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Word rarity: = commonly used = occasionally used = obsolete


Words with two dots are between categories.
Total words in this section: 89

HABIT

A learned behavior practiced over and over again, often automatically. Horses can have good habits, such as being quick to respond or always alert to their rider, or they can have bad habits, such as head flicking, prancing, and tail swishing. Also-- sometimes a sidesaddle rider's outfit and dress will be called a habit.

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HACK

The traditional meaning, to cut or chop with irregular blows, is not used in the horse context. Rather, the horse meanings of 'hack' are, in order of most common meaning: A short, broken cough; a hacking cough. In some parts of the world, riding horses are called hacks. A hack, in England, is also a type, rather than a breed, of horse. Hacks are thoroughbred, anglo-arab, or other breed crosses; they are basically light riding horses. Hack can also be a verb; in England, hacking is riding in the country, what other people would call trail or pleasure riding. Hackney horses or ponies are sometimes called Hacks for short. A coach or carriage let for hire; particularly, a a coach with two seats inside facing each other; a hackney coach. Yet another meaning of hack is, rarely, a rack for cattle to feed at. There are far more, non-horse meanings for 'hack', but I will only discuss these which have horse relations.

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HACKAMORE

A bitless bridle; it has a headstall and cheekpieces like a regular bridle, and usually a browband or earband, but instead of a bit has a piece that goes over the horse's nose. Usually, bosals are braided rawhide nosepieces of a hackamore, and then there are mechanical hackamores, which have metal and often a hinging action.

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HACKNEY

A breed of high-stepping horse and pony that originated in England. The hackney pony stands 12.2-14hh, and is elegantly built. The hackney horse stands around 15.3 and, like the pony, is also bred for high-stepping action in the showring. Both are used for harness showing events, where they are judged on their gaits.

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HALFLINGER

Interstingly, this breed of horse proabably has a color that is mistaken more than any other breed. Many books and websites publish, falsely, that this horse is a palomino only, or that it can come in palomino and chestnut colors. The truth? There has never been, and probably never will be, a palomino halflinger. All halflingers are chestnuts, although some of them can be so light that they are mistakenly called palomino. If there were palomino halflingers, then cremellos would also appear in the breed, since crossing a palomino with a palomino gives 50% cremello offspring. The Halflinger originated in Austria. This pony is coldblooded, but has some hotblood ancestry (arabians). This breed is hardy and beautifully built, and many have a beatiful golden or cream colored coat. They stand around 13.3hh and are used for pack and saddle, as well as some light draft work. Halflingers are not worked until the age of 4, and many continue to be working happily and healthy at the age of 40.

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HALF HITCH

The knot used by a calf roper, after the calf is roped, to tie three of the calf's legs together. The knot is not too secure, as the calves sometimes kick them off; this is ok, however, because the calf must only remained tied for 6 seconds in order for the cowboy to earn points. If the knot fails to hold and the calf runs free before the 6 seconds are up, then the cowboy is disqualified.

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HALF PASS

A dressage movement. The horse moves on two tracks, forward and sideways simultaneously.

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HALF SEAT

When the rider is not totally sitting on the horse; usually when the horse is galloping the rider will rise up from a bit from the saddle.

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HALTER

A piece of tack that is placed on the horse's head so that he can be lead around or tied up. It is made of webbing, leather, or rope. A halter should not be left on a horse that is turned loose. Beginners often make this mistake, sometimes resulting in the injury or death of the horse. A horse can catch his halter on something and rip up his face, or panic and pull until he hurts himself. The horse can also roll or paw and get a leg caught in the halter; he will roll around and fight until his leg gets loose, or, more commonly, he accidentally breaks his leg or neck. Halters left on will always irritate the horse's skin and cause the hair to come out; they may also make sores on the horse, or, when left on a growing horse, may cause perminent facial deformities as the horse grows too large for his halter. Halter is also a showing event in which horse's bodies are judged onr their conformation, shape, body type, and in some cases color. Showmanship is like halter, but usually it is judged on the handler's abilities to control the horse, and the horse's cleanliness, more than the horse's conformation.

