Horse Terms and Definitions

Study Notes

Balk/Baulk: when a horse refuses to move, often due to disobedience, fright, or pain/injury.

Barren: a mare that is not in foal (pregnant).
Box Stall/Loose-Box: an enclosed area within a stable where a horse may be left untethered.
Break In: to teach a young horse to obey commands and accept direction and control.

Cannon Bone: the third metacarpal or metatarsal bone of the lower leg, also known as the shin bone.
Ergot: a small callosity on the back of the fetlocks of equines, often concealed by feathering (hair).
Frog: a tough, rubbery, triangular part of the underside of a horse's hoof that acts as a shock absorber and assists in blood circulation.

Dam: the mother of a horse.
Distaff: in pedigree charts, refers to the entire dam's side of the pedigree.
Foal: a young, unweaned horse of either sex.
Colt: a young stallion under three years of age; in Thoroughbreds, the age is extended to include four-year-olds.
Filly: a young female horse under three years of age; in Thoroughbreds, it includes four-year-olds.

Bit: an object, usually a metal bar, placed into the mouth of a horse, held on by a bridle and used with reins to direct and guide the animal.
Bridle: headgear placed around the head of a horse that holds the bit in place in a horse's mouth, including reins, used to direct and guide the animal.
Dressage: an Olympic level equine sport based on classical principles of horsemanship.
Equitation: the skill of riding a horse.

Farrier: a professional hoof care specialist who does hoof trimming and horse shoeing.
Feather: long hair on the fetlocks of horses, often concealed by feathering (hair).
Groom: a person who tends and cares for horses; an attendant, horseman, or hostler.
Hand: a measurement of the height of a horse, standardized to 4 inches.
Tack: all the equipment that horses wear, such as saddles, bridles, harnesses, halters, and other horse care equipment.