Godolphin

A

Action

The way in which a horse moves. See also Gait.

Added

In relation to prize-money, the fees paid by owners to enter and stay in a race are added to the advertised sum put up by the racecourse and any sponsor.

Age

Regardless of the date when they were born, all horses in the Northern Hemisphere become a year older on January 1st, whilst in the Southern Hemisphere it is July 1st (South America) or August 1st (Australasia).

Airing

Australasian term for a horse not running at full speed.

All-Aged Race

Generally in Europe and North America, a race for three-year-olds and upwards. In Australasia, this usually refers to races for two-year-olds and upwards.

All Out

When a horse has to extend itself fully to win.

Allowance

In North America, a type of race where factors such as previous wins or earnings determine the weight a horse will carry. Similar to a conditions race in Europe.

Allowances

Reduction in weight carried by a runner due to such factors as the horse not having won before, its age, sex or being ridden by an apprentice.

All-Weather Racing

Racing that takes place on an artificial surface (i.e. not turf); British term for dirt/sand racing.

Also Ran

A term often used to refer to horses that finish out of the first three or four in a race.

Amateur

Amateur, i.e. unpaid, riders can usually ride only in races confined to them in Flat racing. In racecards and newspapers they are usually listed with a title (Mr, Mrs, Miss etc) to differentiate them from professional jockeys.

Anaesthetic

Veterinary treatment to render animal insensitive to pain.

Apprentice

A jockey who has not yet fully qualified by riding a set number of winners or reaching a certain age. Apprentices, often after a period of initial training, usually work for a trainer from whom they receive instruction, advice and support. They are also frequently referred to as 'claimers' due to the fact that they are able to claim weight off horses in races to make up for their inexperience. Also known as 'bugs' in North America due to the symbol that appears by their name in the Daily Racing Form newspaper.

Arthritis

Painful condition due to degeneration of the structure of bone and leading to restriction of movement.

Ataxia

Loss or failure of muscular co-ordination.

Atrophy

Wasting, usually of the muscles.

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B

Back At The Knee

When the knee of a horse has a backward arc, viewed from the side.

Backmarker

Horse at the back of the field during a race.

Backside

General term for the stable areas of racecourses in North America.

Backstretch

Area of the racetrack, furthest away from the stands, that falls between two bends.

Backward

A horse who is not fit or fully developed.

Bad Doer

A horse with a poor appetite.

Bandages

Worn by horses to support or protect their legs during a race or exercise.

Barren

When a mare has been covered by a stallion but has not managed to become pregnant.

Bat

Another term for a jockey's whip or stick in Australasia.

Bay

see Colour.

Bearing

When a horse deviates from a straight line, it is said to be either bearing in or bearing out.

Bell

In North America a bell sounds when the stalls open. At Ascot, Britain, a bell is rung when the horses in a race turn into the finishing straight.

Bit

Metal or rubber bar attached to the bridle which fits into a horse's mouth and is the main means the jockey has of exerting control, steering etc. There are several types of bit including a D Bit, whose rings are shaped like a letter D, and a snaffle bit, which is made of two loosely connecting pieces, providing greater flexibility.

Black

see Colour.

Black Type

Term used to show that horses have won or been placed in races of note, usually Group or Grade (Pattern) and Listed races. The term comes about because such races will always be written in a bolder, black type in the catalogue.

Blanket Finish

When horses finish very close together at the end of a race, so close that a blanket could encompass them.

Bleeder

Horse who bleeds internally during a race or in exercise. Usually horses bleed when some blood vessels around the lungs rupture or haemorrhage to a certain extent ('breaking a blood vessel'). When this happens, a horse will usually drop back in a race and a discharge of blood from the nose may be visible.

Blinkers

Device fitted to a horse's head that limits its field of vision, mainly from each side. Blinkers are used to help horses concentrate in races or to encourage them to run straighter.

Bloodstock Agent

Person who purchases horses for other people as a business, with a commission being charged.

