The horse world has its own language,and you might not understand all the words you read and hear.
This equestrian glossary explains what some of the words mean.
Glossary of equine terminology.
Q
Quartering
A quick brushing before exercising.
Quarters
The area behind the saddle.
The hindquaters and hidlegs.
Quiet horse
Quiet describes the horse’s nature. It is not easily upset.
Quater marks
A decorative pattern made by brushing against the hair coat with a damp cloth.
This is done on the quaters.
Quick-release knot
A knot used to tie up a horse or pony.
If the horse horse struggles, you can pull the end of the rope which releases the knot quickly.
R
Rack
This is a fast horse pace in which each foot hits the ground separately.
Ragwort
A highly poisonous yellow plant to horses.
Ram head
A head like that of the Brb horse (convex profile).
Very similar to the Roman nose which is found on the Shire horse.
Rein back
This is when you ask the horse or pony to step backwards.
The horse or ponys legs move in diagonal pairs.
Registered horse or pony
A registered horse has a pedigree and is listed in a studbook.
Reins
Attached from the bit to the riders hands.
Reins are part of the bridle.
Riding horse
A horse that has a comfortable riding action is called a Riding horse or otherwise known as a Saddle horse.
Roached mane
This is the American term for a hogged mane,(shaved off).
Roman nose
The horse’s nose curves outwards.
Roller
This is a wide band that fits around the horse or pony to keep the rug secure.
Rhythm
This is the beat of the horse's or pony's hoof prints.The rhythm should be even and regular.
Running out
When approaching a jump or fence, if the horse or pony pulls you away from the jump as you approach it, this is known as running out.
