Glossary: Horse Racing Terminology H-K
H
half-brother, half-sister
Horses out of the same dam but by different sires. Horses with the same sire and different dams are not considered half-siblings in Thoroughbred racing.
halter
Like a bridle, but lacking a bit. Used in handling horses around the stable and when they are not being ridden.
(to) halter
Slang for claiming a horse.
hand
Four inches. A horse's height is measured in hands and inches from the top of the shoulder (withers) to the ground, e.g., 15.2 hands is 15 hands, 2 inches. Thoroughbreds typically range from 15 to 17 hands.
handicap
1) Race for which the track handicapper assigns the weights to be carried. 2) To make selections on the basis of past performances.
handily
1) Working in the morning with maximum effort. Compare with, 2) A horse racing well within itself, with little exertion from the jockey.
handle
Amount of money wagered in the parimutuels on a race, a program, during a meeting or for a year.
hand ride
Urging a horse with the hands and not using the whip.
hard (track)
A condition of a turf course where there is no resiliency to the surface.
hard boot
Denotes a well-traveled breeder whose boots are caked with mud and therefore hard-by extension, a breeder or trainer whose methods are characterized as old-fashioned. