Horse people speak their own language. It’s true.
From understanding the short and sometimes vague cues from their trainers (i.e., “MORE LEG!”) to dissecting soreness in the animals, there are some things an outsider is just not going to understand.
Heels Down Mag‘s editorial team had a good laugh coming up with this list of words that really only speak to horse people and horse people only.
Hack
Not a computer hack. Or a “hack” to make some process any easier. Hack, in like, “I’m going for a hack” because that’s exactly what you’re doing with your horse.
Lead Shank
Especially when written, normal people assume we are, collectively, very violent people.
Hind End
My husband was really concerned why I was constantly talking about my horse’s ass. On his defense, I technically am, but in the way he talks about his “glutes” when he’s working out.
Hand Gallop
It’s a three-beat gait sometimes asked of riders in flat and over fences classes, which fits in between a canter and a full gallop. It’s one of those things that if you’re not into horses …. why would you know what this is???
Sheath
No, we’re not going to the Renaissance Festival and this has nothing to do with a “sword.” It has everything to do with a gelding, though…
Lead Change
I saw a meme once that read: “50% of equestrians read this wrong: I had to do a lead change with my mechanical pencil,” and they’re not wrong.