggs in the environment , deworming agent
barbiturate
drug used as a sedative, hypnotic, or anesthetic
astringent
drugs that cause contraction of infected areas, such as tannic acid, alum and zinc oxide or sulphate
antiprostaglandins
drugs that destroy prostaglandins that are inflammation causing chemicals produced by cells in response to injury
barium
dye material given to horses by mouth to outline the intestines and stomach on radiographs
ancestor
early type of horse from which the horses of today decended
soft
easily fatigued
tractable
easily manageable; docile; trainable
EEE
eastern equine encephalitis
bran
edible seed coats that are a by-product of grain milling, which, when freshly ground and dampened, act as a mild laxative and aids digestion; a good source of thiamin and niacin
efficacy
effectiveness or the ability to produce a desired effect
trapezius muscle
either a pair of large muscles of the back and neck that draw the head backward and sidewise; see muscular system (illus.)
uterine horn
either of the two upper projections in the Y-shaped uterus of the mare connecting the two oviducts to the body of the uterus
ECG
electrocardiogram
thorax
encolsed by the rib cge and the diaphragm; the part of the body between the neck and the diaphragm
wind puffs
enlargements of the fluid sacs or bursa around the pastern or fetlock joint on either the front or rear legs; protrusions of joint capsules and/or tendon sheaths caused by stretching due to excessive fluid; see blemishes and unsoundnesses (illus.)
warts
epidermal growths caused by a papilloma virus; usually occur around the heads of young horses up to three years old; they can vary in number from a few to a hundred
Balance
equal in regards to movement or confirmation
balance central
equal weight on the front and the back legs
vitamin E
essential for normal cell structure; lack of vitamin E can cause anemia and white muscle disease
Above the bit
evasion of the bit; the horse carries his head too high and is difficult to control
symptom
evidence of a disease as perceived and described by the handler
arthroscopy
examination of the interior of a joint through a needle-size fiber-optic instrument
straight behind
excessively straight legs as viewed from the side
EIPH
exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage
airs, classical
exercises designed to develop and perfect the natural movements of the horse
sympathetic
existing or operating through interdependent or mutual association
abort
expel a fetus
tongue over the bit
experimentation that can lead to an evasion; the horse puts his tongue over the top of the bit instead of keeping it underneath, thus getting away from the correct influence of the bit
anus
external opening of the rectum
tick
external parasite; several kinds may be found on horses' the most common are the winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus), the lone star tick (Amblyoma americanum), and the spinose ear tick (Otobius megnini)
snip
face marking; white area between nostrils; size and shape vary and should be noted for purposes of identification; see markings, face (illus.)
bradykinin
factors formed by a group of enzymes produced by the body that maintain dilation of the blood vessels in the inflammatory process
buckweat
fagopyrum plant species, poisonous plant that can cause liver-damage and sensitivity to light
agalactia
failure or inability to produce milk
syncope
fainting
bowed tendon
fairly severe front limb tendon strain in which the flexor tendons bulge instead of being straight and parallel to the cannon bone; the damage may be permanent; usually caused by poor conformation, poor shoeing, over stretching, improper conditioning, overwork, or accident
bloodlines
family lineage, ancestors; parents, grandparents, and so on
cactus
famous dwarf horse born from full size parents
All American Futurity
famous race held at Ruidosa Downs for 2 yr old QH
Adipose
fat
agoraphobia
fear of open spaces, outside
stud fees
fees that the owner of the stallion collects from the owner of the mare when she is bred; see I service fee
boxy feet
feet with a small frog and a high heel
wood fence
fencing constructed from pine, oak, or fir; most wood fences are post and rail, in which wood posts are set in the ground and the rails are run perpendicular to connect them
Dental float
file used to remove sharp edges on molar teeth
Whimpy
first horse registered in the American Quarter Horse Association
brilliance
flash or dazzle as related to performance
trotting shoes
flat shoes worn in front and swedged shoes worn behind to give more traction; sometimes removable toe weights are used on the front feet of trotters
soft palate
flexible rear part of the partition separating the mouth from the nasal passages; forced up by the tongue during swallowing to keep food out of the nose
supple
flexible; the ability of the horse to bend and flex his entire body
binocular vision
focusing on the same object with both eyes, using both eyes at the same time
boots
footwear used to protect he rider's legs or feet against injuries 2. protective legwear for the horse's cannon bone, fetlock, coronary band3. markings white area on leg extending from the hoof part way up the cannon 4 on a coach, the uncovered box shape projections slung along the coach between the front and rear wheels
Swedish Warm-Blood Association
for registry, proof of four generation is required; stallions must be licensed
Walk-Trot Class
for young, beginning riders (generally less than nine years of age) the walk and trot are the only required gaits
Antebrachium
forearm
top hat
formal headwear made from gossamer or shellac and finished in polished felt; made in various heights, with the highest used by men in scarlet hunting, and the lowest used fro dressage and showing; during a fall, the top of the hat may help cushion the head
Anglo-Arab
Cross between a Thoroughbred and an Arabian.