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HAME

A curved projection attached to the harness collar of a draft horse.

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HAMSTRING

The tendon at the rear of the horse's hind leg, just above the hock.

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HAND

The unit that horses are measured in. A hand is equal to 4 inches. Any horse 14.2 hands high and under is considered a pony, while anything above that is a horse, however, there are times when this overlaps, as some individual belonging to a pony breed may be over 14.2, and some individual belonging to a horse breed under that height. Mostly horses 14.3-16hh and prefered, so this has become the average height. Some events or people may favor shorter horses, in the 14hh range, or even taller horses, in the 16-17hh range. You must remember that there are exceptions; some draft horses, for example, will average over 17hh. In draft breeds, the average is different, usually in the 15.2-18hh range, and of course, with ponies the prefered height is under 14.2hh.

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HAND RIDE

Racehorse term. Urging a horse to go faster using only the hands, instead of whipping with a crop.

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HANDICAP

Racehorse term. This is the weight assigned to a racehorse to slow him down if he is very fast, so that the other horses will have a greater chance of catching him. Also, to handicap a race, to make selections on the basis of the past performances.

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HANDILY

Racehorse term. Galloping with moderate effort, not struggling or breezing.

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HANDLER

One who leads or handles a horse. The handler is the person in charge of the horse, the one who is controlling the horse and moving him. For example, stallions usually have a handler who leads and holds him when he is breeding. Another example is when a horse is being shown in a non-riding event, such as Halter, the person leading the horse is his handler.

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HANOVERIAN

A German horse of Holstein, Thoroughbred, and Trakehner blood. It is a tall horse, standing around 16.2. This horse is used for English riding events, mainly dressage, jumping, eventing, and driving.

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HARD MOUTH

A horse that is unresponsive or responds poorly to the bit due to riders yanking on the horse's mouth, or harsh bits dulling it. After being subjected to rough treatment, a horse's mouth will get hard and unresponsive instead of soft and supple as it should be.

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HARDBOOT

Racehorse term. A Kentucky horseman.

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HARNESS

Equipment placed on a horse to permit it to be driven or to pull a carriage, rather than be ridden.

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HARNESS HORSE

A horse used for harness work, or a horse having the conformation to be used for harness work instead of being ridden.

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HAUTE ECOLE

See "High School".

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HAY-BUDDEN

U.S. brand of forged anvils from 1893 through 1927.

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HAYNET

A large net or bag made of nylon or rope used to hold a horse's hay. Haynets are sometimes used when a horse is in a stall temporarily, such as at a show, or if the horse is being trailered. Hay nets made of rope, and all haynets, are a potential hazard if left with the horse alone for long periods of time. The horse may try to paw the net to get his hay out, and he may become stuck. For this reason, nets are often hung high so that the horse will not become entangled.

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HEAD COLLAR

English term for a halter. See HALTER.

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HEAD OF THE STRETCH

Racing term. The beginning of the straight run toward the finish line.

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HEADSET

The way a horse's head is carried, refering to the height and angle. Some disciplines, such as Western Pleasure, require a low headset, while others, such as Dressage, require a higher collected headset.

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HEART

A horse with a burning desire to win and to please its owners is often said to have 'heart'.

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HEAVES

Common term for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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HEAVY HORSE

See Draft.

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HEAVYWEIGHT

A horse that has been judged to be capable of carrying heavy weights of more than 196 lbs. Also refers to horses of thicker bone and hefty build.

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HEELER

In team roping, the rider who ropes the heels of the steer after the header has roped the steer's horns.

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HEIGHT

How tall a horse is from the bottom of its hoof to the top of the withers. Horses are NOT measured to the top of their heads as they can move their heads up, down, and around making an accurate measurement impossible. A horse's height is measured in HANDS (1 hand equals 4 inches).