Blood Typing

Analysis of a blood sample to verify parentage, though DNA typing, which is even more accurate, is taking over.

Blood Vessels

Network of arteries and veins.

Blowout

When a horse is given a final sharp (short) workout a few days before a race.

Bobble

When a horse takes a bad step or checks on leaving the stalls in a race.

Bolt

When a horse runs away with its jockey.

Boxed In

When a horse is unable to obtain a clear run during a race, due to other horses being in the way. The term blind switch means the same thing in North America.

Break (1)

Training of a young horse to get it used to wearing a saddle and bridle and carrying a rider. The term usually used is 'breaking in a horse'.

Break (2)

North American term for when horses leave the starting stalls.

Breakdown

When a horse goes lame during a race.

Breather

Giving a horse in a race a chance to conserve some energy by easing off briefly.

Breeder

The owner of a mare at the time she gives birth to a foal.

Breeders' Cup

One of the world's richest racedays, founded in 1984. Run in North America at a major racetrack annually in late October or early November.

Breeze

When a horse works at a moderate speed.

Bridle

Piece of tack that fits over a horse's head and to which the bit and reins are attached.

Broodmare

A mare at stud who is kept with the aim of producing a foal.

Brown

see Colour.

Bullet Work

American term for the fastest work over a particular distance on a day.

Bull Ring

A tight racetrack of less than a mile in circumference.

Bute (phenylbutazone)

Anti-inflammatory drug that can help horses stop feeling pain. Many racing authorities, such as those in Europe, do not allow its use and Bute has to be declared in most jurisdictions where it is legal.

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C

Cartier Awards

Europe's first annual awards ceremony, announced each November.

Caulk or Calk

A projection downwards from the back of a shoe to give the horse a better grip, particularly on dirt surfaces when they are wet.

Cast

A horse who is lying on its side or back in a box/stall but is unable to get up because of its proximity to a wall.

Checked

A horse pulled back momentarily by its jockey because there is suddenly no room in front.

Chesnut or Chestnut

see Colour.

Claimer (1)

Another term used for apprentice jockeys, as they are able to 'claim' weight off a horse in a race due to their inexperience.

Claimer (2)

A type of race where all the runners have a claiming price attached to them. This price is determined by the owner or trainer on entering their horse and the figure stated affects the weight carried (the more money, the higher the weight). Either before or after the race has been run (depending in which country), any of the horses can be 'claimed' for the published price or more.

Classic

A term used to describe the very top races, usually confined to three-year-olds, in a particular country. For example, the Derby in England and the Kentucky Derby in the US are both classics.

Classified Stakes

This is Flat Conditions Race, but horses entered in these races must have handicap ratings at or below a set figure, e.g. 0-95. The intention is to provide a non-handicap opportunity for horses with similar ratings, which in theory produces a competitive race.

Clerk Of The Scales

The official whose duty it is to make sure the jockeys carry the allocated weights on horses in races, weighing them before and afterwards.

Closer

North American term for a horse who does all his best work at the end of a race, i.e. coming from off the pace.

Colour or Color (1)

Thoroughbred racehorses can be described as:

Black

Coat, limbs, mane and tail are predominantly black.

Brown

A mixture of black and brown in the coat. Black limbs, mane and tail.

Bay/Brown

Coat is mainly brown with a bay muzzle. Black limbs, mane and tail.

Bay

Any shade of brown between bay/brown and ches(t)nut. A bay's limbs, mane and tail are always black however.

Chesnut or Chestnut

Various shades of yellow hair on the body, ranging from an intense red-yellow through to a subtler golden yellow. Mane, limbs and tail may be any shade of coat colour or flaxen.

Grey or Gray

A mixture of black and white hair all over.

Roan

A mixture of red and white, or brown and white. Limbs, mane and tail may be black, roan or ches(t)nut.

Colours or Colors (2)

The jacket and cap worn by jockeys in a race. Each owner has their own set of colours which are registered with the relevant turf authority. They are often referred to as 'silks' due to the fact they were originally made of silk. Nowadays, they tend to be made of light synthetic materials.

Colt

An ungelded male horse aged under five.

Company

Term used to describe what class of race a horse runs in, for example Group One company, handicap company, allowance company, claiming company.

Conditions Race

A contest in which the weight the horse carries is determined by factors such as age, sex and the races it has won previously. It is not a handicap.

Conformation

A horse's physical make-up or look.

Connections

People involved with a horse including the owner, trainer, jockey and stable staff.

Consignor

The person offering a horse for sale through an auction.

Contract Rider

A jockey who rides for a particular stable. Also referred to as a retained rider or stable jockey.

Countries

Horseracing is a worldwide sport. All of the following countries have some kind of organised sport, mostly run by a recognised Turf authority: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Channel Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Martinique, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad, Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom (Britain), Uruguay, United States of America, Venezuela, Yugoslavia and Zimbabwe.

Cover

When a stallion breeds with a mare.

Cribber

Also known as a wind sucker. A horse who bites objects with its teeth and draws air into its stomach.

Cushion

The surface or sub-surface of a racetrack in dirt/sand racing.

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D

Dam

Mother of a horse.

Dead-Heat

When the judge cannot split two or more horses at the finishing line. The winning prize-money is split between the winners.

Dead-Heats

can apply to any finishing position, i.e. second, third, fourth etc.

Declared (1)

In Europe, when a horse is going to run.

Declared (2)

In North America, when a horse is not going to run.

Dirt

Type of track where the surface is mainly made up of sand or dirt.

Disqualification

When the finishing order is changed by the stewards because of interference or other rule infraction.

Distaff

American term referring to female horses. Distaff races are confined to fillies and mares.

Distance (1)

How far a race is.

Distance (2)

If a horse is said to have been beaten a 'distance' (often referred to as 'distanced' in North America), historically that meant beaten at least 240 yards, but now it is used generally for over 30 lengths.

Distances

The gap between horses at the end of a race, measured in lengths or the following sub-divisions of lengths (in ascending order): nose, short head, head, neck, ½ length, ¾ length.

Dope (1)

In Australasia, a slang term for a horse's past form.

Dope (2)

Illegal drugs given to a horse.

Draw

The stalls position allocated randomly to each horse in a race.

Driving

When a horse has to be strongly ridden by its jockey to keep its position in a race.

Dubai World Cup

The world's richest race, worth US$6 million, which was founded in 1996, and is run at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, Dubai, over 10 furlongs on dirt in late March.

Dwelt

A slow start by a horse in a race.

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E

Eased

When a jockey stops riding out a horse in a race. This is usually as a precaution against injury or when a horse is out of contention. Easily - When a horse wins a race without having to exert itself fully.

Eclipse Awards

America's end-of-year awards established in 1971 and now encompassing 16 categories, announced each January.

Eligible

Qualified to run in a particular race.

Entire

General term for an uncastrated male horse, regardless of age though this usually means horses aged five and above.

Entries

Horses must be entered for a race before they can run. The process of entering horses can have several stages, although these vary from country to country. For some races, such as the Derby at Epsom, entry occurs months or even years in advance but for most races it is usually weeks or days ahead. Big races may then have one or more forfeit stages, where connections of a horse must state (and pay more money) to keep a horse entered. The final stage of entry, usually a day or two before the race, is generally known as the declaration stage. The jockey will usually have to be stated at the same time and stall positions are randomly assigned. Entries in North America are usually referred to as nominations.

EVA

Equine Viral Arteritis is a highly infection disease. Symptoms include lethargy, depression, swelling in the lower legs, conjunctivitis and swelling around the eye socket and upper eyelid. Abortion may occur in pregnant mares and the illness can result in death.

Exercise Rider

Rider who partners a horse during its training work-outs.

Extended

When a horse has to be asked by its rider to produce maximum effort, or run at full speed.

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F

Farrier

Specialist blacksmith who carries out work in connection with the preparation or treatment of the foot of a horse for the immediate reception of a shoe, the fitting by nailing or otherwise of a shoe to the foot, or the finishing off of such work to the foot.