diaminodiphenylsulfone
DDS; Administered by mouth, by the stomach tube to enema to soften the stool
dimethyl sulfoxide
DMSO an organic chemical that has a number of medical properties including anti inflammatory, antibacterial and anagelsic able to pass readily though the skin can be used topically and internally
thrombosis
formation of a blood clot that remains attached at the point of formation in the blood vessel, causing an obstruction
suppuration
formation or discharge of pus
terminal
forming or ertaining to an end or ending; the concusion
blowfly
several species of fly that breed in animal flesh
blood blister
(Hematoma), a collection of clotted blood caused by a break in the wall of a blood vessel
bulb of the heel
(bulb) structure of the foot; located at the back of the hoof.
warmblood
1. a European term used to describe breeds that have descended from Arab, Barb, and/or Turkmene blood in the original foundation horses 2. result of crossing heavy horses (coldblood) with Thoroughbreds or Arabians (hotblood); could include any breed of horse except those animals that are 100 percent hot- or coldblood
water brush
1. a brush used to wash the feet and dampen the mane and tail 2. in show jumping, a small sloping brush fence placed in front of a water jump to help the horse take off
stable
1. a building in which one or more horses are kept 2. a collection of horses belonging to one person, such as a racehorse owner or riding school proprietor
suspension
1. a condition of temporary cessation, as of animation, pain, or any vital process 2. a preparation of a finely divided drug intended to be incorporated in some suitable liquid before it is used
tail set
1. a crupperlike contrivance with a shaped section for the tail to give it an arch and extremely high carriage; worn most of the time while the horse is in the stable and until a short time before the horse is shown 2. an operation that may be performed on American Saddlebreds to induce high tail carriage
wind sucking
1. a harmful habit in which a horse draws in and swallows air, causing indigestion 2. term applied to mares with flaccid vulvar labia that results in air being pulled into the vagina
broke
1. a horse that has been ridden enough to be fairly manageable; tamed and trained to a particular function 2. when the horse changed gaits of his own will; i.e. if the horse was in the canter and fell for a moment to trot and then went back to canter
striking
1. a horse that strikes one leg with the toe or side of another leg 2. a dangerous vice in which the horse strikes out with his forelegs
trail horse
1. a horse trained, bred, or used for cross-country rides; 2. a class in which horses must work on a loose rein through and cover obstacles
stock
1. a hunting necktie that can be used as a bandage for horse or rider should an emergency arise 2. the handle of a whip 3. livestock; refers to any animal such as cattle, horses, sheep, goats, etc.
