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This Glossary contains 586 terms |
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AAEP |
American Association of Equine Practitioners |
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ab |
Antibody |
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abaxial |
Away from the central axis of a structure. |
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abattoir |
See slaughterhouse |
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abscess |
a term used to describe a localized infection often caused by a puncture wound or infection. |
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abortion |
the premature expulsion of the fetus or foal usually due to improper rations, injuries or bacillus abortus. |
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above the bit |
this is when the horse carries his mouth above the level of the rider's hand. The horse does this to evade the bit and this reduces the rider's control. |
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abscess |
A localized infection of the sensitive tissues within the hoof. |
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ac |
[Latin] Ante cibum / cibos, before meals |
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ACD |
Acid-citrate-dextrose |
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acey-deucy |
a term used in racing, when stirrups are adjusted so that the inside stirrup is lower than the outside stirrup to give better balance to the jockey around the turns. |
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ACL |
Anterior cruciate ligament |
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ACTH |
Adrenocorticotropic hormone |
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action |
The movement of the horses legs at all paces. |
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acupuncture |
a method of controlling pain by inserting needles into precise nerve points on the horse's body. |
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acute |
Coming about suddenly and severely, but persisting briefly. See also: chronic. |
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adhesion |
Sticking together. The abnormal joining of living tissues. |
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ADP |
Adenosine diphosphate |
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adrenaline |
a hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla that acts primarily as a stimulant. Synthetic adrenaline is used to increase heart rate and to dilate the airways in cases of asthma. Also called epinephrine. |
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adrenal medulla |
interior portion of the adrenal gland that synthesizes |
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aged |
A horse of seven years or more. |
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ageing |
The way in which a horse's age is estimated by the appearance of its teeth. |
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AI |
Artificial insemination |
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aids |
The way in which the rider communicates his intentions to the horse. Natural aids; hands, legs, body and voice. Artificial aids; the use of spurs, whips, martingales and other 'gadgets'. |
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airs above the ground |
high school dressage movements performed with either the forelegs, or all four feet, off the ground. |
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Akhal Teke |
an ancient, Russian breed of horse. The Akhal-Teke is commonly known for it's tall and slender conformation as well as it's shiny, copper hair coat. The Akhal Teke originates from Turkmenistan. |
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albino |
the term albino means "lack of pigment". Albino horses do not exist. See sabino white |
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alfalfa |
a legume often used for hay which is very nutrient-rich. |
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amble |
a slower form of the lateral pacing gait. See also pacer. |
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ambler |
an Old English word for a pacer. See pacer. |
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Andalusian |
an elegant, Spanish breed of horse. The Andalusian horse is commonly known for its long, abundant mane and tail, high-stepping trot and rocking-horse canter. |
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anemia |
a condition of the body resulting from lack of red corpuscles in the blood. Caused by lack of iron |
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Anglo |
Another breed crossed with a thoroughbred. (e.g. Anglo-Arab) |
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Anglo-Arabian |
a cross-breed of horse which is a cross between an Arabian and a Thoroughbred. An Anglo-Arabian should have no less than 25% Arabian blood, but no more than 75% Arabian blood. See also Arabian and Thoroughbred. |
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angular deformities |
Conformational growth problems where bones that are supposed to be in line instead form shallow angles when viewed from front or back. |
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anhydrosis |
a term that describes the condition in which the horse has limited ability to sweat. |
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animation |
high knee and hock action such as that seen in the Hackney and the Saddlebred. A horse with such movement is said to be "animated". Also seen in dressage horses riding the passage. See also passage. |
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annular ligaments |
Ligaments which form sheet-like bands to hold tendons in place. |
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ant. |
Anterior |
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anterior |
On or towards the front. See also: posterior. |
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antiseptic |
Inhibits microbiotic growth. |
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AP |
Anterior-posterior |
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arteries |
Blood vessels which carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the tissues. |
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articulation |
The range of movement of a skeletal joint. |
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articulatory cartilage |
The gristle covering the surface of the bones at the joints. |
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ATP |
Adenosine triphosphate |
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atrophy |
Shrinking or degeneration of tissues. Usually results from disuse or disease. |
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AVMA |
American Veterinary Medical Association |
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axis (axial) |
The central line of the body or any of its parts, on or close to the line about which the structure would rotate. |
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b.i.d. |
[Latin] Bis in die, twice a day |
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back |
The first mounting of an unbroken horse. |
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back at the knee |
A conformation fault whereby the forelegs are curved back below the knee. |
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backing-up the toe |
The removal of horn from the hoof wall on the dorsal surface of the toe. |
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bail |
A plank of wood. Swinging bails hung from the wall and ceiling, used to temporarily separate horses. |
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balance |
When the weight placed on each leg of the horse is distributed equally over the foot. |
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barrel |
The body of a horse between the forearms and loins. |
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bars |
Continuations of the hoof wall, which distribute stress from the heel towards the widest part of the hoof at approximately the mid-point of the frog. |
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basal |
Base or ground surface of hoof. |
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basal crack |
A crack which starts at the ground surface of the hoof and splits upward. |
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bascule |
Refers to the ideal shape of a horse when it jumps a fence. 'To round over a fence' Literal:- semi-circle. |
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basement membrane |
The thin layer of connective tissue between the horny and the sensitive laminae within the horse's hoof. |
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base narrow |
Wider at the chest than at the feet. |
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base wide |
Wider at the feet than at the chest. |
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bearing |
The horse's general carriage and balance. |
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behind the bit |
When a horse is evading rein contact by bringing his head in towards his body, with his nose coming behind the vertical. |
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bifurcate |
To separate, split, or divide. |
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bilateral |
On both sides. Usually means both hooves of a pair. |
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biotin |
B-complex vitamin, essential for the activity of many enzyme systems and found in large quantities in liver, egg yolk, milk, and yeast. Popularly believed to be beneficial to hoof growth and quality, and often included in horse feed supplements. |
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blaze |