Fetlock

Joint located between the cannon bone and the long pastern bone, also referred to as the ankle.

Field

The horses set to run in a race.

Filly

Female horse aged under five.

Form

A horse's past performances.

Foal

A horse aged up to a year (all horses have their birthdays on January 1st (Northern Hemisphere) whist in the Southern Hemisphere it is July 1st (South America) or August 1st (Australasia).

Foaled

When a mare has given birth and often referred to as 'dropping' a foal.

Founding Sires

All thoroughbred horses can trace their parentage back to three stallions imported into Europe from the Middle East in the late 17th and early 18th centuries - the Darley Arabian, the Byerl(e)y Turk and the Godolphin Arabian.

Fractional Times

The time for each furlong or quarter (2 furlongs) in a race.

Frog

A soft v-shaped pad on the sole of a horse’s hoof.

Front Runner

A horse who leads the others in a race.

Full Brother (Or Sister)

Two or more horses that share the same sire and dam.

Furlong

A unit of measurement still used to describe the distances of races in some countries, including Britain. Furlong comes from the term 'furrow long' originally a term used in agriculture. A furlong is 220 yards (approximately 201 metres). In North America, a furlong is usually referred to as an 'eighth', due to the fact that there are eight furlongs in a mile.

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G

Gait

The way in which a horse moves. In ascending order of speed, horses walk, trot, canter and gallop (European). See also Action.

Gallop (1)

Fast work (Europe) or canter (America).

Gallop (2)

A piece of land for horses to exercise on.

Gate

As in starting gate, an American expression for the stalls into which horses are loaded for the start of Flat races.

Gelding

A male horse of any age that has been castrated. Generally, geldings can run in all the top races in North America and Australasia. Geldings were once excluded from nearly all of the main Flat races in Europe but nowadays they can run in most although the Classics remain an exception. The majority of horses running in ordinary races around the world tend to be geldings, as they do not develop the temperament of a stallion.

Genuine

A horse that is honest and puts in every effort when racing. It also can be used to describe a horse as having all the correct attributes.

Girth

Strip (usually made of leather and elastic) put under a horse's belly to which the saddle is attached.

Graded Races

A system started in 1973 to grade the top races in North America according to the ability of the horses running in them. There are Grade One, Two and Three races and these are similar to the European Group race categories.

Granddam

Second dam or grandmother of a horse.

Green

Description of a horse who shows signs of inexperience or not knowing what to do in a race.

Grey or Gray

see Colour.

Group Races

The European way of categorising top races started in 1971 - similar to the North American Graded system. There are Group One, Two and Three races.

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H

Half-Brother (Or Sister)

When two or more horses share their dam but not their sire.

Halter

Piece of tack similar to a bridle, but lacking the usual bit. Usually worn by horses when they are not being ridden in and around stables.

Handicap

A type of race in which horses carry different weights according to their ability, with the best carrying more weight. The aim of a handicap is to give each horse an equal chance.

Handicapper (1)

An official who assesses how a horse should be rated, taking into account its past performances.

Handicapper (2)

A horse that runs in handicaps.

Handicapper (3)

Term in North America for someone who assesses and bets on races - a punter (Britain) or bettor.

Handily

When a horse is able to hold a position in a race without having to exert all its effort.

Hands

The unit of measurement for assessing the height of horses. One hand is equal to four inches (just over 10cm). Horses are measured from the ground up to the withers and racehorses usually measure between 15 and 17 hands.

Hand Ride

When the rider does not resort to the whip in a race.

Hanging

When a horse is tiring and does not run in a straight line.

Head Collar

Piece of tack attached to a horse's head.

Homebred

Horse bred by his or her owner.

Home Turn

The final bend leading into the straight which has the finishing line on it.

Hoof

The foot of a horse.

Horse

Any thoroughbred of any sex but more specifically an ungelded male aged five or older, often referred to as an entire.