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HETEROZYGOUS

A horse that does not carry a pair of genes, but one of each type instead. For example, a palomino horse carries just one cream gene (and one non-cream gene), and is thus a heterozygous. Heterozygous horses have a 50% chance of passing each gene on. A palomino, for example, when bred to a chestnut will have 50% palomino offspring.

HH

Abbreviation. It stands for "Hands High", indicating a horse's height; usually follows the number of hands the horse is. For example, 14hh, 15.2hh, etc.

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HIGH LOPE

A gallop.

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HIGH SCHOOL

Also called "Haute Ecole". Training horses to do difficult movements that have military origins (Levade, Capriole, etc.). They are controlled, precise movements taking much training and skill. Today the most famous of the High School horses are the "Royal White Lipizzaner Stallions of Vienna", which are gray Lipizzaner mares, stallions, and geldings that tour the US with their amazing show.

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HIGHWEIGHT HANDYCAP

Racing term. A race where the horses are assigned no less than 140 pounds to carry.

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HINDQUARTERS

A horse's rear end, consisting of basically everything behind the flank. The hips, croup, buttocks, dock, and upper rear legs.

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HINNEY

Offspring of a male horse and a female donky. Also called a mule.

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HIPPARION

Ancestor of the modern horse, that lived in the lower Pliocene era. Most of them had three toes, and others had one toe.

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HOBBLE

To tie a horse's legs in such a manner that the horse cannot move quickly away. A very good way to safely restrain a horse from running away, but still leaving the horse with some movement so that they can graze. Horses are trained to be hobbled, of course, so they get used to wearing the hobbles. Also the piece of equipment used to restrain a horse in such a manner. There are different types of hobbles that work different ways. The simplest are just pieces of ropes correctly tied around the horse's legs, but there are leather hobbles and other hobbles with buckles and straps. Most well-trained horses know how to be hobbled. Hobbles are often used by trail riders and overnight campers so that the horse is free to graze but cannot wander too far from the area.

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HOBDAY'S OPERATION

An operation to clear the windpipe of a horse who has paralyzed vocal cords (and therefore is unsound). The vocal cords are removed, allowing the horse to breath better, but leaves the horse unable to neigh. It is named after Sir Fredrick Hobday (1870-1939).

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HOCK

The joint in the rear leg that is below the stifle but above the fetlock. It is the 'knee' of the back leg. The hock is also called the Tarsus joint.

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HOGGED MANE

A mane that has been entirely shaved off. Also called roached mane.

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HOGTIE

Rodeo term. After roping a calf, the competitor must flank the calf ('flanking' refers to picking up the 300-lb calf and dropping it on its side) and tie three of the legs together in a 'hogtie' with the 'piggin' string. The calf must remain hogtied for 6 seconds for the cowboy to qualify. If the calf gets loose and runs away, the cowboy gets no score. If the calf remains tied for 6 seconds, the cowboy keeps his score and the calf is turned loose. See also HOOEY.

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HOLLOW BACK

See SWAY BACK.

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HOME

Barrel Racing. After rounding the third barrel, the barrel racer heads for "home", the timer line, to complete the run.

HOMEBRED

Racing. A horse that was bred by its current owners.

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HOMOZYGOUS

Carrying two of the same type of gene. Such a horse will always pass this gene on to its offspring. For example, a homozygous tobiano pinto will always have pinto offspring; a homozygous cream (called a cremello) will always pass a cream gene on.

HONDA

Also "Hondo" or "Hondu". Roping term. The small loop-like knot on a lariat that allows the loop to slip open and closed.

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HOOEY

The knot used by calf ropers to tie three of the calf's legs together. This knot is known as a half-hitch to most non-rodeo people. See also HOGTIE.

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HOOF

The horse's entire foot. Specifically, the hard outer layers that surround the third phalanx, or coffin bone, in the leg.

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HOOF KNIFE

The sharp knife used by farriers to cut out dead frog and hoof sole, and also to par out rotten areas around abcesses.

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HOOF NIPPERS

Clippers that are used by farriers to snip away the excess hoof wall.

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HOOF RASP

A farrier's tool that resembles a large file. It is used to file down excess hoof wall.

