Equine Terminology

Question 1

Pace

Answer 1

2 beat gait in which the lateral limbs strike the ground simultaneously. There is a lateral base of support and a period of suspension with all 4 feet off the ground occurring between each beat

Question 2

Participant

Answer 2

a general description of the persons who take part in equine-assisted therapies at a PATH Intl center for their benefit: also called riders, drivers, vaulters, students or clients. There will be varied usage depending on the discipline.

Question 3

Posting diagonal

Answer 3

When traveling on the rail in the arena or when working in a curved line, the rider rises (posts) when the horse’s outside shoulder moves forward

Question 4

Postural Corrections

Answer 4

Corrections made by the CTRI to the position in which the rider’s body is aligned while riding. Posture is habitual; ongoing correction is essential to riding skill development

Question 5

Rein Back

Answer 5

Backward movement in which hooves are raised and set down almost simultaneously by diagonal

Question 6

Rhythm

Answer 6

The regularity of footfalls within each gait

Question 7

Rollback

Answer 7

A series of movements that blend together to look like one movement; incorporates a run or lope, a balanced stop, a fast, smooth 180-degree pivot and a fast break out of the rollback into a run or lope on the proper lead

Question 8

Serpentine

Answer 8

Series of equal curves from one line of the centerline to the other, changing directions of the turn each time the horses passes over the centerline

Question 9

Shoulder-in

Answer 9

The horse slightly bent round the inside leg of the rider, and its inside legs pass and cross in front of the outside legs. The horse is looking away from the direction in which it is moving

Question 10

Side-pass

Answer 10

A movement in which the horse goes straight and sideways; the horse’s outside leg should cross over in front of the supporting leg. This movement has a slight degree of forward motion. Side passing lets you move the horse over to open and close a gate easily when mounted, helps in suppling and in preparing for flying changes.

Question 11

Sidewalker

Answer 11

Sidewalker(s) walk next to the horse and rider to ensure safety and to help the student participate in class to the best of the individual’s ability. Some participants require 2 sidewalkers while others need only one. More independent riders do not require sidewalkers.

Question 12

Simple Change of Lead

Answer 12

Change of lead performed by breaking gait to the trot

Question 13

Skill Progression

Answer 13

Systematic building of skills upon a foundation. The CTRI should teach skills in order that will most effectively advance the rider to the best of their ability.

Question 14

Snaffle Bit

Answer 14

A bit that works by direct action the in the horse’s mouth

Question 15

Specific Praise

Answer 15

A positive statement in tended to reinforce the desired behavior and an individual that acknowledges the individual by name (or in manner in which they know who is being praised), specifically describes/identifies the individual’s behavior and incorporates a term of praise.

Question 16

Stride

Answer 16

The distance covered by one foot when in motion

Question 17

Supple

Answer 17

An equine’s ability to remain relaxed, flexible and easily bend and turn

Question 18

Therapeutic Riding

Answer 18

Therapeutic horsemanship that involves mounted activities, including traditional riding disciplines or adaptive riding activities conducted by a Professional Assoc of Therapeutic Horsmanship International certified instructor.

Question 19

Throat Latch

Answer 19

the narrow strap of the bridle or headstall that goes under the horse’s throat and is used to secure the bridle or headstall to the head

Question 20

Topline

Answer 20

A horse’s topline goes from the hop, over the loin, through the back and through the neck. It consists of the muscles the horse uses to carry itself through the gaits, especially in transitions. A strong topline has to be developed for a horse to have self-carriage; it’s how you know whether or not a horse is balanced.

Question 21

Transition

Answer 21

Change of gait or speed

Question 22

Trappy

Answer 22

A short, quick, choppy stride, usually seen in horses that have short and steep pasterns and straight shoulders

Question 23

Travers

Answer 23

Haunches in. The horse is lightly bent around the inside leg of the rider. Its outside legs pass and cross in front of the inside legs. The horse is looking in the direction in which it is moving. performed along the wall or on the center line, at an angle of about 30 degrees to the direction in which the horse is moving

Question 24

Trot

Question 25

Two-track

Answer 25

The horse moves forward and diagonally at the same time

Question 26

Turnback

Answer 26

Western exercise to help some horses learn (with minimal use of the reins) to balance on their hocks, collect themselves and turn on their haunches.

Question 27

Turn on the Forehand

Answer 27

First basic lateral leg aid exercise; can be used to move the horse over, to turn around, or to open and close gates while mounted

Question 28

Unsoundness

Answer 28

A serious condition that affects an equine’s usefulness and way of moving

Question 29

Working Gait

Answer 29

Regular and unconstrained energetic but calm, with even, elastic steps