If you’re new to the world of horses, there’s a whole new set of vocabulary to learn. From the way your horse moves to the gear you use to ride, understanding horse riding jargon is key to building your confidence and horsemanship knowledge. Whether you’re preparing for your first lesson or just getting familiar with the basics, this guide will introduce you to the most important equestrian terms you’ll need to know. With these terms stored away, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more informed and capable rider. Let’s jump in!
Horse terms for beginners
Riding terms
When you’re learning to ride, it’s essential to listen to your instructor, but you might not always know what they’re saying. These essential riding terms will help you understand your instructor’s directions and build your confidence in the saddle from day one.
1. Aids: Signals used to communicate with a horse through voice, legs, hands, or weight; also called “cues”.
2. Canter: A three-beat gait that’s faster than a trot but slower than a gallop, often described as smooth and rhythmic.
3. Contact: The connection between a rider’s hands and the horse’s mouth through the reins, essential for clear and consistent communication.
4. Gait: The different ways a horse moves, including walk, trot, canter, and gallop. Each gait has its own rhythm and speed.
5. Gallop: The fastest gait of a horse, with a four-beat rhythm, often used in cross-country or racing.
6. Heels down: A fundamental of proper riding position where the rider keeps their heels lower than their toes in the stirrups, providing stability and balance in the saddle.
7. Quiet leg: A skill where the rider’s leg remains still and steady against the horse’s side, avoiding unnecessary movement for clear communication.
8. Seat: Refers to the rider’s position and balance in the saddle. There are varying types of “seat,” from a “deep seat” to a lighter seat known as a half-seat. The goal is always for the rider to evenly distribute their weight in their legs, allowing them to move with the horse.
9. Soft hands: A technique of giving gentle and forgiving rein cues, guiding the horse without pulling harshly or causing discomfort.
10. Transition: The change from one gait to another, such as moving from a trot to a canter or from a canter to a walk.
11. Trot: A two-beat gait that’s faster than a walk but slower than a canter, where the opposite front and hind legs move together.
12. Walk: The slowest gait of a horse, characterized by a four-beat rhythm where each leg moves independently.
Equestrian terms
Dreaming of stepping into the competition arena? From English riding disciplines to horse show lingo, this section covers the foundational terms you’ll need to know to navigate the world of equestrian sports.
13. Arena (or Ring): An enclosed riding area where riders practice, train, or compete. A competition arena is also called a “show ring”.
14. Class: A specific event or competition within a horse show, often grouped by skill level, age, or riding discipline. A series of classes make up a Division.
15. Cross-country: An equestrian discipline where horse and rider jump obstacles at speed across open terrain.
16. Discipline: A specific style or category of riding, such as dressage, show jumping, or eventing.
17. Division: A group of classes in a competition where horse-and-rider pairs compete for Champion and Reserve Champion titles, awarded based on points earned from placings in the division.
18. Dressage: An artistic discipline focused on the precision and harmony of horse and rider as they perform a series of movements in a specific pattern.
19. Equitation: A type of competition judged on the rider’s position, style, and ability to effectively communicate with the horse.
20. Eventing: A three-phase competition combining dressage, cross-country, and show jumping to test versatility of skill.
21. Flatwork: Training exercises performed on level ground that focus on improving the horse’s balance, rhythm, and responsiveness.
22. Fox hunting: An equestrian sport where riders on horseback follow hounds in pursuit of a scent trail, historically that of a fox.
23. Hunters: An equestrian discipline judged on the horse’s form, movement, and manners while competing both over jumps and on the flat.
24. Schooling: Practicing or training with a horse to improve skills. Beginner equestrians often compete in low-pressure competitions called “schooling shows”.
25. Showing: Competing in organized equestrian events, which can include a variety of classes and disciplines.
26. Show jumping: A fast-paced discipline where horse and rider navigate a course of fences, aiming for speed and accuracy without altering the height or width of the jumps.
