If you’re new to the stables or just want to improve your horse vocabulary, you’ve come to the right place.
Knowing the right terms and slang can help you communicate better with other horse lovers and make your time with these amazing animals even more enjoyable.
1. Hand
A hand is a unit of measurement for a horse’s height, and one hand equals 4 inches. For example, a horse that is 15 hands tall is 60 inches tall.
2. Horse
Okay, this is a pretty basic I know. But, this is what we build our foundation from. Horse is a large animal used for riding, work, or racing. Horses are generally over 14.2 hands tall.
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3. Pony
Ponies are not young horses! They are smaller horses, usually under 14.2 hands tall. Ponies are stockier with thicker manes, tails, and coats than horses.
4. Miniature Horses
They are very small horses that are usually less than 34 inches tall. They are not ponies but are bred to be tiny.
5. Mare
A mare is an adult female horse that can have babies (foals).
6. Gelding
This is a male horse that has been neutered. Geldings are usually calmer than stallions.
7. Stallion
An adult male horse that can breed with mares. Stallions are often strong and can be more energetic.
8. Foal
A baby horse, usually less than one year old. Foals can be male or female.
9. Weanling
It’s a baby horse that has just been separated from its mother. This usually happens around six months old.
10. Yearling
This is a young horse that is between one and two years old. It has grown and is starting to develop its own personality.
11. Broodmare
It’s a female horse that is kept for breeding. She has had at least one foal and is usually bred to produce more babies.
12. Withers
The withers are the highest part of a horse’s back, located between the horse’s neck and back. This area is important for measuring a horse’s height.
13. Barrel
The barrel is the main body of the horse, where its ribs are located. A well-shaped barrel gives the horse enough space for its organs and helps with breathing.
14. Hoof
It’s the hard part of a horse’s foot that touches the ground. It helps support the horse’s weight and protects its feet.
15. Fetlock
The fetlock is the joint located just above the horse’s hoof. It acts like an ankle and helps the horse move and flex its legs.
16. Pastern
This is the area between the fetlock and the hoof. It helps absorb shock when the horse moves and supports the weight of the horse.
17. Hock
It’s the joint on the back leg of the horse, similar to a human’s ankle. It allows the horse to bend its hind leg and push off the ground for movement.
18. Coronet
The coronet is the band of skin at the top of the hoof. It is where the hoof grows from, and it helps protect the area as the hoof develops.
19. Cannon
The Cannon is the long bone in the horse’s leg between the knee or hock and the fetlock. It provides strength and support for the horse’s weight while running and moving.
20. Stifle
This is the joint in a horse’s hind leg, similar to a human’s knee. It helps the horse bend its leg and move efficiently.
21. Poll
The poll is the area at the top of a horse’s head, just behind the ears. It is an important part of the horse’s skull that helps with movement and balance.
22. Conformation
Refers to the horse’s overall shape and structure. Good conformation means the horse has strong, balanced proportions, which can help with its performance and health.
23. Gaskin
The gaskin is the muscle area on the hind leg, located between the stifle and the hock. It is important for strength and power when the horse runs or jumps.
24. Dock
It’s the part of the horse’s tail where it meets the body. It is covered in a thick mane of hair and helps the horse balance and swat away flies.
25. Croup
This refers to the rounded area on the back of the horse, just before the tail. It plays a key role in movement and helps with the horse’s stride.
26. Crest
This is the top part of a horse’s neck, often more pronounced in stallions. A well-defined crest can indicate a horse’s strength and overall condition.
27. Lame
A horse is considered lame when it has difficulty moving due to pain or injury. This can affect one or more legs and usually requires rest or veterinary care.
28. Sound
A horse is described as sound when it is healthy and can move freely without pain. Sound horses are typically able to perform their work or activities without issues.
29. Points
Points refer to the darker areas on a horse’s coat, such as the mane, tail, and lower legs. These markings can vary in color and are often used to describe specific horse breeds.
