Equestrian Glossary — 50 Essential Terms Explained

Updated: May 2026 · Rincón del Valle technical team

Do terms like "pommel", "curb chain", or "piaffe" sound familiar? Here are the 50 most important terms in the equestrian world explained clearly.

Horse Anatomy

**Withers**: the high part of the shoulders (between neck and back). **Back**: the central part of the spine. **Loin**: the rear part of the back. **Croup**: the rounded rear part over the hindquarters. **Pastern**: the part of the leg between the fetlock and the hoof. **Cannon**: the part of the leg above the fetlock. **Elbow**: the forearm joint. **Hock**: the joint of the hind leg.

Gaits/Movements

**Walk**: 4-beat, slow marching movement. **Trot**: 2-beat diagonal, medium rhythm. **Canter**: fast 3-beat. **Piaffe**: trotting in place, high school. **Passage**: high and suspended trot. **Flying lead change**: changing the lead at a canter without returning to the trot.

Horse Equipment

**Bridle**: structure with bit and reins. **Bit**: metal piece in the mouth. **Curb chain**: chain/strap under the jaw on leverage bits. **Browband**: part that crosses the forehead. **Noseband**: strap over the nose. **Throat latch**: passes under the throat. **Girth**: surrounds the body under the belly, secures the saddle. **Pommel**: front or rear raised part of the saddle.

Rider Equipment

**Chaps**: covers the leg from ankle to knee. **Half chaps**: same but shorter. **Seat patch**: rear area of the breeches with grip. **Spurs**: metal piece on the heel. **Crop**: rod for reinforcing aids. **Helmet**: mandatory protection.

Exercises and Disciplines

**Dressage**: classical equestrian art. **Show jumping**: overcoming obstacles. **Eventing**: dressage+cross country+jumping. **Vaquera**: Spanish discipline. **Endurance**: stamina. **TREC**: orientation+gaits+obstacles. **Polo**: team sport.

Advanced Concepts

**Aids**: rider indications (legs, reins, weight). **Collection**: horse's concentrated attitude. **Contact**: correct tension of the reins. **Impulsion**: horse's propulsive force. **Straight**: horse aligned. **Bend**: slight turn to one side.

Related products at Rincón del Valle

• Equestrian guides
• Beginners

Want to know more?

If you have specific questions about this discipline or the equipment you need, write to us at info@rincondv.com or WhatsApp 620 17 64 18. Our team will guide you without obligation.

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