step
1. a single beat of a gait; it can involve one or more limbs 2. a jumping obstacle that consists of a series of steps that can be negotiated up or down; commonly used in corss-country events
spoon
1. a spoon-shaped protrusion from the upper side of the cantle or pommel of a cavalry saddle; there is a slot in the center of the spoon, used to attach the crupper or equipment 2. spoon-shaped metal extension on a spade or half-breed bit
suture
1. a stitch used to close a wound 2. a fibrous, immovable joint in which the edges of the bones are closely united, as in the bones of the skull
western riding
1. a style of riding used by working cowboys in the U.S. , Canada, and Central and south America, and for pleasure and endurance riding; the western saddle and the seat position forces the rider to adopt a much more comfortable seat position for long rides 2. a class (cap.) that demonstrates a horse's ability to perform several maneuvers, especially a series of controlled, collected flying lead changes
unicorn
1. a type of hitch in which two horses are hitched as a pair, with a third in front of them 2. a mythological horse with a single horn
stud
1. an establishment at which horses are kept for breeding purposes 2. a stallion
whip
1. an instrument or device of wood, bone, plastic, leather, fiberglass, metal, or a combination thereof with a loop or cracker of leather or cord at the upper end; used for disciplining or goading an animal; sometimes a required accessory when exhibiting, as in a horse show 2. one who handles a whip expertly; one who drives a horse in harness other than racing 3. one who "whips in" or manages the hounds of a hunt club
wall
1. an upright show-jumping obstacle made of hollow wooden blocks that are painted and stacked to look like a brick wall 2. a cross-country obstacle built of brick, concrete blocks, sleepers, or stone; obstacles are usually built as uprights, but dry stone walls may be as wide as a narrow-topped bank
turf
1. any course over which horse racing is conducted 2. in America, turf races are held over grass courses opposed to dirt tracks 3. the world of horse racing in general
traverse
1. haunches in; the horse is slightly bent around the inside leg of the rider; the horse's outside legs pass and cross in front of the inside legs; the horse is looking in the direction in which he is moving; performed along the wall or on the center line at an angle of about 30 degrees to the direction the horse is moving 2. lateral movement of the animal without forward or backward movement; this step often helps riders in opening or closing gates, lining up horses in the show ring, and taking position in a mounted drill or posse; also called side step
splinting
1. immobilizing a limb using a rigid material bandaged onto the leg 2. tensing the abdominal muscles in response to pain
vertical
1. in the vertical plane, that is, perpendicular to the horizon 2. a straight or upright fence
bone
1. individual parts of hard tissue forming the skeleton 2. the measurement of the circumference around the cannon bone about halfway between the knee and fetlock joints
brushing
1. limb contact during movement in which a foot strikes another foot or part of the leg 2. grooming
tongue
1. movable muscular structure attached to the floor of the mouth; first point of pressure, regardless of the type of bit used 2. to bay or cry
breeder
1. owner of the dam at the time of service who was responsible for the selection of the sire to which the dam was mated 2. the owner of the mare that gives birth to a foal 3. the owner of a stud farm
spore
1. seed of microscopic plants, such as fungi 2. inactive or resting form of certain bacteria
breedy
1. smart and trim about the head and front part of the body 2. TB type and build 3. showing strong breed characteristics
trail riding
1. social, endurance, and competitive trail riding 2. riding outside an arena
substance
1. strength and density of bone, muscle, and tendons 2. an indication of large body size; a horse with conformation that gives the impression of stamina and hardiness
britches
1. the musculature of the rear quarters, especially of the gaskin, stifle and thigh 2. pants
throatlatch
1. the narrow strap of the bridle that goes under the horse's throat and is used to secure the bridle; see English bridle; western bridle; harness parts B and E (illus.) 2. the pint where the horse's neck and head meet; see points of the horse (illus.)