30. Tack
Tack includes all the equipment used to ride or care for a horse, such as saddles, bridles, bits, and reins. Proper tack is important for the comfort and control of both the horse and rider.
31. Saddle
A saddle is a padded seat that is placed on a horse’s back for riding. It helps the rider stay balanced and provides comfort for both the horse and rider.
32. Halter
This is a piece of equipment that fits around a horse’s head and is used for leading and tying the horse. It allows the handler to control the horse easily without a bridle.
33. Lead Rope
It’s a long rope attached to a halter, used to lead or tie the horse. It gives the handler control while allowing the horse to move safely.
34. Harness
A harness is a set of straps used to attach a horse to a cart, plow, or other equipment. It distributes the weight evenly and helps the horse pull loads efficiently.
35. Bit
This is a piece of metal that goes in a horse’s mouth and is attached to the bridle. It helps the rider communicate with the horse by applying pressure to the horse’s mouth.
36. Bridle
This is a set of straps that goes over a horse’s head and holds the bit in place. It allows the rider to steer and control the horse while riding.
37. Headstall
This is the part of the bridle that fits around the horse’s head. It holds the bit and connects to the reins, allowing the rider to guide the horse.
38. Breast Strap
It’s a strap that goes across the front of a horse’s chest. It helps keep the saddle in place and prevents it from slipping back while riding.
39. Reins
Reins are the long straps attached to the bridle that the rider holds. They are used to guide and control the horse’s movements.
40. Girth
The girth is a strap that goes around the horse’s belly, holding the saddle in place. It keeps the saddle secure while the horse is moving.
41. Saddle Pad or Blanket
A saddle pad or blanket is placed under the saddle for added comfort. It helps protect the horse’s back and absorbs sweat.
42. Cinch or Latigo
The cinch is another term for the girth in Western saddles, while the latigo is the strap used to secure the cinch. Together, they help keep the saddle tightly in place on the horse.
43. Lunge Line
It’s a long rope used to exercise a horse in a circle. It allows the handler to control the horse’s movement while giving it freedom to move and stretch.
44. Barn Sour
A horse that is barn sour is reluctant to leave the barn and may want to turn back as soon as it gets away. This behavior can be caused by anxiety or a strong attachment to its home.
45. Buddy Sour
A buddy sour horse becomes anxious or upset when separated from its companion horse. This can lead to unwanted behaviors, like refusing to move or trying to return to its friend.
46. Bombproof
When a horse is described as bombproof, they are usually calm and unbothered by unexpected noises or situations. These horses are considered very safe to ride, even in busy or chaotic environments.
47. Cribbing
This is a horse behavior where they bite or grab a surface, like a fence or stall, and pull back, often making a grunting sound. This habit can be harmful to the horse’s teeth and can damage the barn.
48. Hard Keeper
A hard keeper is a horse that has difficulty maintaining its weight and requires extra care in feeding. These horses may need higher-quality feed or more frequent meals to stay healthy.
49. Easy Keeper
An easy keeper is a horse that gains weight easily and maintains good body condition without much effort. These horses usually require careful management to avoid becoming overweight.
50. Green Broke
A green broke horse is one that has been started under saddle but is still inexperienced and may need further training. This horse can usually walk, trot, and canter but might not be fully reliable yet.
51. Dead Broke
A dead broke horse is very well-trained and is calm, safe, and easy to handle. This horse is usually suitable for beginners or inexperienced riders because it responds well to commands.
52. Head Shy
This is a sensitive horse who doesn’t like having its head or face touched. This can make it difficult to bridle or halter the horse, and it may require gentle handling to build trust.
53. Grade
A grade horse is a horse that does not have a registered pedigree or specific breed. These horses can be a mix of different breeds and are often valued for their skills and abilities rather than their lineage.
Whether you’re grooming, riding, or just hanging out with horses, these words will help you feel confident and connected in the barn!
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.