Learn how to dress for different disciplines →
Apparel terms
Wondering what to wear to your riding lesson? Equestrian apparel has its own unique vocabulary, so we’re here to clear that up. Here’s a guide to the key pieces of horse riding attire and when to wear them.
27. Air vest: A safety vest designed to inflate just before impact, providing extra protection for the rider in case of a fall.
28. Breeches: Form-fitting pants designed for riding, with reinforced areas like the knees or seat for comfort, durability, and grip in the saddle. Learn how to buy breeches →
29. Half chaps: Protective coverings worn over paddock boots to provide additional support and grip, mimicking the look of tall boots.
30. Helmet: Essential headgear that protects riders from head injuries during falls or accidents. Choose a well-fitted helmet that meets several safety standards.
31. Jodhpurs: Riding pants with a snug fit, typically worn by younger riders or in casual settings, often paired with paddock boots. Learn how to buy jodhpurs →
32. Paddock boots: Short leather boots designed for riding and barn work, often paired with half chaps for lessons or casual riding.
33. Schooling shirt: A lightweight, breathable top designed to offer comfort for training or casual rides, also called a “training shirt”.
34. Shadbelly: A formal riding coat with long tails, traditionally worn in disciplines like dressage or hunter derbies. Learn how to buy a shadbelly →
35. Show coat: A tailored jacket worn in competitions, designed to present a polished and professional look. Learn how to buy a show coat →
36. Show shirt: A collared shirt with a clean look, usually white and featuring snap or button closures and moisture-wicking fabric. Show shirts are to be worn under a show coat for competitions. Learn how to buy a show shirt →
37. Tall boots: Knee-high riding boots that provide support and protection, required for most shows and higher-level riding disciplines.
If you’re just starting out, try building an equestrian capsule wardrobe to get the most out of your apparel.
Horse terms
Every horse is different, and knowing the right terminology helps you understand what kind of horse you’re riding. From age and gender to training levels, these terms will also make it easier to follow conversations around the barn and join in confidently.
38. Broke: A horse that has been trained to respond to a rider’s cues.
39. Colt: A young male horse under the age of four.
40. Filly: A young female horse under the age of four.
41. Foal: A horse that’s less than one year old.
42. Gelding: An adult male horse that has been castrated, making it more docile and easier to handle.
43. Green: A horse that’s inexperienced or still in training.
44. Herd: A group of horses that live together.
45. Mare: An adult female horse that’s over four years old.
46. Pony: A small horse that measures less than 14.2 hands high.
47. Senior: An older horse, usually 15 years or older and often requiring special care.
48. Stallion: An adult male horse that has not been castrated and is capable of breeding.
Horse anatomy terms
Understanding the parts of a horse is more than just a science lesson–it’s a practical tool for learning how to tack up, care for, and communicate with your horse. Here are the most important horse anatomy terms for beginners to know.
49. Cannon: The long bone in a horse’s lower leg between the knee and fetlock joint.
50. Conformation: The physical structure and build of a horse, which can impact its movement and performance.
51. Fetlock: The joint just above the horse’s hoof that connects the cannon bone to the pastern bone.
52. Hand: A unit of measurement for a horse’s height, equal to four inches.
53. Hindquarters: The back part of a horse, including the hips, thighs, and hind legs.
54. Hocks: The large joints on a horse’s hind legs.
55. Hoof: The hard, outer covering of a horse’s foot that bears its body weight.
56. Inside: Refers to the side of the horse facing the inside of the riding arena or circle during a ride.
57. Outside: Refers to the side of the horse facing the outside of the riding arena or circle during a ride.
58. Poll: The area between a horse’s ears, at the top of its head.
59. Withers: the highest point of a horse’s back, located between the shoulder blades and used as the standard point for measuring height.
Horse tack terms
Getting your horse ready to ride requires several pieces of equipment, which can be overwhelming at first. From saddles and bridles to girths and stirrups, these are the horse riding gear terms you’ll come across during your lessons.