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HOOF RINGS

Horizontal bands that grow on the hoof, often after a horse has foundered (though founder rings are often uneven). They can also appear due to changes in the horse's diet, environment, or illnesses. They are also called growth or fever rings.

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HOOF TESTER

A device used to put pressure on the horse's hooves to help pinpoint the source of lameness.

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HOOF WALL

The hard outer layer of hoof.

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HOOKER

Rodeo. A bull that will throw the rider forward when he bucks so he can hook him with his horns.

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HOOKER

Rodeo. A bull that will throw the rider forward when he bucks so he can hook him with his horns.

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HOOVES

The horse's foot, composed of the hard hoof wall, soft linings, and coffin bone. Plural of hoof. See HOOF.

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HORN

The hard part of the hoof; the hoof wall. Also the part of a western saddle that sticks up from the cantle. It is used to dally (wrap) a lariat around to secure a roped calf. In barrel racing and cutting, it is also actually held onto at certain times so that the rider may wedge his or herself deep into the seat so they may remain balanced and ride better and allow the horse to complete his job.

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HORN WRAP

A protective wrap used on the heads of steers that are to be roped. It protects the steer's ears and eyes from rope burns. It is often neoprene (much like horse leg wraps) and is put onto the steer prior to roping. It is not used on calves, as calves have not horns and they are not roped on their heads, but around the necks (safer).

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HORSE

An adult equine, Equus Caballus, of any sex, usually. Can also refer to any Equus Caballus.

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HORSEBOX

A horse trailer.

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HORSEMANSHIP

The art of horseback riding.

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HORSE RACING

An event which immature (usually) horses are raced to see who is the fastest. Quarterhorses, Thoroughbreds, Appaloosas, Paints, and Arabians are commonly raced. Usually refers to flat racing; but can refer to any type of horse race (harness race, pacers race, chuckwagon race, steeplechase race, etc.). Originally horse racing was done with mature (usually 6-12 year old horses) for several miles, but as people began to get impatient to see who had the best horses, they started having 'futurities' where immature horses were raced shorter distances as a 'sneak peek' of what was to come. Eventually, the old racing was eradicated as people wanted a faster, more immediate sport without the wait. Racing now no longer uses adult horses. Racing injuries and fatalities are common; it is a fast-paced and very popular sport. Racehorses require professional care and training, and need a high-energy diet and special drugs, minerals, and supplements to keep the horses fit. They are taken well care of by most standards as they are usually very valuable and expensive. Race horses are usually started training at the age of one year, and raced at two and three. Their careers often end at a young age because of premature injury or death. Many racing farms are run by multi-millionares and they have effective, professional set-ups where they can breed and care for a large number of horses and raise and try out many horses a year so they can get a winner. It is estimated that 50,000 racehorses a year are desposed of via slaughtering plants; however, many racehorses enjoy full, happy lives especially top-bred horses and horses owned by smaller more personal operations. Racing is a very popular spectator sport, as it is gambled on, not to mention the beauty and excitement of horses doing what they were built to do-- run. It is nicknamed "The Sport Of Kings" as many english kings enjoyed racing (adult horse racing). Racing tack is very light, as are the jockys (riders). A racing saddle weighs about the same as a full soda can!

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HORSE SHOE

A metal shoe that is put on the horse's feet to protect the hoof. There are many types of specialized shoes for different horses; racehorses, barrel horses, reining horses, cutting horses, parade horses, gaited horses, and other horses often have their own types. Individual horses may require special shoes because of hoof problems or lameness. There are shoes that relieve pressure from foundered horses and aid in healing, and there are different shoes that may help horses that have conformational defects or gait incorrectly. Gaited horses often wear specialized, weighted shoes to 'enhance' their action and cause them to do a smooth or high-stepping gait. Some shoes have areas that grip, so horses that are ridden on paved roads (like parade horses) will not slip. Overall, the function of the shoe is to protect the horse's hoof and prevent cracking or injuries, but some shoes also help horses suffering from illnesses and some shoes also make the horse gait artificially.