Hotwalker

American term for the person who walks horses after a race or exercise to cool them down.

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I

Infield

Area of a North American racecourse within the inside rails.

In Foal

When a mare is pregnant.

Inquiry

Held by stewards to judge whether any rules have been broken by jockeys during races which may have affected the chances of other horses. Stewards can disqualify horses for infractions and punish jockeys.

In The Money

Generally speaking, when a horse finishes in the first three or four. This term refers to the fact that in most races prize-money is available only to horses that occupy these positions, though increasingly prize-money is awarded further down the field these days in valuable events, often to sixth place and sometimes beyond.

Irons

Abbreviation for stirrup irons, the pieces of tack into which jockeys place their feet.

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J

Jockey

Rider who partners a horse during a race, usually a professional.

Judge

Official at the racecourse who determines the finishing position of each horse in a race, the distances between them and usually the winning time.

Jumper

General term for a horse that runs over hurdles or in steeplechases.

Juvenile

Another term for a two-year-old horse.

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L

Lameness

Condition in which a horse does not carry weight equally on all four legs, due to disease or injury.

Laminitis

Inflammation of the foot, specifically of the base membrane of the laminae of the hoof capsule.

Lasix

Trade name for the furosemide drug that helps prevent horses bleeding. Its use in racehorses is permitted in North America but not generally in the rest of the world.

Lead

Lead weights carried each side of the saddle to make up any difference between the rider and his equipment's weight and that allocated to his mount in a race.

Leg Up

When a jockey is given assistance to mount a horse.

Listed Race

A stakes race below Group status.

Lunge

Exercising a horse in a confined area, usually with a long rein attached.

Length

The distance between a horse's nose and tail (around eight feet). Used for determining the distance between horses at the end of a race.

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M

Maiden

A horse which has never won a race. There are races specifically for maidens.

Mare

A female horse aged five or older.

Marker

A pole which marks distance at racecourses. The 2-furlong marker is a quarter of a mile from the finish.

Martingale

Item of tack designed to restrain a horse. Usually consists of a neck strap fastened to the girth, which then passes through the forelegs and is attached to the reins.

Middle Distance

A race that is run between 10 and 12 furlongs in Europe and between a mile and 9 furlongs in North America.

Morning Glory

North American term for horses that show lots of promise during their morning workout but fail to produce it on the racetrack.

Muzzle (1)

The nose and lips of a horse.

Muzzle (2)

A device placed over the nose and lips to stop a horse biting another horse or eating.

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N

Name

Every horse that runs must have a name registered with the Turf Authority in the country where it is based. No two horses can have the same name. In North America and Europe, names of thoroughbreds can be up to 18 characters long, including spaces and punctuation.

Nearside

Left-hand side of a horse, from where riders are usually mounted.

Northern Hemisphere

All horses born in the Northern Hemisphere become a year old on January 1st. See also Age.

Noseband

Strap that goes over a horse's nose in order to secure the bridle. A drop (sometimes referred to as a figure of eight) noseband goes over the nose and under the rings on the bit and helps to prevent the tongue from sliding over the bit.

Number Cloth

Cloth under the saddle with the number of the horse printed on it and often the name of the horse or race sponsor. Sometimes knows as the saddle cloth.

Nursery

A British term for two-year-old handicap races.

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O

Objection

After a race, the rider of a beaten horse can claim a foul by the winner or another horse. This objection is then heard by the stewards. An objection can also come from racing officials, such as the clerk of scales if a rider fails to weigh in or has carried the wrong weight.

Official (1)

A race is declared official in North America once the stewards are satisfied that nothing amiss occurred. In Britain the term is weighed in.

Official (2)

A racing official.

Offside

Right-hand side of a horse.

On The Bit/Off The Bit

On the bit means when a horse is travelling well (i.e. the bit is still tight in its mouth), whereas if a horse if off the bit it is having to be ridden to maintain its position. Can be referred to, particularly in Britain, as on or off the bridle.