Long white marking down the front of a horse's face. |
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blemish |
A cosmetic flaw. |
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blind obstacle |
an obstacle that the horse cannot see the landing side of, when taking off. |
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blood horse |
A Thoroughbred horse. |
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blood Spavin |
An enlargement of the saphenous vein on the medial side of hock. |
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blood stock |
Thoroughbred horses which are bred to race. |
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blood weed |
A Thoroughbred horse which is lightly built, of poor quality, lacking bone and substance. |
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blue feet |
A dense. blue-black coloring of the horn. |
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bone |
The measurement taken around the leg immediately below the knee or hock. The bone measurement determines the horse's ability to carry weight. |
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bosal |
A braided noseband used in Western riding. |
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bosomy |
Describes an over-wide and heavy chest. |
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both legs from the same hole |
When the forelegs are placed too close together because of an unduly narrow chest. |
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bottom |
Low-growing vegetation. |
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bounce |
When a horse on landing after an obstacle jumps the next one without taking a stride. |
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bowed tendon |
Tendinitis: Damage or rupture of the sheath of a tendon, most often the SDF of a foreleg. Bowed tendons usually occur in performance horses during hard exertion. |
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bow-hocks |
Outward turned hock joints. (US 'Bandy-legged') |
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bow legged |
Carpus varus. |
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boxy foot (aka 'club', 'donkey' or 'mule foot'.) |
A narrow upright foot with a small frog and a closed heel. |
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bp, BP |
Blood pressure |
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bpm |
Beats per minute |
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breaking-in |
The early training and schooling of a horse. |
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breaking out |
When a horse that has previously cooled off after exercise, begins to sweat again. |
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break over |
This occurs during that part of the stride when the limb is beginning to move forward and the anterior portion of the hoof leaves the ground. Break over point is that place on the ground surface of the dorsal wall and sole, around which the limb rotates as the hoof leaves the ground. |
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breast plate |
A strap which prevents a saddle from slipping backwards, usually part of a martingale. |
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bridal path/Bridal way |
(1) A path/right of way for horse's and riders. (2) The place on a horse where the bridal fits next to its skin. |
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broken back |
A broken back pastern axis is one where one of the phalanges is at a steeper angle than the one below it. |
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broken forward |
A broken forward pastern axis is where one of the phalanges is at a lower angle than the one below it. |
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broken-in |
Angular limb deformity where a joint is closer to the other limb than it should be. |
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broken-in (US - green broke) |
A horse that has accepted a mounted rider and is in its early stages of schooling. |
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broken-out |
Angular limb deformity where a joint is farther from the other limb than it should be. |
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brood mare |
A mare kept for breeding. |
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bruise |
The rupturing of blood vessels within sensitive structures resulting from trauma. Hoof bruises often result from the horse stepping on stones. Bruises can also occur in any sensitive structure, including the frog and the bulbs of the heels. |
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brushing |
Interference between paired hooves. |
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buck |
A leap into the air with arched back and landing on stiff legs. |
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buffer |
A tool used to withdraw nails from the shoe. |
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bulbs (heel) |
The upper and rearmost part of the frog, which hold proprio-receptors that allow the horse to know the position and placement of the foot. |
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bung tail |
A docked tail. |
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bursa |
A membrane sac that holds synovial fluid to lubricate moving parts in horse's legs. For example, the navicular bursa |
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buttress foot |
Pyramidal disease. |
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by |
Used in conjunction with the sire. |
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C-1, C-2, C-3, ..., C-7 |
the cervical vertebrae |
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cadence |
The quality of a horse's pace; showing rhythm and energy. |
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caulkin |
A raised, squared thickening on the outside edge at the heel of a horse's hind shoe, in order to increase grip. |
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camped behind |
A "camped behind" horse stands with the hooves behind the vertical. |
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canker |
Abnormal, vegetative growth of the frog. May also affect the sole. |
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cannon bone |
M3:The third metacarpal in the front leg, or the third metatarsal in the hind. Located just below the knee. |
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canter |
A gait between a trot and a run. |
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capillaries |
Tiny, often microscopic, vessels which nourish the tissues and transfer blood from the arteries to the veins. |
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capped hock |
A bump under the skin at the point of the hock. This blemish may be of any size, and is often caused by direct trauma to the hock. |
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capriole |
A high school movement in which the horse springs from his hocks and, with its forelegs raised, kicks its hind legs out before landing square. |
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capsular rotation |
The hoof wall rotates away from the P3, while the P3 remains in alignment with the pastern. |
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carpus |
The equine knee, or human wrist. Carpal, pertaining to the carpus. |
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carpus valgus |
Knock-knees. A conformation defect in which the fore limbs deviate medially above the knee, and laterally below the knee. The limbs appear to be bent inward. |
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carpus varus |
Bow-legged. A conformation defect in which the fore limbs deviate laterally above the knee, and medially below the knee. The limbs appear to be bent outward. |
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carriage horse |
A light elegant horse for private or hackney carriage use. |
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cart horse |
A large heavy Cold blood draught horse. |
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cartilage |
Flexible, somewhat elastic, skeletal structures. |
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carty |
A horse of common appearance. |
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cast |
When a horse is stuck on the ground and cannot get up or to 'lose' a shoe. |
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CAT scan |
Computerized axial tomography |
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caudal |
Towards the tail. |
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cavalletti |
Pole 10ft (3m) long, supported on cross pieces. |
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cavalry remount |
(aka Trooper) A horse used in military service. |
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Cayuse |
A tough native American Indian pony, descended from Spanish stock. |
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CBC |
Complete blood count |
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check, to |
(1) To steady a horse. (2) A short respite for the field, when the hounds lose the scent hunting. |
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check ligament |
A ligament which connects a tendon to a bone. |
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cheek |
(bit) The straight side on some bits. |
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chestnut |
(1)(or Castor) Small horny growth just above the inside of the knee and below the inside of the hock. (2) A reddish-brown coat colour. |
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chifney |
A bit used for leading horses that are difficult to control. |
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chronic |
Persistent. The long-term phase of many diseases and conditions. See also: acute. |