top line
1. the proportion and curvature of the line from poll to tail 2. the stallion's side of the pedigree or direct line of male descendants
blind spot
1. the spot where the optic nerve enters the eyeball in the optic disk and spreads nerves out within the retina 2. zones in which a horse cannot see; directly in front of and behind the horse
tie
1. to attach or fasten by use of halter and shank 2. hounds are said to "tie to the line" when they hunt in closely and are difficult to life 2. when two contestants obtain an identical score and are given the same placement in the results
brush
1. to force a horse to top speed over a short distance 2. a jump made of shrubs and brush with a clearly visible bar 3. the tail of a fox 4. a grooming tool
spread
1. to stretch or pose 2. the type of fence that requires jumping the width from front to rear
tandem
1. two horses hitched one in front of the other 2. a covered carriage with two large wheels designed for country use and drawn by two others; typically used by huntsmen
buck
1. when a horse leaps into the air, keeping his back arched, and comes down with his forelegs stiff and his head held low 2. a kick into the air either during a ride or when for example, a change of pace is mandated
Berlin
1.a carriage for two persons that has four wheels and the body is suspended 2. a formal, four wheeled covered carriage with two facing seats and a seat outside for the coachman; it is drawn by four or six horse
Blanket 3
A body covering used to protect the horse from sun wind cold rain or snow
Dale
A breed from the valleys or "Dales" of great Britain; known as a solidly built pony with good endurance and a calm, aggregable nature; Height: 14.2 hands
Dartmoor
A breed of pony that has been living wild on Dartmoor, a rugged moorland area in the southwest part of the the country of Devon in Great
Anemia
A condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin, or in total volume. caused my excessive bleeding, infection, dietary deficiency, or presence of toxins in the body.
Buckstitch
A contrasting thong of leather or vinyl,usually white, woven in and out of a piece of leather for decoration or to bind the leather together.
diaphragmatic hernia
A defect in the diaphragm that allows some of the abdominal contents to enter the chest
analeptic
A drug that stimulates the central nervous system
amphetamine
A drug that stimulates the central nervous system, increases blood pressure and reduces appetite and nasal congestion
Adrenalin
A hormone released into the bloodstream in response to physical or mental stress
Anabolic
A process in which large molecules are built from small molecules, building muscle and conditioning
Dead heat
A racing term referring to two or more contestants that arrive simultaneously at the finish line
Blazer Horse Association
A registry of 722 horses, no white skin above the knees or hocks, except on the face
Dermatophilosis
A skin bacterial condition caused by an infection by Dermatophilus; usually found in humid areas of the country, called swamp fever
backsplice
A splice in which the strands are reversed and interwoven, to make a rope end.
buckey
Aesculus plant species; poisonous plant that causes a neurological disturbance if eaten
diaphragmatic flutter
Also called thumps, contractions of the diaphragm with each heartbeat due to electrolyte imbalances
Bitless Bridle
Any bridle without a bit. Can me made of leather, nylon, rawhide, etc. Ex. Bosal, often used with young western horses. Typically uses direct pressure on nose and jaw.
Blanket 2
Any padding placed between the horse and saddle to ease the pressure of the saddle tree bars on the horse and to absorb perspiration and prevent it from getting on the saddle
America Appaloosa Association
Appaloosa breed registry
white blanket over back and hips with dark spots
Appaloosa coat pattern
Anglo Persian
Arab and Persian
Bardi Horse
Bardigiano
Buckskin
Body color yellowish or gold; mane and tail are black; black on lower legs; typically a dun without a dorsal stripe
blister beetle
Cantharis vesticatoria; an insect with body fluids that contain the chemical cantharidin, which irritates the skin when applied externally causing redness , burning, and blistering; inflames the intestines when taken internally; can be fatal; blister beetles may also be striped or spotted; blister beetles occur in alfalfa hay in certain areas
antibiotic
Chemical produced by living organisms that naturally kills or inhibits the growth of other organisms.
elephant -eared Cheyenne roll
Cheyenne roll with enlarged ends where the cantle attaches to the bar
acupuncture
Chinese medical practice of inserting needles into certain areas of the body
Deoxyribonucleic acid
DNA; protein chains present in cell nuclei that determine individual heredity characteristics ;the material that makes up genes; a large molecule consisting of two chains of nucleotides wound helically around one another
allotriophagy
Eating of unnatural material
barnyard grass
Echinochloa crusgalli- poisonous plant that can accumulate nitrates and cause sudden death if eaten
breeches
English riding pants
Akal-Teke
Russian breed known for withstanding severe weather conditions, noted for speed and jumping, lively, stubborn, even rebellious, average height 14.2-15.2 hands
Aristides
First winner of the Kentucky Derby (in 1875)
Trait du Nord
French horse breed; hardy, heavy draft breed; remarkably strong ad able to withstand harsh winters
Anglo Argentine
S American cross between the Thoroughbred and the Criollo( local cow pony)
Bactericidal
Having the ability to kill bacterial cells.