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HORSE SHOER

See FARRIER.

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HORSE SLAUGHTER

Slaughtering facilities exist in the US to kill unwanted horses for sale as food overseas. Horse meat is eaten in many European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, as well as in Japan (foal meat is a special delecacy there, and while illegal, live foals are sometimes shipped to Japan). Many horse owners oppose slaughter for the obvious reason that it kills horses and has been proven inhumane. However, there are others that feel without slaughter many horses would lead more painful deaths, such as starvation or disease. Unfortunately, there are a large number of unwanted horses and ponies, the majority (according to recent surveys on horse slaughter websites) are ex-racehorses and PMU foals, as well as injured or unwanted horses. Surprisingly, many horses that are sent to slaughter are not run-down, but many are papered and well-trained. Young horses are thought to sell for the highest price for meat. Many horse owners and lovers are very opposed to slaughter, but the question of what the alternatives will be must also be addressed. The solution may be to stop unwanted horses and senseless breeding, as without them slaughter could not function.

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HORSETAIL

Also called Equisetum. A common weed that is poisonous to horses. It is usually not ingested fresh, but eaten in contaminated hay. The symptoms resemble that of bracken fern poisoning.

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HOT BLOODED

A horse that is high-strung and usually has a lot of endurance (namely Arab and other related breeds). Also, Arabians or horses descendant from the Arabian.

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HOT BRANDING

A method of branding that uses a branding iron heated red-hot then pressed into the horse's flesh. It makes the cells unable to produce pigment, resulting in white hairs where the brand is applied. If applied for long enough, the hairs will actually never grow in (this is used on gray and light-colored horses where white hair would not show up well). Branding is a way to prevent theft and to permanently identify horses. However, hot branding is painful to the horse, and an alternate method (Freeze Branding) has been deveoped. Horses are more sensitive than cattle as they have much thinner hide (although their hides are much thicker than those of a human).

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HOT NAIL

See QUICK.

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HOT SET

Also "hot fitting". To press a hot horseshoe on the sole of the horse's hoof so that high bumps are burned down to get a better fit. It also burns areas for the clips (help hold the shoe on) to fit. It also kills germs on the horse's hoof to help prevent infections.

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HOT SHOEING

A method of shoeing the horse using heated horseshoes. The shoes are heated to red hot, then hammered into shape to fit the horse's foot, then they are cooled and place ond the horse's hooves.

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HOT UP

Sometimes a horse that acts hyper when ridden is said to "hot up".

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HOTWALKER

A machine that turns slowly in a circle. Horses are tied to the arms of it, and are therefore walked in circles by the machine. This is good for warming up or cooling down a horse, or to provide light exercise. However, if tied incorrectly, it is possible for the horse to be caught up and strangled to death.

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HOULIHAN

The tumble that a steer takes during steer wrestling event; when the steer is flipped over.

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HUNG UP

A bull or bronc rider that is off the animal, but unable to get free because he is stuck to the bull rope or rigging. He is usually dragged around like a ragdoll until the rope comes free.

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HUNTER

A type of horse (not a breed) that can stand a day's hunting. Of course, the traditional meaning-- a person who hunts animals-- also applies in the horse world sometimes, as there are people who hunt from horseback and use horses to pack their catches.

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HYBRID

In horses, a Hybrid is a cross between a horse and another equine (zebra, donkey, etc.).

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HYMEN

A thin membrane on the inside of the vagina of virgin mares.

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HYBRID

In horses, a Hybrid is a cross between a horse and another equine (zebra, donkey, etc.).

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HYPERHIDROSIS

Excessive sweating.

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HYPERKALEMIC PERIODIC PARALYSIS (HYPP)

A genetic disease of Quarter Horses and derived breeds (Paints, Appaloosas), characterized by sporadic episodes of generalized muscle tremors and stiffness accompanied by elevated serum levels of potassium. Often found in inbred halter horses, especially those that trace to Impressive.

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HYRACOTHERIUM

See EOHIPPUS.

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