Writing: Basic Equine Terminology

Do you want to have horses in your story but you know nothing about them? Here’s a list of a few basic terms to help you get started:

• Horse 

  • A horse typically stands over 14.2 hands tall and has the characteristics and conformation of a horse. Check breeding to know if it is a horse or pony. 

• Pony

  • A pony typically stands under 14.2 hands tall and has the characteristics and conformation of a pony. Check breeding to know if it is a horse or pony. 

• Hand

  • Equines are measured in hands. A hand is 4 inches. Equines are measured from the ground to their withers. 

• Withers

  • The highest point of a horse. The part of the body where the neck meets the back. 

• Mane

  • Long hair growing out of the top of the horse’s neck. 

• Forelock

  • Long hair growing out of the top of the horse’s head and falling between its ears. 

• Tail

  • Long hair coming off the butt of the horse. There is a bone that is about a foot long. 

• Stallion

  • An unneutered male horse.

• Gelding

  • A neutered male horse. 

• Mare

  • A female horse. 

• Filly

  • A young female horse. 

• Colt

  • A young male horse. 

• Foal

  • A young horse. 

• Yearling

  • A horse that is a year old. 

• English 

  • A riding style that uses a saddle without a horn. This riding style consists of jumping and dressage. 

• Western

  • A riding style that uses a saddle with a horn. This riding style consists of ranch work and barrel racing. It is common for trail riding. 

• Bridle 

  • The leather headpiece with a metal bit that goes in the horse’s mouth for riding. 

• Halter

  • The headpiece put on a horse for leading. It can be made of leather, rope, or nylon. Nothing goes in the horse’s mouth. 

• Reins

  • Two leather or rope straps that connect to the metal bit of the bridle for the rider to hold while riding. 

• Stirrup

  • The metal frame a rider puts their feet in while riding. It is attached to the saddle by a leather strap. 

• Girth 

  • A belt used in English riding to fasten the saddle to the horse’s back. It has two buckles on either end. 

• Cinch 

  • A belt used in Western riding to fasten the saddle to the horse’s back. It has one big buckle on either side. 

If you didn’t know any of these or have any other questions, email me at bloemker.joyce@gmail.com about my equine copy editing services. 

What terms would you add to this list?

Leave your ideas below and I will make a part two.