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clean bred |
A horse of any breed of pure pedigree blood. |
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clean-legged |
No feathering on the lower legs. |
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clench |
The part of a nail left proud when shoeing prior to being twisted off, bent over and hammered flush, to secure the shoe to the foot. |
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close-coupled |
Short back, without a hand's width between the last rib and the point of the hip. Opposite of slack loins. |
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clubfoot |
An extremely upright hoof with a very broken-forward pastern-hoof axis. In extreme cases, the digit may be folded back, with the animal bearing weight on its dorsal surface. In congenital clubfeet, the slope of the heels is usually more upright than that of the toe. |
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Coffin bone |
P3: Located in the hoof. It contains nerves and blood vessels which form the foot's sensitive structures and cushion the area between the bone and hoof. |
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coldblood |
The heavy horse breeds. |
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cold hosing |
A stream of cold water used to reduce inflammation. |
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collateral cartilages |
Lateral cartilages: Structures, which extend, one from either side, rearward from the wings of the P3. These form the internal support posterior part of the hoof. |
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collection |
The term used to describe a horse whose outline has shortened and rounded up, as its hind legs have moved further under its body, providing increased balance and energy. |
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colt |
A complete male horse under the age of four. |
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combination |
A jump made up of more than one part or element. May take the form of a double (two elements), a treble (three elements) or more. 'a combination of fences' |
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commissure |
A line or place where two things are joined. For example, where the frog meets and joins the bar structure. |
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common digital extensor tendon |
Main extensor tendon; is found in the front leg. It passes down over the front and slightly to the outside of the leg and attaches to the long pastern, short pastern and coffin bone. The widest point of attachment is at/on the extensor process of the coffin bone. It is joined on each side of the pastern by branches of the suspensory ligament. It is responsible for extending the leg. |
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compensation |
Adjustments a horse makes to try to keep an even gait despite a sore or lame leg. |
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compulsory halt |
The ten minute break taken between phases of the speed and endurance test in a 3 day event. |
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concussion |
(1) The compression or 'jar' to a horse's feet and legs when working on hard ground. (2) An injury to the brain. |
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conformation |
Physical inherited construction of a horse. |
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congenital |
A characteristic present from birth. |
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contact |
The amount of feel on the reins linking the rider's hands to the bit. |
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contracted heels |
Condition in which the posterior half of the hoof undergoes a significant reduction in width. This may result from other hoof problems, improper shoeing, or both. |
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contra limb |
Limb opposite the one that suffered the original lameness. Sometimes becomes lame from compensatory stress. |
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contusion |
Traumatic flesh injury which does not break the skin. |
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corium |
The sensitive layer of the skin located below the epidermis, containing nerve endings, sweat and sebaceous glands, and blood and lymph vessels. The sensitive laminae,live sole, live frog and coronary corium. |
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corn |
A bruise located in the corner of the heel and bar. |
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coronary |
Coronet or hair surface, upper part of the hoof. |
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coronary band |
Is the part of the hoof where the skin and hide join with the hoof wall. |
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coronary crack |
A crack which starts at the top of the hoof and splits down. |
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corrective |
Trimming or shoeing a horse's hooves to counteract flaws in stance or gait. |
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cow hocks |
Hocks that turn inward. |
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CPR |
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation |
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cracked heels |
A condition where the tissue covering the heel bulbs cracks open, leaving the heels susceptible to infection. |
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cracks |
A split in the hoof wall. |
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cradle |
A light frame fitted around a horse's neck to prevent it interfering or biting with an injury or bandage etc. |
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cranial |
(1) The front surface of the limb. Towards the head. (2) Having to do with the cranium of the skull. |
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cross-firing |
Gait fault which results in the collision of diagonal feet. Usually occurs at lateral gaits. |
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crupper |
A strap which stops a saddle slipping forwards, attached to the back of a saddle and passing under a horse's tail. |
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Curb |
Swelling of the plantar surface of the hind leg, just below the point of the hock. |
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Cushing's disease |
A thyroid tumour, which can cause laminitis and founder - particularly in older horses. |
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daisy cutting |
Describes a horse with a low action at walk or trot Personified by Arabs and Thoroughbreds |
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dam |
A horses mother |
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deep digital flexor tendon |
Originates at the deep flexor muscle of the leg, and inserts (attaches) at the semilunar crest of the coffin bone after passing over the fulcrum points formed by the proximal and distal (navicular) sesamoid bones. It flexes (folds) the leg when the deep flexor muscle contracts. |
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deep girth |
Measurement from wither to elbow The length of a horse's legs should not exceed the depth of the body from withers to breastbone |
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deep going |
Wet or soft ground into which the horse's feet sink |
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dermis |
The sensitive connective tissue layer of the skin located below the epidermis, containing nerve endings, sweat and sebaceous glands, and blood and lymph vessels. The coriums of the hoof are dermal. |
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de-rotation |
The act of realigning the P3's basal surface with the ground by trimming of the heel. |
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desmotomy |
The surgical cutting of a ligament. |
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diagonal gait |
Gait where each diagonal pair of limbs (off fore/near hind, near fore/off hind) move more or less together. A natural trot is a good example of a diagonal gait. |
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digit |
The equine limb distal to the fetlock. |
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digital cushion |
The sensitive, rubbery structure situated above the frog within the hoof. |
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distal |
In reference to limbs, distal means away from the torso, or comparatively farther from the torso or center of gravity. Opposite of 'Proximal'. |
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disunited |
A horse which is cantering with a diagonal pair of legs leading instead of the near and offside Can be disunited 'behind' or 'in front' |
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DJD |
Degenerative joint disease |
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DMSO |
Dimethyl sulfoxide |
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dock |
The part of a horse's tail from which the hair grows and also the hairless underside |
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docking |
Amputation of the tail for aesthetic reasons |
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dorsal |
(1) The front surface of the equine hoof and leg. (2) Referring to the entire animal, dorsal means the spine or center-line of the back. |
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double Bridle |
A traditional English bridle which includes two bits and two reins Today, mainly used in Showing classes |
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dropped sole |
The sole of a hoof which has become convex rather than concave. |
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dubbed toe |
A hoof which has had the dorsal surface of its toe rasped off. |
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Duckett's dot |
A point located approximately 10mm (3/8inch) back from the point of the frog, used for determining the normal position of the wall at the toe. |
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DVM |
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine |
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ECG, EKG |
Electrocardiogram |
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EHV |
Equine herpes virus |
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EIA |
1. Enzyme immunoassays; 2. equine infectious anemia |
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EIAV |
Equine infectious anemia virus (a lentivirus) |
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epidermis |
The outer, protective, nonvascular layer of the skin which covers the dermis. The hoof wall, horny laminae and other horny hoof structures are epidermal. |
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epithelium |
Skin: Thin membrane tissues covering most of the body's structures and organs, internal and external. Also describes the first layers that heal over a wound. |
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EPM |
Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis |
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ewe neck |
When the horse's neck is longer and more developed in the lower line than the top line, giving it a concave bend with the crest sloping inwards |
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exfoliate |
To shed or flake off dead tissue. The sole of the hoof normally exfoliates as it grows down. |
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expansion |
The outward movement of the quarters of the hoof which occurs during weight bearing. |
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extension |
The lengthening of the stride at the walk, trot or canter The horse should show an equal extension in both hind and fore legs |
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extensor process |
The point of insertion of the main digital extensor tendon into the P3. |
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extravagant action |
High knee and hock action |
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falling in |
Occurs when a horse is on a circle or a corner and compensates for stiffness or loss of balance, moves his shoulder inwards, coming off the true circle |
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false ribs |
The ten (asternal) ribs to the rear of the eight (sternal) true ribs |
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far or Off side |
Right side of a horse. |
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farrier |
A professional person who makes horseshoes and shoes horses |
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FDA |
Food and Drug Administration |
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feather |
Long hairs on a horse's lower legs |
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FEI |
Fédération Equestre Internationale - International Equestrian Federation |
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feral |
Animals of domestic ancestry who have reverted to the wild state. |
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Fetlock joint |
Contains the cannon bone, long pastern bone and the two sesamoid bones. |
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filly |
A female horse under four years |
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five-Gaited |
(US) Term for the Saddlebred horse which is shown at the slow gait and rack as well as walk trot and canter |
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flare |
An outward distortion of the hoof wall, especially at the ground (basal) surface. |
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flex |
To fold or decrease the angle of the bones of a joint. |
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flexion |
The movement of a horse's leg backward due to the use of flexor tendon. |
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flexor deformity |
Contracted tendon: Excessive tension on either the digital flexor tendon(s). |
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flipper (or Slipper) foot |
An extremely overgrown, toe-flared hoof. |
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foal |
A very young horse of either sex. A pregnant mare is said to be "in foal". The birth process of horses is referred to as "foaling". |
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foot |
The hoof and all the structures contained within it. |
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forehand |
The horse's head, neck, shoulders, withers and forelegs |
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forelock |
The extension of the mane between the ears and over the forehead |
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forging |
A fault in gait which results in the toe of a hind hoof striking the solar surface of its lateral fore hoof. Similar, but not identical, to overreaching. |
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forward seat |
The position adopted by a rider when galloping or jumping |
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fossa |
A pit, indention, or channel in a bone. |
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founder |
The mechanical result of laminitis. The tip of the P3 sinks downward towards the sole near the toe. Sole bruising, abscesses, and hoof distortion commonly occur. |
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founder rings |
Horizontal ridges in the hoof wall that instead of running parallel to the coronet (as grass rings do), are farther apart from the coronet at the heels than the toe. |
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founder stance |
The standing position often assumed by horses during acute laminitis. The hind feet will be placed far forward of their usual position, and will bear an inordinate amount of weight. The fore hooves will be placed out in front of the animal, and may bear weight only at the heels. |
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frog |
The rubbery, triangular pad of horn in the sole of the foot Acts as a shock absorber |
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full mouth |
A horse which at six years has a full permanent set of teeth |
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funicular ligament |
Strong cord-like fibrous materials that bind and hold the bone in place. |
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gait |
The motion or way of going of a horse. |
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gaited horse |
(US) A horse that is schooled to artificial as well as natural gaits |
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Galvayne's mark |
The groove appearing on the corner incisor at ten years of age It increases in length, reaching the bottom of the tooth at around 20yrs (named after - Sydney Galvayne, 19th century) |
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gamgee |
Cotton wool encased in gauze |
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gaskin |
'Second thigh' extending from stifle to hock |
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gelding |
A castrated horse or pony |
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general Stud Book |
(GSB 'the Book') The Book in which all Thoroughbred mares and their progeny foaled in the UK and Republic of Ireland, are entered |
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girth |
The measurement round the horse's body, taken behind the withers |
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going |
A term used to describe the nature of the ground (e.g. good, firm, deep, rough) |
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good front |
A horse carrying it's saddle behind a long, sloped shoulder and a generous length of neck |
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goose-rump |
('jumpers bump') A pronounced muscular development at the croup, where the quarters run down to the tail |
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grade horse |
(US) Common bred |
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Grand Prix |
(1) The highest form of competition (2) Big prize |
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gravel |
Abscess. |
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grease |
A disease of the lower leg |
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groom |
A person working directly with horse's |
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ground line |
The line projected or real by way of a pole at the base of a jump Used by the horse to judge its take off |
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growth plates |
Epiphyseal plates. |
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hack |
A recognised type of light riding horse |
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hacking |
A pleasure ride 'To hack' to go for a ride (also; 'hack out' 'hack on' 'hack to') |
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halter-class |
(US) Term for classes shown in-hand |
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hand |
A unit of measure equal to 4 inches, used to measure the height of a horse at the highest point of the withers. The number of whole hands is properly followed by a hyphen, then the remaining height in inches. Thus a horse who measures five feet two inches at the withers would be designated "15-2 hands". |
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hands |
The measurement of a horse's height 1 hand = 4 inches |
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hard horse |
(or 'Hardy') A tough enduring horse, not susceptible to injury or sickness (a 'good do-er') |
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harness |
The collective name for the equipment associated with that of the driven horse |
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harness horse |
(1) A horse used in a harness (2) A horse with a 'harness' type conformation or 'action' |
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haute école |
The classical art of horsemanship |
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Hb, Hgb |
Hemoglobin |
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heavy horse |
Any large draught horse |
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heavy top |
A horse with a heavy body disproportionately to light legs |
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herring-gutted |
A horse with a flat-sided, lean body running sharply upwards from girth to stifle |
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hindquarters |
A horses body from the back of the flank to the start of the tail, down to the top of the gaskin |
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histology |
Study of the microscopic structure of tissues. |
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hock |
A joint in the horse's hind leg between the second thigh and cannon bone |
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hocks well let down |
A horse with short cannon bones Considered a structure of strength |
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hogged mane |
A horse's mane clipped close to the neck (US - 'Roached') |
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hoof |
The equine foot, includes the coronary band and all parts distal. Sometimes refers to only the "hoof capsule" or horny parts of the foot. |
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hoof angle |
Toe angle: The angle at which the dorsal wall of the hoof intersects with the sole. Hoof angle can be measured with a hoof gauge or hoof protractor. |
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hoof capsule |
The insensitive, outer elements of the hoof, which function as a "wrapper, encapsulating and protecting the sensitive elements of the hoof. |
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hoof gauge |
Tool used for determining the angle of the horse's foot. |
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hoof horn |
The tough, insensitive parts of the hoof, such as the wall, are made of horn. The wall is composed of fibers which grow downward from the coronary band called tubular horn. These are cemented together by intertubular horn. |
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hoof knife |
Used for cutting excess horn from the sole of the hoof. |
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hoof nippers |
A tool used only for removing excess hoof wall. |
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hoof rasp |
Used to remove excess hoof wall. |
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hoof rings |
Growth rings: distortions on the hoof wall, roughly parallel to the coronary band, which may be caused by changes in diet, environment, season, or by illness. Uneven hoof rings, especially wider at the heel, may indicate that the horse has been foundered. |
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hoof tester |
Is a device used to locate lameness or trouble areas in the horse's hoof. |
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horny frog |
The outer, visible, non-sensate, non vascular part of the frog. |
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hot |
('Hot up') A horse that becomes unduly excited |
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hotblood |
An Arab, Barb or Thoroughbred |
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hybrid |
A cross a between a horse and another species |
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ID |
Intradermal |
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IM |
Intramuscular |
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IN |
Intranasal |
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inbreeding |
The mating of brother-sister, sire-daughter, son-dam, to fix a particular characteristic |
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in front of the bit |
When a horse hangs on the hands with an outstretched neck |
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in-hand |
A horse that is led, not ridden |
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interfere |
When a horse strikes one foot with the other. |
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ischemia |
Lack of oxygenated blood flow to the tissues. |
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itis |
Suffix meaning inflammation or disease. |
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IV |
Intravenous |
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jammed heel |
One heel appears to be jammed up into the foot, with its bulb and coronary band correspondingly distorted. |
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jibbah |
The peculiar bulged formation on the forehead of the Arab horse |
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jog-trot |
A short paced trot |
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jump off |
The final phase of a show jumping competition, usually against the clock, the fastest wins |
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keep |
Meadow forage, for grazing |
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keepers |
Fixed loops which keep the ends of straps etc in place (aka Runners) |
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keratin |
The tough protein component in horn, hair, skin, and hooves. |
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keratoma |
Keraphyllocele: a tumor of the horny laminae. Often seen as an inward distortion of the white line. |
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knee hitting |
Knee knocking: interference in which the fore hoof strikes the inside of the knee of the opposite limb. |
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knock knees |
Carpus valgus. |
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lame |
Describes a horse that is suffering sufficient pain and/or mechanical defect to interfere with normal movement and weight bearing in one or more limbs. Limping. |
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lamina (plural laminae) (lamella - lamellae) |
The tissues which attach the P3 to the hoof wall and bars. The inner, sensitive, laminae are attached to the bone. The outer, horny, laminae are attached to the hoof wall. The two sets of laminae interlock to form the P3/hoof wall union with over one square meter (9 square feet) of attachment surface while still allowing the wall to grow down in relation to the bone. |
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laminitis |
A systemic illness in the horse, which results in the damage of the laminar tissue, and causes the horse pain. Laminitis can lead to founder. |
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lateral |
(1) The outer side, away from the centerline. (2) Towards, or on, the side. Opposite of "Medial". |
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lateral cartilages |
Collateral cartilages: structures, which extend, one from either side, rearward from the wings of the P3. These form the internal support posterior part of the hoof. |
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lean Head |
A fine, very lightly skinned head, with muscles, veins and bony protuberances showing clearly ( A 'dry' head in Arabs) |
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leaning on the bit |
When the horse appears to balance himself by leaning on the contact with the riders hands for support |
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leg |
The portion of the limb of the horse below the knee or hock. |
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lesion |
A wound or local degeneration of tissue or bone. |
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levade |
A high school movement in which the horse lowers himself on his haunches and raises his forelegs in the air |
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ligament |
Strong fibrous tissues which connect bones to bones, or bones to tendons. |
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light horse |
A horse, other than a heavy horse or pony, suitable for riding |
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limb |
The entire equine appendage, from the scapula or hip down. |
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limping |
Limping is any unevenness of gait, typically due to lameness. |
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line breeding |
The mating of individual horse's with a common ancestor, some generations apart, for the purpose of accentuating a particular feature |
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line gaited |
Describes a horse who trots with each hind hoof following directly in line with its lateral fore hoof. |
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loaded shoulder |
An excessive amount of muscle formation over the shoulder region |
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loins |
An area either side of the spinal vertebrae, immediately behind the saddle |
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lope |
A slow western canter with a natural head carriage |
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lop ears |
Ears that flop downwards or to the sides |
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luxate |
To put out of joint or dislocate. |
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manège |
An enclosed arena, area or school used for training Usually rectangular |
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mare |
A female horse over four years of age |