Ossify

To convert to bone, usually from cartilage and occasionally from muscle.

Over-reach

When a horse's back leg(s) strike into its front leg(s).

Overweight

When a jockey is too heavy to ride at the horse's allotted weight he/she puts up overweight. In some countries, there is a limit on the amount of overweight allowed on a horse in a race.

Owner

A person owning part or all of a horse. An owner may be a single person, a group of people (often referred to as a syndicate) or a company.

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P

Pacemaker

A horse that runs in a race to ensure there is a good pace. Referred to as a rabbit or pacesetter in North America and Australasia.

Paddock (1)

The area of a racecourse where horses are paraded before each race

saddling often takes place there. Can be called the parade ring.

Paddock (2)

A grass field where horses are kept.

Passport

A horse's passport gives its details including markings and is used to confirm identity in some racing jurisdictions.

Pastern

The sloping bone in the lower leg which connects the hoof to the fetlock.

Pattern Races

High-class, non-handicap races. Pattern races are sub-divided into Group One, Group Two and Group Three races, with Group One being the best. In North America, Pattern races are run as Grade One, Two or Three.

Pedigree

Details of parentage and ancestry recorded in a stud book.

Penalty

Extra weight carried by a horse in a race if it has won since the original weights were determined, particularly in a handicap, or sometimes if it has won a particular type of race (e.g. a Pattern event).

Photo Finish

When two or more horses finish close together at the end of a race and the judge needs to consult a photo at the finishing line, which is automatically taken, to determine the placings.

Pinhook

To buy a horse, usually at auction and usually a foal/weanling, with the intention of selling it later on.

Place

A horse is generally said to be placed if it finishes first, second or third and sometimes fourth in a race. In America, place refers to the first two, with show denoting the first three.

Plate (1)

A traditional prize for winning a race additional to the money.

Plate (2)

Lightweight shoes used by horses in a race.

Plater

A horse who runs in selling or claiming races.

Pole

A marker pole to denote distance. The furlong pole is 220 yards from the finish.

Post (1)

The post which horses pass at the end of the race. Usually referred to as the winning post.

Post (2)

Another term for the start of a race. In North America 'Post Time' means the time when a race is scheduled to start.

Post Position

North American description for where a horse is drawn and placed in the stalls or gate.

Prep Race

A race intended as a preparation for a usually more important event in the future.

Prize-Money

Money which horses race for. Each race has a certain level of prize-money which comes from different sources including the money paid by connections to enter their horse (known as stakes) and often from commercial sponsorship, as well as from the racecourse. See Added.

Propping

Propping is when a horse suddenly stops forward motion and plants either momentarily or long term its front or hind legs in an effort to stop what it has been doing. A horse can ‘prop’ for only a millisecond whilst looking at something new that catches their eye or they can downright stop and refuse to move on again in an act of defiance or independence.

Public Trainer

A trainer who looks after horses from several owners, rather than just one owner (a private trainer) or themselves.

Pull Up

To bring to a halt a horse during or after a race or training session.

Punter

General term for someone who gambles in Britain. Terms used elsewhere include bettor and handicapper.

Purse

Another term for the prize-money of a race - can be the part not put up by owners to enter their horses.

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Q

Quarantine

A process whereby horses going to other countries have to spend a certain period in isolation, either before or after arrival or both, to ensure that they are free from disease. Horses can leave quarantine only when the veterinary authority states that the horse offers no risk. Quarantine also refers to the general process whereby sick horses are isolated from others in order to prevent the spread of infection.

Quarter

A quarter of a mile is the same as 2 furlongs, 440 yards and 1,320 feet.

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R

Rails

Barriers which determine the lay-out of a racetrack.

Rank

A horse that refuses to settle. Hard pulling is another term for this.

Reserve (1)

The minimum price an owner is willing to sell his horse for at public auction.

Reserve (2)

A horse selected as a standby runner in a race, in case an entry drops out.

Ridden Out

When a horse is asked for the effort to win a race.

Rig

A horse that has only one, or neither, of its testicles descended. Rigs usually have to be gelded although there have been some notable exceptions, such as the champion European miler Selkirk, now a successful stallion.

Ringer

An imposter in a race, a better horse illegally substituted for another and pretending to be that horse.

Ringworm

Contagious fungal disease. Results in small circular patches where the hair falls out.

Roan

see Colour.

Romp

When a horse wins very easily; romping home.

Runner

A horse taking part in a race.

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S

Saddle Cloth (1)

see above.

Saddle Cloth (2)

Same as Number Cloth. Cloth under the saddle with the number of the horse and, sometimes, the name of the horse or race sponsor printed on it.

Schooled

A horse being taught to do something. In North America, horses are said to be stalls or paddock schooled. In Britain, the term usually refers to jump horses being given practice over hurdles or fences.

Scratch

When a horse is taken out of a race it had been entered for.

Second Dam

A horse's maternal grandmother. The third dam is the great-grandmother, fourth dam the great-great-grandmother etc.

Selling Race

Usually a low quality race where the winner is offered for sale by auction after the race. Horses who run in sellers are also available to be claimed.

Sesamoids

Two small bones located above and at the back of the fetlock joint.

Sex Allowance

In many races fillies and mares are able to carry less weight than their male counterparts, the allowance usually being 3lbs, 5lbs or 7lbs.

Shank

Rein attached to the bridle, used to lead a horse.

Shoe

The fitting of shoes to a horse, usually by a farrier.

Short Runner

Horse who does not stay the distance of a race.

Show

Finishing first, second or third in North America.

Sire

The father of a horse.

Silks

see Colours.

Sloppy

Used to describe a dirt track when it is wet.

Socks

White markings on a horse which go from the top of the hoof to the ankles.

Sound

A horse who is fit to race.

Southern Hemisphere

All horses born in the Southern Hemisphere become a year older on July 1st (if born in South America) or on August 1st (if born in Australasia). See also Age.

Spotters

Employees of sales auctions who bring bids to the notice of auctioneers.

Sprinter

A horse that races between 5 and 7 furlongs.

Stakes Race

Important races with a certain standing. See Pattern, Group, Grade and Listed.

Stallion

A male horse who is used for breeding.

Stalls

see Starting Stalls.

Starter (1)

Racecourse official who co-ordinates the start of a race. His primary aim is to ensure that the start is level and fair.

Starter (2)

A horse who takes part in the race. A horse who enters the starting stalls and is in them when the stalls open is deemed a starter, even if the horse remains in the stalls.

Starting Stalls

Mobile mechanism of compartments for horses. Runners enter the stalls at the start of a race and, when all have been loaded, the starter operates a lever or button which opens all the front doors of the stalls simultaneously. Before stalls, horses lined up at the start behind a tape or barrier. The introduction of stalls, first used in North America, enabled all horses to have an equal chance at the start. Also referred to as the starting gate in North America.

Stayer

A horse that usually runs in races longer than 12 furlongs.

Steadied

When a rider controls a horse to prevent it from going faster.

Stewards

Officials at racecourses who are in overall charge of the conduct of the race meeting as far as the rules go.

Stick

Another word for a jockey's whip.

Stifle

The equivalent of the human knee - the joint between the femur and tibia with a kneecap attached to the front.

Stirrups

Also known as irons, they are the pieces of tack where jockeys place their feet. Usually metal shaped rings in the form of a D.

Strangles

Highly infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract.

Stretch

As in home stretch, the final straight of a race.

Stud (1)

Organisation that breeds horses. The term stud also refers to the actual physical buildings of the stud itself, such as stables and barns.

Stud (2)

Another term for a stallion in North America.

Stud Book

Record kept by a turf authority detailing the pedigrees and ancestry of thoroughbred horses - stallions, broodmares and their progeny.

Surcingle

Strap placed over the saddle and girth to prevent them from moving.