Damalinia equi
Horse louse
Bali
Indonesia breed docile and cooperative used for riding and pack
Anthrax
Infectious disease caused by a spore-forming bacterium (Bacillus anthrax), characterized by external ulcerating nodules or by lesions in the lungs
Dinner Plate
Large, round, flat horn cap on a Mexican saddle; often several inches in diameter
anuria
Little to no urine output.
anodyne
Medicine that relieves pain (noun); soothing, relieving pain (adj)
Dappling
Mottled pattern on the coat resulting from a mosaic of two shades of hair; The pattern can vary with age and season
Abduction
Movement away from the midline of the body
bear grass
Nolina texana, poisoning causes liver damage and extreme sensitivity to sunlight
abrupt transition
Occurs when the rider has given aids too suddenly to move a horse smoothly from one gait to another; balance, rhythm, and head carriage may be lost
dichlorvos
Organophosphate wormer; an overdose can cause neurological and intestinal malfunction
Diagonal Aids
Refers to the riders aids ; opposite hand and leg (right hang and left leg)
aids, diagonal
Rein acting on one side and leg pressure being applied to the opposite side
Azteca Horse
Relatively new breed of horse, developed in Mexico by crossing Andalusians, Criollos and Quarter Horses.
Ukrainian Riding Horse
Russian breed developed recently from selected breeds on state farms; suitable for sports, draft, jumping, and farm work
acey-deucey
Riding with one stirrup leather adjusted longer than the other; done by some jockeys to keep their balance on sharp turns
Devonshire boot
See Devonshire slipper iron
anaphylaxis
Severe allergic reaction
electrocution
Severe burns, cardiac disturbances, or death as a result of electrical current discharged into the body.
big leg
severe swelling of the hind legs or forelegs of working horses; usually occurs during a period of reduced activity
Bacterins
Suspensions of killed pathogenic bacteria by heat or chemical means used to stimulate immunity.
total digestible nutrients
TDN; in any given feed, the amount of nutrients actually used by the horse's system; concentrate has about 75 percent TDN, roughage has about 50 percent TDN
bend
the curvature of the horse's body, most noticeable in the neck
Adaptability
The ability to adjust oneself quickly to different conditions.
Day Money
The amount of money paid to the winners of each go round
Accessory carpal bone
The disk shaped bone forming the sharp ridge at the back of the knee
accessory carpal bone
The disk shaped bone forming the sharp ridge at the back of the knee
Affirmed
The first race horse to win 2,000,000.00
Aorta
The large arterial trunk that carries blood from the heart to be distributed by branch arteries through the body.
TRPB
Thoroughbred Racing Protection Bureau
American studbook
Thoroughbred horse registry
bloodstock
Thoroughbred horses bred for racing.
