The Equestrian Urban Dictionary

Horses have been used for many purposes, including transportation, work, recreational activities, cultural exercises and competitive sports. Equestrian is the term for the disciplines of riding, driving and vaulting involving horses. The horse is the dominant animal of the equestrian world. It is a large, powerful and highly intelligent animal with an ability to communicate and interact with humans in ways that no other animal can. There are many myths and misconceptions about the care and treatment of horses and the equestrian industry. Many of these misconceptions can be harmful to the safety and well being of horses. These misperceptions can cause riders to unknowingly put their horses at risk, as well as create a negative perception of the equestrian industry.

The process of training a horse to accept haltering, grooming and mounting. This process can take several years and is often referred to as “breaking a horse” or “gentling a horse”. It is important for the horse to be well broke before being ridden. A well broke horse is calm and confident under saddle. A horse with a bad attitude is difficult to ride and can cause serious injury to the rider.

A small bridle with a chain and ring attached to the horse’s mouth, designed to hold a tack (bridle, martingale or other tack). Typically used on a horse to control the head carriage.

A short, sharp sound a horse makes by strongly exhaling through its nostrils. A horse may blow when curious, shying or working. It is not a sign of discomfort as some believe.

An event in which the horse is ridden and judged on its movement, obedience and harmony with its rider. It is the fastest growing FEI discipline and most closely associated with dressage. It is an Olympic sport.

The lower levels of competition in a dressage show, below Prix St. Georges. It is common in local and national level dressage competition.

1. A type of horse that retains a pony phenotype, which includes proportionally short height, heavy coat, thick mane and tail, and a high degree of coordination regardless of actual mature height. Biologically, this may include a thoroughbred crossed with any breed of draft horse. Also called a draught horse or heifer.

2. A term in carriage driving where one horse of a pair breaks the rhythm of trotting and then realigns its stride to match that of the other, creating a synchronized pair. This is done to help build a horse’s suppleness and create a smooth gait. It is a common technique in both dressage and driving.

3. An ancient Greek cavalry officer, historian and political philosopher who wrote a book titled On Horsemanship, describing humane methods of training a horse. He is credited as being the father of classical horsemanship.

A person who is passionate about horses and their care. Generally, an equestrian is also a horse girl, although some distance themselves from this stereotype due to the negative stigma associated with it.