Horse Terminology
The more I learn about horses, the more terms I come in contact with. I'm including a terminology list to help you understand some of the things I write in my journal. Of course, the definitions are all my own.
Barrel: This used to be something to hide in and jump out of to scare passers-by, but now it's the mid-section of the horse where all of the riding cues are made with one or both legs.
Forehand turn: A maneuver where the horse turns in a circle, leaving one front leg planted. Green horse: A horse that is not wild, nor fully broke. Maxine was considered green when I bought her. I can safely ride her, but she doesn't have all the "bell and whistle" commands that a show horse has.
Haunch turn: A maneuver where the horse turns in a circle, leaving one rear leg planted. Much like a basketball pivot.
Lead: When a horse canters or gallops (a three beat gait), the lead is designted by the foot that falls last. In other words, if the right front foot falls last, the horse is on a right lead. If the left front foot falls last, the horse is on a left lead.
Sidepass: Asking the horse to move sideways (not forwards, diagonal, backwards, or in a circle as they often prefer) when given pressure on one side of their barrel or the other with a leg and spur.
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