Dally
To take a wrap with rope around the saddle horn of a western saddle
barbed-wire fence
Twisted wires with sharp points, can cause a great deal of damage to a horse that becomes entangled in it
volatile fatty acids
VFA; breakdown products of fats
ascorbic acid
Vitamin C
alpha-tocopherol
Vitamin E
tenotomy
the cutting of a tendon
zinc
forms an essential part of many enzymes required by a horse; responsible for growth; a deficiency can cause depressed appetite, skin lesions, and reduced growth
account for
When a fox, or other hunted game, is killed or pursued to its den by the hounds
Blanket clip
When only the areas covered by a blanket are clipped the head neck legs are unclipped
bench knee
When the cannon is not centerd in the knee when viewed from the front it is called
Accept the leg
When the horse willingly accepts light pressure of the rider's legs on his side
urinary calci
see urolithiasis
VFA
see volatile fatty acids
Blanket 1
White or light colored markings over the hindquarters of an appaloosa
turned welt
see welt
Alkalosis
disturbance of the acid-base balance resulting in excess base or deficit of acid or carbon dioxide
WEE
see western equine encephalomyelitis
track left
counterclockwise movement in an arena so that the left leg is on the inside
blanketing
covering a horse with a blanket to keep a horse dry, clean and warm and to help maintain a glossy coat; also used after a workout to cool a horse down gradually
therapeutic
curative
zebra stripes
dark stripes that run on the neck, withers, body, and limbs
slough
dead tissue in the process of separating from the body
atrophy
decrease in muscle size
unsoundness
defects or more serious abnormalities that affect serviceability; for example, blindness, spavin, bowed tendon, calf knees, capped elbow or hock, cocked ankles, contracted feet, corns, curb, fistulous withers, founder, grease heel, heaves, hernia, knee sprung, laminitis, moon blindness, navicular disease, parrot mouth, poll evil, quarter crack, quittor, ring bone, roaring, sand crack, scratches, shoe boil, side bones, splints, stifled, stringhalt, sweeny, thick wind, thoroughpin, thrush, undershot jaw, windgall, and windpuffs
breech birth
delivery in which the fetus' rump or hind feet are presented first in the birth canal
ear fistula
dentigerous cyst
turbulence
departure from a smooth flow in a fluid
standing under
description of a limb that is placed too far beneath the horse when viewed from the side
breeding shed
designated enclosed area to mate horse' the breeding shed usually includes a teasing board as well as the necessary sterilizing and sanitizing equipment
DDS
diaminodiphenylsylfone
blood groups
differences in antigens and antibodies found on red blood cells and in serum of different horse can cause a problem when giving blood transfusions
thick wind
difficulty in breathing
vasodilation
dilation or enlargement of a vessel; causes increased blood flow to the area
Danger Zone
directly In front of or directly behind a horse; in a horses blind spot
vitamin D
directly involved in the use of calcium and phosphorus; obtained by most horses from a compound in green plants and hay, which is acted on by sunlight in a reaction inside the horse; a vitamin D deficiency can only occur from inadequate sunlight
diabetes insipidus
disease of the brain or kidney that results in the horse abnormally large amounts of urine
beaning
disguising an unsoundness in a horse
atlanto-occipital malformation
disorder of Arabians, fusion of the first vertebra with the skull, causing weakness and inability to stand
tympany
distension due to the presence of gas or air, as in the abdomen or guttural pouch
Diagnosis
distinguishing one illness from another or identifying a disease from its characteristics and/or causing agents
tack
riding equipment or gear for the horse, such as saddle, bridle, halter, etc.
