Equestrian Terms

Cast
The state of an animal laying down that is unable to get up. May be due to illness or injury. Also occurs when a horse in a box stall rolls over against a wall, trapping its legs against the wall.

A dam with its calf of the Equus Ferus Caballus variety

Dam
The mother of a horse.

Equitation
The skill of riding a horse.

False Martingale
A strap-in horse harness passing from the collar, through the horse’s legs to the belly band, to hold the collar in position. Unlike a true martingale it does not attach to the reins or head.

Gelding
A castrated male horse of any age.

Loriner
A maker of metal parts for harnesses, bridles, spurs, and other horse apparel.

Neigh or Whinny
The classic sound made by a horse. Generally a loud noise, described as a squeal followed by a nicker. Often is heard when a horse is looking for another horse or a person, sometimes used to call out to unseen animals.

Pointing
Resting a foreleg; indicating soreness in that leg or foot.

Quirt
Short-handled, flexible, weighted whip, of braided leather or rawhide.

Sire
The father of a horse.

Tree
The underlying solid structure or frame of a saddle, which is covered with leather.

Yearling
A horse that is between 12 and 24 months of age.