The Value of the ride

Terms and Introduction

Introduction and terms

Hello and welcome to my story. I'm sure most of you probably aren't familiar with terms when it comes to horses. I will try to keep it as simple as I can. First I would like to go over a few terms I will be using. when your reading my story and become confused about terms please message me. I will do my best to describe or point to in a direction to better understand my story. thanks

Hands: this refers to the horses height. It is measured from the hoof to the top of the shoulder. A "hand" is roughly 4inches. So if some one says their horse is 15hands they are about 60inches or 5ft tall at the shoulder.

Pony: most people think a pony is a baby horse but that isnt the case. A pony is a horse under 14hands tall.

Mare: female horse that is fixed or not fixed.

Gelding: a male that is fixed.

Stallion: unfixed male

Broadmare: mare used for breeding

Filly: a baby female under a year of age.

Colt: baby male under a year of age.

Yearling: a horse, either male or female, that is just over a year old.

Tack: is a term used to talk about the saddle and bridle. It is used when talking about all of the riding gear.

English saddle: an English saddle is a saddle you would use if your jumping a horse. Its just a curved saddle.

Western saddle: a western saddle is what you would see in old westerns movies. Its a heavier saddle with a "horn". Normally used to tie a rope onto.

Bridle: a bridle is used while riding. It normally has a bit that goes into the horses mouth for control.

Halter: a halter is used when a horse is being lead. It doesnt have anything that goes into the mouth. You normally attach a lead rope (like a leash) to help take the horse from one place to another without them running off on you.

Breast strap: is a y shaped peice of leather, normally with a design, that goes across the front of the horses chest. It connects to the saddle. Its only used with western saddles.

Paddock/pasture: this is an open fenced field that the horse can run around in.

Ring/arena: this is where you ride the horse. Shows will normally be held here.

Barn/stable: this is where the stalls are. The horses are put here. Stalls are normally about a 10ft by 10ft box with water and food buckets. Sometimes it can by a 12ft x12ft.