If you spend enough time with horsey people, you realise they seem to talk a different language. We’ve received a few questions about the meaning of horse-related words so thought we’d answer them here. If you have heard any horse-related words that you don’t understand, just send them through to lizzie@hqmagazine.co.za and we’ll put them in Part 2 of our series on pony vocab.
AIDS: Natural aids are the way in which we use our legs, seat and hands to communicate with our pony. Artificial aids, like a whip or spurs, may be used to reinforce your natural aids.
CORRECT LEAD: This is when in canter, the inside front leg steps further forward. The inside front leg must always lead, unless of course you are riding in counter canter.
DAM AND SIRE: These are the words used for your pony’s mother and father. A pony is OUT OF his dam (mom) and BY his sire (dad).
GREEN: A green pony is a pony who hasn’t had much schooling or experience.
NEAR SIDE: The left hand side of your horse. This is traditionally where most handling, mounting and leading are done.