60. Bit: A metal piece that attaches to the bridle and goes in a horse’s mouth, used to help control and communicate with the horse.
61. Bridle: A piece of equipment that fits on the horse’s head and attaches to the bit and reins, used to control the horse while riding.
62. Girth: A strap that fastens around a horse’s belly to secure the saddle in place.
63. Halter: A piece that fits over a horse’s head and attaches to the leadline for everyday handling.
64. Lead (or Leadline): A long rope or leather strap attached to a horse’s halter, used to guide the horse when you’re not riding.
65. Reins: Leather straps that attach to the bit, held by the rider and used to control the horse’s direction and speed.
66. Saddle: A leather seat for the rider that’s placed on the horse’s back.
67. Saddle pad: A cushion placed under the saddle to protect the horse’s back and provide comfort.
68. Shoe: A metal covering nailed or glued to the bottom of a horse’s hoof to protect it from wear and injury.
69. Stirrups: The U-shaped pieces with flat bases that attach to the horse’s saddle and support the rider’s feet.
70. Tack: The equipment and gear used for riding or handling a horse, such as saddles, bridles, and reins.
Horse care terms
From exercising your horse to keeping his spaces clean, caring for a horse goes beyond just riding. This section introduces some of the most common horse care terms, so you’ll be ready to help out at the barn or care for a horse of your own.
71. Clipping: The process of trimming or shaving a horse's coat, often to manage shedding or to help cool the horse in warm weather.
72. Colic: Abdominal pain in horses, often related to digestive problems and requiring veterinary attention.
73. Condition: Refers to the overall health, fitness, and appearance of a horse.
74. Curry Comb/Brush: A grooming tool used to massage and clean a horse's coat, helping to remove dirt and loose hair.
75. Farrier: A specialist who trims and shoes horses' hooves, ensuring they remain healthy and protected.
76. Grooming: The process of cleaning, brushing, and caring for a horse’s coat, mane, tail, hooves, and overall appearance.
77. Lameness: A condition where a horse has difficulty or pain at any or all gaits, often due to an injury or health issue in the legs or hooves.
78. Lunging: A training method where a horse is exercised at the end of a long line in a circular pattern, used for warming up or improving movement.
79. Mucking out: The process of cleaning a horse’s stall, removing waste, and replenishing bedding.
80. Paddock: An enclosed outdoor area where horses can be turned out, usually smaller than a pasture.
81. Pasture: A large area of land where horses can graze and roam freely.
82. Stable: A building where horses are housed, typically with individual stalls for each horse.
83. Stall: An individual enclosure within a stable that houses a single horse, containing bedding, feed, and water for the horse’s comfort and care.
84. Turn out: Allowing a horse to go outside into a pasture or paddock for exercise, grazing, or relaxation.
Gear up for lessons with R.J. Classics
Knowing key equestrian terms is the first step to feeling confident in the saddle. Whether you’re just starting lessons or stepping into the show ring, having quality riding apparel makes all the difference. R.J. Classics makes it easy to stay comfortable, look polished, and perform your best.
The right gear should be durable enough to handle the demands of riding, flexible enough to move with you, and flattering enough to boost your confidence in the saddle. Here’s why R.J. Classics is the perfect choice for beginner equestrians:
- Made to last: High-quality construction and attention to detail ensure your gear will stand the test of time.
- Keeps you cool: Moisture-wicking technology keeps you comfortable and dry so you can focus on riding.
- Built to perform: Athletic cuts, stretch fabrics, and breeches with grip support your movement and stability.
- Elevates style: Sophisticated designs offer a polished look you’ll love to wear season after season.
With a variety of styles, colors, and patterns to choose from, R.J. Classics has options for every rider. Browse breeches, women's schooling shirts, jodhpurs, girls' schooling shirts, and plus-size equestrian apparel to find the perfect riding outfit for your lessons.
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