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mealy nose |
An oatmeal coloured muzzle |
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medial |
(1) The inner side, towards the centreline. (2) Away from the side. Opposite of "Lateral". |
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mitbah |
The angle at which the neck of an Arab horse enters the head |
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mustang Roll |
Rounding the bottom of the hoofwall to match a naturally worn mustang hoof. |
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napping |
Any from of resistance from the horse |
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nappy |
A horse which is wilful, stubborn, obstinate and unwilling |
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narrow behind |
Lack of musculature of croup and thigh Gives a narrow appearance when viewed from behind |
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native ponies |
A general name for the indigenous mountain and moorland breeds of the British Isles |
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navicular disease |
Navicular syndrome: Degenerative heel lameness. May involve the navicular bone, navicular bursa, DDFT, and the coffin joint. |
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near |
The horse's left side. Horses are most often led, saddled, and mounted from the near side. Opposite of Off |
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near side |
The left side of a horse |
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neck reining |
A method of turning a horse by rein contact alone |
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necrosis |
Death of animal tissues. |
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neurectomy |
Removal of a nerve to eliminate or reduce sensation in part of an animal's body. |
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nick |
(1) The division and resetting of muscles under the tail to give an artificial high carriage (2) A mating likely to produce the desired type of offspring (" a good nick") |
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nodding |
Nodding or bobbing the head is often an indication of lameness. The horse will use his head to help reduce the weight on a lame leg. |
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non-weight bearing |
A non-weight bearing leg is one that is so sore that the horse will carry it without letting it touch the ground while moving. |
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NSAID, NSAIDs |
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
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numnah |
A pad of soft material used under the saddle to absorb sweat and minimize discomfort |
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OA |
Osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease |
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Obel lameness grades |
A system of rating degrees of lameness from laminitis developed by Niles Obel. Obel Grade One: Frequent shifting of weight between the feet, no discernible Obel Grade Two: Horses do not resist having a foreleg lifted, nor are they lameness at the walk, and bilateral lameness at the trot. Obel Grade Three:Horses do resist having a foreleg lifted, and are reluctant to reluctant to walk, but they do show lameness at the walk. Obel Grade Four: Horses will walk only if forced. |
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occlusion |
Blocking of an opening or passage within an animal's body. |
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OCD |
Osteochondritis dissecans |
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off |
The horse's right side. Opposite of Near |
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off side |
The right side of a horse |
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on the bit |
When a horse carries the head in a near vertical plane, the mouth a little below the riders hand |
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on the leg |
A description of a horse that is disproportionaly long in the leg |
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onychomycosis |
White line disease; onycholysis: fungal disease of the nail or claw. Denotes the decay of the inner hoof wall and the white line as a result of infection, usually fungal. |
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Oriental horse |
Loosely describes a horse of Eastern origin |
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os, ossa [Latin] |
Bone |
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osselets |
Arthritis of the fetlock joint, characterized by hard swelling. |
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ossification |
The hardening of soft tissues, such as ligament or cartilage, into bone. This is often a part of the natural aging process. |
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osteolysis |
Degeneration of bone. |
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osteo- or oste- |
Greek prefix meaning bone. |
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outcross |
The mating of unrelated horse's to introduce new blood into the breed |
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out of |
Used in conjunction with the mare |
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over at the knee |
A forward curve of the knees over the cannon |
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overbent |
An evasion whereby the horse carries his head close to his chest to avoid control from the hands |
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overfacing |
Presenting a horse at an obstacle which is too large or difficult, or for which it is not ready to jump |
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over-reaching |
When the toe of the horse's foot strikes the heel of the forefront |
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oxer |
A form of parallel fence |
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P3 |
Coffin bone; distal phalange; pedal bone; third phalanx: the most distal bone in each equine limb. Situated completely within the hoof; resembles the hoof in basic shape. |
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pacer |
A horse which employs a lateral action when trotting as opposed to the conventional diagonal movement |
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Palfrey |
A medieval light saddle horse |
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palliative |
Affording temporary relief, but not a cure. |
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palmar |
The palm side; volar: the back side of the horse's fore leg. |
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palmar process |
The rearmost portion of either side of P3 where the lateral cartilages attach to the bone. |
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palpate |
To examine by touch. |
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parietal bones |
Bones on the top of the skull |
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parrot mouth |
A malformation in which the incisors of the upper jaw, overhang the lower (Overshot) |
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pastern (long) |
P1: located between the fetlock and pastern joints and connects with the cannon bone to form the fetlock joint. |
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pastern (short) |
P2: connected between the long pastern and P3. |
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pathogenesis |
Origin of suffering. The generation and development of a disease. |
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pathology |
Study of the development and nature of disease. |
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patho- or path- |
Prefix denoting disease or suffering. |
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pedal osteitis |
Severe and/or repeated bruising of the sole resulting in the inflammation of the P3. |
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pedigree |
The details of ancestry |
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pelvic limb |
A hind limb. |
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pendulous lip |
A flabby under lip hanging loose |
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penetrating crack |
Deep crack: hoof crack which exposes sensitive tissue and/or causes lameness. |
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periarticular |
Situated around a joint. |
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perichondrium |
The membranes which cover cartilages. |
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periople |
The thin, tough, protective covering of the coronary band. The periople normally extends less than one inch down the hoof wall. |
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periosteum |
The fibrous membranes, which cover the bones. |
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periostitis |
Exostosis. Inflammation of the periosteum. |
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peritendinitis |
Bowed tendon. |
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phalange |
Phalanx. Any of the major bones in a digit. |
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phalanx |
Any of the major bones in a digit. The plural phalanges is used in anatomy. |
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pigeon toes |
A conformational fault in which the toes are turned inwards (aka 'pin-toes') |
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pig-eye |
A small eye, giving a mean impression |
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pillars (hoof) |
Two areas running the entire height of the dorsal hoof wall, which may be the anterior points of weight-bearing. |
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pivot |