astride riding
riding with one leg on each side of the horse
three-quarter rigging
rigging in which the front rigging is placed halfway between the center fire rig and the full double rig
aids, unilateral
right and left doing different things such as right leg applying pressure while the left leg holds a neutral position
barn itch
ringworm
X rays
roentgen rays; used to take radiographs of the body, thus locating fractures, etc; used because of their tissue-ionizing ability
airways
route of passage of the air into the lungs; including nose, trachea, and bronchi
bell boots
rubber protective boots that are bell shaped and fit over the coronet bands and bulbs of the heel
bursa
sac or sac-like cavity filled with viscid fluid and situated at places in tissue where friction would otherwise develop
sublingual
salivary gland located beneath the tongue
alkaline salts
salts given to a horse to offset the buildup of acid salts in the body which can occur if unfit or malnourished horse are overworked
Allergic urticaria
sand fly
acoustics
science of sound; quality that makes a room easy or hard to hear in
booster
second or subsequent dose of a vaccine
tertiary follice
see Graafian follicle
teeth, Galvayne's groove
see IGalvayne's groove
teeth, neck of tooth
see Ineck of tooh
TEAM
see Tellington-Jones Equine Awareness Movement
VEE
see Venezuelan equine encephalitis
teeth, angle of bite
see angle of bite
tug
see billet or cinch
winkers
see blinkers
throat fly
see botfly
spongy bone
see cancellous
teeth, canine teeth
see canine teeth
teeth, caps
see caps
single rig
see center fire
teeth, centrals
see centrals
tunnel keeper
see channel keeper
tie strap
see cinch strap holder
teeth, corners
see corners
teeth, crown of tooth
see crown of tooth
teeth, cups
see cups
wild black cherry
see cyanide
teeth, deciduous
see deciduous teeth
teeth, dental star
see dental star
thiabendazole
see dewormer
swamp
see equine infectious anemia
teeth, floating
see floating
trematode
see fluke
teeth, full mouth
see full mouth
teeth, interdental space
see inter-dental space
teeth, laterals
see laterals
teeth, molars
see molars
stable cough
see rhinopneumonitis
tie strings
see saddle string
whang strings
see saddle strings
sleepy foal disease
see shigellosis
teeth, smooth mouth
see smooth mouth
slow pace
see stepping pace
taps
see tapadera
testes
see testicle
tilted head
see tipping head
TDN
see total digestible nutrients
tail bandage
see track bandage
vaquero
the Spanish term for cowboy
stilla
the Spanish word for saddle
Triple Crown
the Thoroughbred race series that consists of three races: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes; famous winners include Sir Barton, Gallant Fox, Omaha, Whirlaway, Count Feet, Assault, Citation, and Secretariat
stable management
the ability and expertise to attend correctly to all the necesary details of stable dhorses
vision
the ability to see; can be blurred, clear, or distorted
bridling
the act of putting a bridle on the horse's head
Deglutation
the act of swallowing
working the rope
the action of the roping horse to maintain the tension in the rope attached to the calf at one end and the saddle horn at the other
united
the action, movement, or gait of the horse when the body and leg movements of the horse are coordinated in such a way as to represent the perfect action; generally used when referring to the canter
barrage
the alternate name for a jump off in which horses with equal scores at the end of a competition recompete against each other . the result can either be decided by the number of faults, time against the clock, or a combination of the two
stroke volume
the amount of blood the heart pumps with each beat
teeth wear
the amount of wear seen on the biting surface of the incisors
vaulting
the art of gymnastics on the moving horse
accommodation
the automatic adjustment in focal length of the lens of the eye
badminton
the badminton three day horse trials. one of the chief fixtures in the eventing calendar since its conception in 1949. held at the Cotswold home of the Duke of Beaufort in Gloucestershire England
Ellensburg tree
the basic saddle tree modified to become the official bucking contest tree
voice
the bay of a hound
bull hide
the best grade of raw hide tree covering
bloodline
the blood relationship among horse; it is gereally accepted that all of a horse's progeny are said to belong to his bloodline
digestive tract
the body parts that aid in digestion
digestive system
the body system that digests nutrients and consists of the digestive tract
big head
the bony enlargements on both sides of the face below the eyes; caused by a deficiency in calcium or an excess of phosphorus
tread
the bottom of the stirrup and support place for the foot when riding;see English saddle; western saddle (illus.)
