If you’re new to the equestrian world, welcome! We’re glad you’re here. You’re going to hear a lot of strange words and phrases that will make you go, “Huh?” When I talk to my non-horsey friends and family, they’ll often get a glazed look on their faces because they have no idea what I’m talking about. Here are some horse terms to help you learn the language of the equestrian community:
Lame
When horse people say a horse is lame, they don’t mean their horse is “unhip” or “square.” In the horse world, lame means that a horse is limping, stiff, or showing signs of soreness. It basically mean they are moving in a way that shows physical pain.
Sound
When a horse is described as sound, it does not mean they are being loud. It means the horse is not lame.
Broke
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! In the horse world, a horse that ain’t broke isn’t useful for much other than breeding or being a pasture ornament (see below). A horse that is broke is not literally broke. It just means that it’s trained to wear tack, carry a rider, and perform a job.
Tack
Tack refers to the equipment that a horse wears depending on its job. This includes saddle, bridle, saddle blanket, etc.
Bit
The bit is the part of the bridle that goes inside the horse’s mouth. It should rest comfortably on the horse’s gums and works by applying pressure to the mouth and tongue when the rider engages the reins.
On the bit
This phrase means the horse is collected, or carrying itself in a balanced manner, engaging its hind end and rounding its back. It may look like the rider is pulling on the bit, but in reality there should only be light contact with the bit.
Pasture ornament
My horse, Tuff, was a pasture ornament for a few years before I started riding him consistently. A pasture ornament is basically an unemployed horse. A pasture ornament’s sole purpose is to adorn its owner’s property with its majestic beauty. Oh and also eat grass.
Green/green broke
Green is not a horse color. A green or green broke horse has begun training to wear a saddle and bridle and carry a rider, but it may still be unsure about certain tasks. A green broke horse needs more wet saddle blankets.
He needs more wet saddle blankets.
When someone says this, they mean the horse needs to be ridden more to become fully broke. “Wet saddle blankets” refers to the saddle blanket getting wet from the horse’s sweat. People may also say, “He needs more miles.” Basically it means the horse needs more experience.
He’s drug calves to the fire.
This is a common description for ranch horses. It means the horse has been used to rope calves and drug them to a branding fire where the calf is branded, doctored, and released back to its momma.
Mare
A mare is a female horse who is mature enough to breed.
Stallion
A stallion is a mature male horse capable of breeding.
Stud
A stud is a stallion used for breeding. You will often hear the phrase, “Standing at stud,” and this just means the stallion is available for breeding.
Gelding
A gelding is a castrated male horse. Stallions that are difficult to handle often become geldings.
Colt
A young male horse not mature enough for breeding
Filly
A young female horse not mature enough for breeding
Foal
A baby horse, male or female
Conclusion
Of course this is not a comprehensive list. There are so many phrases that I’m probably not thinking of at the moment. Share your favorite horse lingo in the comments!