line –
A long or “lunge” line is at least a 20 foot rope or web line, preferably with a swivel at each end, that the trainer can snap to a halter or bridle, pay out, and ask the horse to work around her in a circle while she stands in the center. I used mine with a surcingle for specific training goals and not just for exercise, since I had turn-out pens for that, and riders were expected to exercise the horses.
Running martingale –
A forked (split) piece of nylon web or leather that attaches to the breast collar on one end with rings for the reins to pass through on the other. It keeps the reins from flipping over the horse’s head if it tosses it around, and also helps with leverage and balance should the horse want to take off.
Side reins –
Used to connect the horse’s halter or bridle/bit to the rings of the surcingle. I used elastic side reins or bungee cords. Basically, the horse learns to deal with the consistent pressure on the bit that the trainer has set with the attachment and length of the side reins. This is a technique used in training from the ground, i.e., when the trainer/rider is not on the horse. German draw reins perform much the same function if the horse is being ridden.
Surcingle –
A four to eight inch “belt” or girth of nylon web or leather that can be buckled around the horse’s barrel. All of them have strategically placed rings on the sides, top, and under the belly to which you buckle or snap reins, bungee cords, or cords. Some have extra attachments, like handles, so a rider can grab onto them and vault onto the horse. Often seen at circuses.
General Health and Other Terms
DMSO –
Dimethyl sulfoxide – in gel or liquid form, a treatment that greatly helps reduce soft tissue swelling. I use it as a first treatment when I am concerned about leg problems.
Colostrum –
A milky, waxy appearing substance produced by a mare for the foal to suckle right after birth. It is full of immunizing agents and helps kick-start the foal’s first hours and days after birth.
Ewe-neck –
Horses usually carry themselves with a straight or slightly arched neck. When collected, the horse can have its nose vertical to the ground and the neck flexed and arched convex. A ewe-neck is just the opposite. The bottom surface of the neck is basically concave. This is an indication of off balance movements. Plus, it is ugly!
Jaw –
The lower, underneath part of the horse’s head, mouth area. “Relax the jaw” generally means “keep the horse responsive to the bit”.
Poll –
The area on the top of the horse’s neck, right behind the ears.
Poultice –
Anything thick and soothing to help relieve pain and swelling of my horses’ legs.
“Waxing Up” –
When a mare is due to foal, colostrum may begin to appear and even drip from her teats a few days before the event. It has a diluted milky look and waxy feel, hence the term.
Show Terms and Techniques
Bend –
The ability of the horse to flex around its rider’s leg. In dressage competition, the bend through the arena corners, around various sized circles, and higher level exercises, is important.
Catty –
The horse in question has the ability to move and turn smoothly, quickly, and seemingly effortlessly. It can jump, turn and spring over a course of obstacles without wasted movement, completely aware of where it needs to be next. This is a great talent to have in a competition horse.
Cavaletti –
Small portable jumps. The ends could be cinder blocks or “X”s or plastic “Blocs” manufactured specifically for use with poles and rails. I used them all. Cavaletti are used at ground level, and can be raised by two or three increments to maybe 24 inches. They can also be stacked much higher. I used these to add variety to ring work, to introduce jumping, and to create “grids’ to improve balance, strides, and athleticism.
Collection –
Think deep knee bend, touching your toes, even just good posture. Horses were meant to work in balance. Most do when working freely. When you add something up to twenty percent of its weight for it to carry around, that balance is affected. Suppose you weigh 130 pounds, and were told you had to carry a backpack around whenever you wanted to take a walk or a hike. And that backpack wiggled and was often unbalanced and even kicked you for no reason! You would find yourself walking differently and perhaps apprehensively, worrying about what was going to happen next. Or, you would trust that the creature in the backpack would be as helpful and balanced as could be, and even help you along. You find that if you keep your back strong, and your head just so, and your legs striding just so, your job is much easier. You collect your thoughts and actions into the most efficient way of going. When that happens, both horse and rider are aware of it.
Cross-country –
The phase of an event that includes natural obstacles, water, ditches, whatever the course designers can dream up. It is the most point-laden phase of the 3-Day Event. And the most fun, according to the majority of participants!
Dressage –
The arena discipline that is judged on the quality achieved by horse and rider in each movement of each level attempted on a flat surface. Riders start with walk/trot and go as far as they can. This may take a lifetime.
Driving –
Work is done by one or more horses pulling a vehicle of some sort and the driver, rather than the rider, asks the horse(s) to move.
Flexion –
The elastic bend through a horse’s neck, back, and barrel.
Four-in-hand –
Four horses pull the vehicle, controlled by one driver.
Gait –
Walk, trot, canter. Further, there are variable speeds or forms of each: the collected, working (medium) and the extended (lengthening of stride)in all the gaits.
Gymkhana –
Originated in India and England, but in the U.S. is generally a Western tradition of various games and races with barrels, poles, and timed events.
Hunt (or Hunt Meet)–
A social and sporting event supported by members’ dues. Usually the members meet regularly at pre-determined locations – fixtures – together with Hunt staff and the hounds. Hunt staff usually includes the Master of Hounds, the Whips, who keep the hounds in as orderly a pack and going in the correct direction