bosal
the braded rawhide or rope noseband of a bosal hackamore; the part of the hackamore that fits over the nose; it works on the principles of balance weight, and pressure
wind
the breathing ability of the horse; a horse with good wind is sound and has sufficient capacity
snaffle bridle
the bridle used in conjunction with a snaffle bit
vagina
the canal that leads from the uterus to the external orifice of the genital canal
trichostrongylus
the cause of a skin condition called summer sores
slot
the channel through the center of the bar where the stirrup leathers are anchored
true osselet
the chronic, abnormal growth of new bone in the fetlock joint
ears
the circular pieces at the corners of the seat and the jockeys, through which the saddle strings are passed; their purpose is for anchorage
vitreous humor
the clear, gelatinous substance filling the area behind the lens in the eye
waxing
the collection of a drop of dry colostrum at the end of each teat that occurs eighteen to forty-eight hours before foaling
whoa
the command to stop or stand; when repeated softly, it means to slow down; may also mean attention
well let down
the condition of the horse that gives the impression of having a body that appears to be cylindrical or round in shape from the ribs through to the flanks; opposed to a performance horse in training where the flanks are usually tucked up
systole
the contraction or period of contraction of the heart
bacterial population
the count of bacteria found in the horse's cecum or colon for fiber digestion, enables him to digest roughage more effectively
tallyho
the cry of the hunt once the fox is sighted
desotomy
the cutting or division of a ligament
strongyle
various parasitic roundworms commonly called bloodworms; any of various nematode worms of the family strongylidae; approximately fifty-four species; parasitic worms found in the gastrointestinal tract of horses
vein
vessel through which blood passes from various organs back ot the heart
bad habit
vice. undesirable behavior
ware hole, ware wire
warning given by advance followers in the filed to those behind
ware hounds
warning given if a hound comes up from behind, the front, or the side to avoid followers stepping on him
bathing
washing the horse with soapy water to remove dust and dirt from the coat
cachexia
wasting and malnutrition
braiding
weaving the horse's mane or tail into small, tidy braids either for show purposes or to protect and train the mane
breast collar
western term for breastplate; the strap that passes around the front of the horse above the front legs and is attached to the cinch rings or breast collar D rings; its purpose is to hold the saddle forward on the withers
tendon, contracted
when a foal grows extremely fast, causing the bones to lengthen faster than the tendons and causing a developmental deformity
viewed away
when a fox is seen to leave the quarry; this occurrence is rare in America, although it is common in the more open country of England
sour
when a horse becomes sullen in his work performance or performs far below his ability; often a result of overtraining or overschooling
transition not defined
when a horse drifts from one pace to the other
behind the bit
when a horse evades the bit by bending the head toward the chest the horse becomes over flexed and insensitive to the aids
working gaits
when a horse goes forward with adequate energy and rhythm; gaits at which most lower level work is done
bridle noise
when a horse is held with his head pulled into his chest with the neck arched, he may produce a respiratory sound similar to roaring, but less pronounced; a whistling sound
winter out
when a horse is left out in the field in the winter rather than brought into the stable
square
when a horse is standing in a balanced way so that each foot is at one corner of a rectangle (not a trapezoid); weight is equally distributed on all four feet
bit pain
when a horse is uncomfortable with a bit in hs mouth; check for sharp teeth, sores, cuts on the tongue, and under the chin, as well as the fit of the bit
spread himself
when a horse jumps very wide and flat
breaking
when a horse leaves his gait and breaks into either a faster or slower gait
straight action
when a horse moves his forelegs straight and true from the shoulder; the feet remain in line and the hind legs follow the line
unsighted
when a horse or rider is unable to see ahead, particularly in jumping, as the line of sight is temporarily blocked by other horses
wrong leg not corrected
when a horse picks up a canter with the incorrect lead and the rider does not correct it
tail rubbing
when a horse rubs his tail against the wall in the stall or against the fence; may be an indication the horse has lice, worms, or a dirty sheath or udder
wheel
when a horse turns around suddenly without guidance from his rider
waiting race
when a jockey holds his horse back at the start and in the early stages of a race to be able to come to the front at the latter stages of the race
throw a filly
when a mare gives birth to a female
throw a colt
when a mare gives birth to a male
weight aids
when a rider influences the horse by shifting his weight; weight may be shifted to one seat bone, the thighs, or the seat; may also include leaning back or following the movements of the horse more aggressively
average
when a rodeo has more than one go round in an event the constants are paid off for the best ride or time in each go round for the best average of all go rounds. the winner in the average is the winner in the rodeo
wind and work
when an animal has good wind and will work
sinuous
when hairs from two directions meet along an irregular curving line
burst
when hounds get away quickly on their fox or when there is a fast run during a hunt