A turn performed on the spot, either on the haunches or the forehand |
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plaiting |
A faulty and dangerous action in which the feet cross over each other during movement |
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plantar |
The back side of the horse's hind leg. |
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plantar cushion |
Digital cushion of rear foot. |
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pointing |
A horse standing with one foot in front of the other Usually indicates pain |
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points |
(1) The external features of a horse comprising its conformation (2) A term relating to a horse's colour |
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poll |
The top of a horse's head, between its ears |
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post. |
Posterior |
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posterior |
Towards or on the back of something. Opposite of "Anterior". |
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pr |
Per rectum |
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prepotent |
Tending to produce offspring of a marked similarity |
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presentation |
The way in which a rider puts his horse at a fence |
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prolapsed sole |
Dropped sole. |
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proud flesh |
A proliferation of granulated tissue, which sometimes occurs in open wounds. |
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proximal |
In limbs, proximal means close to the torso, or closer to the torso. Opposite of "Distal". |
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puller |
A horse that pulls on the reins and is difficult to stop |
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pulling (mane or tail) |
Removing hairs form the underside of the mane and sides of tail to improve appearance |
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pulse |
Heart rate: Average 44 beats per minute (23 to 70 range, influenced by age and fitness). |
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pyramidal disease |
Inflammation of the P3 at the extensor process where the extensor tendon is attached. Dorsal swelling above the coronary band and deformed hoof wall growth may occur. |
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quality |
The element of refinement in breeds and types of horse's due to Arab and Thoroughbred influence |
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quarter |
A portion of the hoof between the heel and the toe. Widest part of the hoof. |
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quarter crack |
Any crack in the quarters of the hoof wall. |
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quartering |
A quick grooming before exercise |
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quarters |
A horse's body from behind the flank to the tail and down to the top of the gaskin |
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quick |
Any of the sensitive structures within the hoof capsule. |
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quittor |
Necrosis of the lateral cartilages due to infection. Characterized by severe lameness and puss discharge. |
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racehorse |
A horse bred for racing, usually Thoroughbred but other breeds also |
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rack |
The fifth gait of the American Saddlebred ( a fast, four-beat gait) |
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radiograph |
An "x-ray". |
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ragged hips |
Prominent hip bones lacking in flesh |
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ram head |
A convex profile of the head |
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rangy |
A horse having size and scope of movement |
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respiration rate |
Average, resting: 12 breaths per minute (8 to 16 range). |
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retained sole |
False sole: The sole of a hoof, which does not exfoliate normally. |
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Rhum pony |
An ancient strain of Highland pony |
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ribbed up |
A short, deep body that is rounded, with well sprung ribs |
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riding horse |
A horse suitable for riding Having the action suitable with a comfortable riding action |
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ringbone |
Exostosis in or around the coffin or pastern joint, or on the pastern bones. |
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rising |
A term used in ageing |
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roach back |
A convex curvature of the spine between the wither and loin |
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road founder |
General breakdown of the hoof as a result of external stresses and/or age. |
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Roadster |
A trotting saddle-horse, an ancestor of the modern Hackney |
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rocker |
Relieving 10mm to 20mm (3/8 to 3/4inch) of the front sole surface, at an angle of five to fifteen degrees, to move the point of breakover, and stress, back from the toe. |
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Roman nose |
A convex profile Usually found in heavy breeds |
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rotation |
P3 rotation: capsular rotation; founder. |
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running out |
A form of refusal, when a horse veers off to the side to avoid jumping a fence |
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saddle horse |
(1) A riding horse (2) A trestle stand on which to put saddles |
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saddle marks |
White hair in the saddle area, usually caused by galls |
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sagittal |
A sagittal plane divides the left side from the right. Hoof anatomy models are often cut into sagittal section. |
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sand crack |
A hoof crack parallel to the horn tubules. |
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scalded back |
Inflammation or blistering under the saddle |
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scalping |
Gait fault, where the toe of a fore hoof strikes the dorsal surface of the lateral hind hoof or leg. |
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schoolmaster |
An experienced well trained horse |
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sclera |
The white outer membrane of the eyeball |
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sclerosis |
Hardening of soft tissues, especially nerves, due to disease. |
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scope |
Athletic ability |
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scouring |
Suffering from diarrhoea |
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SDF |
Superficial digital flexor tendon. A tendon which runs down the back of the leg, splits below the fetlock, and attaches to the P1and P2. In the hind legs, the SDF acts primarily as a ligament of the stay apparatus. |
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seedy toe |
Infection and mechanical separation of the white line. Most prevalent and obvious in the toe area of the hoof. |
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semilunar crest |
The inner curve of the coffin bone where the deep digital flexor tendon attaches. |
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sensitive frog |
Frog Corium: Is filled with nerves and blood vessels and generates the Frog. |
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sensitive laminae |
Covering of the coffin bone; located between the coffin bone and the horny wall. |
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sensitive sole |
Sole Corium: Is filled with nerves and blood vessels and generates the Sole. |
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sepsis |
The presence of disease-causing organisms or their toxins in the blood or tissues. |
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sesamoid bones |
Shaped like small pyramids, and attached by ligaments to the long pastern bones. |
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sesamoiditis |
The inflammation, dislocation,or fracture of the proximal sesamoid bone(s). |
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set tail |
A tail broken or nicked and set to give an artificially high carriage |
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shannon bone |
The hind cannon bone |
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sheared heels |
Failure of internal structures, which connect the heels. Allows the heels to flex apart more than normal, and can cause lameness. |
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shin splints |
A slight bulge on the splint bone(s). |
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short of a rib |
A conformational fault arising from slack loins |
|
sickle hocked |
A conformation fault in which the horse stands with his hind limbs bent more than normal at the hock, placing the hooves farther forward than ideal. |
|
sickle Hocks |
A conformational fault, that when seen from the side, the hocks are too high an angle at the joint |
|
side bone |
The ossification of one or both lateral cartilages within the horse's hoof. This sometimes causes lameness, but may be considered a normal part of the aging process in some horses. |
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sinker |