Suspension

Punishment for breaking the rules imposed by stewards on mainly jockeys but also applicable to trainers, owners and horses. Suspensions can be as short as one day, or years in very serious cases.

Suspensory

Ligaments attached to the sesamoids.

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T

Tack

Shortened from tackle, the general term for equipment fitted to a horse before it can be ridden such as saddle, reins, bridle and stirrups.

Tattoo

Horse identification mark used in various countries including the USA.

Teaser

Horse used to test whether a mare is ready to be covered by a stallion. The teaser approaches the mare behind a shield known as a teasing board.

Tendons

Tough fibrous cords that connect muscle to bone or other tissue in legs.

Thoroughbred

Breed of horse, originating in Britain, used as racehorses. All thoroughbred horses can trace their parentage back to three stallions imported into Europe from the Middle East in the late 17th and early 18th centuries - the Darley Arabian, the Byerl(e)y Turk and the Godolphin Arabian. Thoroughbreds are registered in recognised stud books around the world.

Tongue Tie

Strip of fabric tied round a horse's tongue to stop choking during a race. Also known as a tongue strap.

Top Weight

The horse with the highest weight in a race, particularly in handicaps.

Track Record

Fastest time recorded for each race distance at a racecourse.

Triple Crown

In Britain this involves the 2,000 Guineas, Derby and St Leger and in the USA the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes. A horse lands the Triple Crown if winning all three races. There are also variations for fillies, and Triple Crowns in other countries.

Trainer

Person with responsibility for preparing horses for racing.

Trial

A race or organised work designed for horses going on to participate in a big race.

Trot

Modest speed gait in which a horse moves from one diagonal pair of legs to the other. One foreleg and the opposite hind leg are on the ground as the other foreleg and opposite hind leg are moving forward. This is faster than a walk but slower than a canter or gallop.

Turf

Type of track surface, made up of grass.

Two-Year-Old

A horse becomes two on January 1 (in the Northern Hemisphere) of the second year following the date of its birth.

Tying Up

A condition which involves the muscles accumulating lactic acid, causing them to lose their elasticity and leading to cramp.

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U

Ultrasound

Using ultrasonic waves to give images of internal structures.

Under Wraps

When a horse is kept under restraint during exercise or in a race.

Ungenuine

A horse that does not put in every effort when racing and can be unpredictable in its performances.

Unfurnished

A horse that has not filled its frame and has yet to finish growing.

Unsound

Describes any condition or conformation fault that stops a horse being able to race.

Untried (1)

A horse who has not been in full training or tested for speed.

Untried (2)

A stallion that has not bred yet.

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V

Valet

Person who looks after jockeys' tack, riding equipment and silks, and generally helps prepare for rides.

Vet

Short for veterinarian, a person qualified to treat horses.

Visor

Device which limits a horse's vision to aid concentration. A visor is used to have the same effect as blinkers.

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W

Walk Over

When only one horse runs in a race. The jockey must go through the procedure of weighing in and weighing out and then has to canter past the stands on the horse.

Weanling

A foal who has been weaned off its mother but is not yet a yearling.

Weight

The load carried by a horse during a race. Weight consists primarily of the jockey and his tack. If this does not provide enough to equal the weight allocated to the horse, pieces of lead are added to the sides of the saddle.

Weighing Room

Building where jockeys change and prepare for a race. Jockeys are weighed both before and after a race. The clerk of the scales is the official in charge of the weighing room.

Weight For Age

Fixed scale of weights carried by horses in races depending on age, sex, distance of race and time of year.

Whip

Used by jockeys to help keep horses under control and to encourage them to go faster. Can be called stick or bat.

Winner's Enclosure

The area where the winner and often the placed horses come to have their saddles removed after a race. Also known as the unsaddling enclosure.

Winning Post

Indicates where the winning line is.

Wire

North American term for the finishing line.

Withers

The part of the horse where the neck ends.

Work

General term for horses exercising.

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Y

Yearling

A horse aged between one and two years. Northern Hemisphere horses celebrate their first birthday on the first January 1 after birth.

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