A severe case of founder in which laminitis has destroyed so many of the laminae that the bony column is no longer suspended and sinks within the hoof. |
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slab sided |
A horse with flat ribs |
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slack in the loins |
A condition in which the loins are weak, the last rib is short |
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sliphead |
The head strap and cheek piece supporting the bradoon of a double bridle |
|
slow gait |
The slow, high stepping, four beat gait employed by Saddlebred horse |
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solar |
The bottom aspect of the horse's hoof. |
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sound |
A horse of a good frame, in good health and free from defects |
|
sp / spp |
Species (singular) / species (plural) |
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Spanish walk |
An exaggerated and elevated form of the walk |
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spavin |
Swelling or abnormal growth in or on the hock. "Bog spavin" is a soft swelling on the medial and/or dorsal surface of the hock. "Blood spavin" is an enlarged vein. "Bone spavin" is an exostosis on any of the tarsal bones. |
|
splay-footed |
The toes of the front hooves are turned outward and the weight is thrown to the inside. |
|
splint |
Exostosis on the ligament, which attaches a splint bone to the cannon bone, forming a bump on the leg. Frequently caused by trauma or heavy stress on the legs of a young horse. Lameness may be evident during the early or "green" phase, but when ossification is complete, the splint is considered a blemish. |
|
splint bone |
Either of the two long, slender bones which run along the back of each cannon bone. The splint bones are attached to the cannon bone by ligaments which eventually ossify and fuse the bones together. |
|
split up behind |
A conformational fault caused by a weakness of gaskins |
|
spread |
(1) A jump which is wide as well as high (2) when a shoe has shifted out of position |
|
stabbing |
Toe-first landing of a hind foot, which causes it to stab into soft turf. |
|
stallion |
A complete male horse over four years of age |
|
stamp of horse |
A type or pattern of horse |
|
stay apparatus |
The configuration of anatomical structures, which allow the horse to remain in the standing position with extremely little muscular effort. |
|
stifled |
A stifled horse suffers from recurring, temporary immobilization of the hock due to the locking of the patella. |
|
straight behind |
Post legged: A horse that is "straight behind" has less than normal angulation of the hock and stifle joints. |
|
stratum medium |
Waterline: The inner, non-pigmented layer of hoof wall. |
|
strike off |
The first step of canter |
|
stud |
(1) A stallion kept for breeding (2) A piece of metal screwed into the shoe to improve grip |
|
stud book |
A book kept by a breed society to record the pedigrees of stock |
|
subcut. |
Subcutaneous(ly) (see also Sub-Q) |
|
Sub-Q |
Subcutaneous(ly) (see also subcut.) |
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substance |
The physical quality of the body with regard to its build and musculature |
|
sulcus (plural: sulci) |
1) Lateral Sulcus: The deep narrow space on either side of the frog, between the side of the frog and the bars. 2) Central Sulcus: The groove that bisects the frog, starting at the back and running toward the point, becoming progressively narrower and shallower. |
|
superficial crack |
Surface crack: A hoof crack which does not expose sensitive tissues or cause lameness. |
|
superficial flexor tendon |
Functions differently in the front and hind legs. In front, the SFT passes down the back of the leg, divides below the fetlock, and attaches to the bottom end of the long pastern and upper end of the short pastern bone at the pastern joint. At the sesamoids, it passes over and forms a collar around the deep flexor It is most frequently the tendon that develops tendinitis or bowed tendon. The SFT of the hind leg functions mostly as a ligament in the "stay apparatus". |
|
surface crack |
Superficial crack. |
|
suspensory ligament |
Is attached to the cannon bone between the two splint bones. |
|
synovial fluid |
Slippery, oil-like substance which lubricates joints and tendons. |
|
t.i.d. |
[Latin] Ter in die, three times a day |
|
tack |
A word used for riding and driving equipment (from - 'Tackle') |
|
tarsus |
The hock joint. |
|
temperature |
Average 100° f (38° c), (99.1° to 100.8° f. Range). Influenced by age. |
|
tendon |
Strong fibrous tissue which connects muscle to bone. |
|
tenotomy |
Surgical severing of a tendon. |
|
therapeutic (shoeing/trimming) |
Pathological shoeing/trimming. Shoeing or trimming done in an attempt to relieve lameness or unsoundness. |
|
thoroughpin |
Soft swelling of the tendon sheath of the DDF just above the point of the hock. This swelling is often visible on both sides of the limb. |
|
throat lash |
The leather strap, part of the headpiece that passes around the horse's throat |
|
thrush |
Infection of the tissues of the frog by micro-organisms. A foul smelling black discharge in the commissures and frog. Advanced cases may invade sensitive tissues and cause lameness. |
|
tied in below the knee |
(1) A condition in which the length below the knee is substantially less than above the knee (2) A conformational fault in which the horse is necessarily light of bone |
|
TLC |
Tender loving care |
|
TMJ |
Temporo Mandibular Joint |
|
toe Angle |
Hoof Angle: The angle at which the dorsal wall of the hoof intersects with the sole. Toe angle can be measured with a hoof gauge or hoof protractor. |
|
toed in |
The horse's digit appears to be twisted inward. Horses who are toed in on both fore feet are called pigeon-toed. |
|
toed out |
The horse's digit appears to be twisted outward. |
|
toe length |
The measurement from the junction of the coronary band and hoof wall, to the ground surface at the most anterior aspect of the hoof's dorsal surface. |
|
top-line |
A line from the back of the withers to the end of the croup |
|
track |
The path taken by both the horse's fore and hind legs |
|
tracking up |
When the horse's hind feet overlap the imprints of its forefeet |
|
tracks |
When the forefeet and hind feet move along two parallel tracks |
|
trauma |
Injury. |
|
trueness of Gait |
The lack of medial or lateral deviation from the line of travel seen in a horse's limbs. |
|
TT |
1. Tetanus toxoid; 2. thrombin time |
|
turnout |
The general appearance of horse and rider |
|
turn out |
To put a horse in a field |
|
twitch |
A thick stick with cord at the end To control a difficult horse |
|
type |
A horse that fulfils a particular purpose, but does not necessarily belong to a specific breed |
|
underrun heels |
The slope of the heels is shallower than that of the toe as viewed from the side. |
|
undershot |
A deformity in that the lower jaw that projects forward of the upper jaw |
|
unilateral |
On one side only. |
|
unmade mouth |
A mouth that does not respond to the bit aids because of lack of training |
|
unsound |
Describes a horse that suffers from a defect or condition which could lead to lameness. An unsound horse might not be currently lame. |
|
up to weight |
A horse which due to its substance, bone, size and overall confirmation, can carry a substantial amount of weight |
|
urine |
Average 6.25 liters (11 pints) per day, deep yellow to brown color. |
|
valgus |
Knock-kneed. |
|
varus |
Bowlegged. |
|
VD |
Ventral-dorsal |
|
VEE |
Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis |
|
vein |
Blood vessel, which carries blood from the tissues, back to the heart and lungs to be re-oxygenated. |
|
Veterinarianitis |
Expression coined to describe excessive use of the hoof knife by veterinarians. |
|
vice |
A bad habit |
|
VMD |
Veterinary medical doctor |
|
volar |
Pertaining to the sole. |
|
VS |
Vesicular stomatitis |
|
walk |
The slowest gait of any breed of horse. |
|
wall (hoof) |
The outer, horny part of the hoof. |
|
Warmblood |
In general, a horse which is the result of a cross between an Arab, Barb or Thoroughbred with another breed; to produce a type of horse |
|
water line |
Inner, non-pigmented hoof wall. |
|
weanling |
A colt or filly weaned from its mother (usually 6 months to 1 year of age). |
|
weaving |
A stable vice in which the horse rocks from side to side, usually out of boredom or stress |
|
WEE |
Western equine encephalomyelitis |
|
weight carrier |
A horse capable of carrying 15 stone |
|
weight cloth |
A cloth which is carried by riders in competitions where there is a minimum weight requirement |
|
well-sprung ribs |
Long rounded ribs giving ample room for a full lung expansion and suited to a saddle |
|
whip |
(1) The driver of a carriage (2) An artificial aid |
|
whiteline |
The joint between the sole and the hoof wall. Usually colored pale yellow, as opposed to the water line which is normally white. |
|
whiteline disease |
An infection of the white line, or inner hoof wall. Usually caused by anaerobic keratinolytic fungi or bacteria. |
|
WHO |
World Health Organization |
|
wind |
A horse's breathing or respiration when working |
|
wings |
Extensions to the sides of fences when show jumping |
|
withers |
The part of a horse where the neck joins the body |
|
WLD |
Common abbreviation for white line disease. |
|
wolf teeth |
Rudimentary teeth which occur in the front of the upper and lower molars on each side of the jaw |
|
Xenophon |
A Greek cavalry officer and historian famous for his references about the horse |
|
x-ray |
A photograph taken with x-rays |
|
x-rays |
Electromagnetic radiation: Because x-rays pass through soft tissue and are largely absorbed by bones, they are useful in radiography. |
|
yearling |
A colt or filly between 1 and 2 years of age. |
|
youngster |
A horse in its formative years |
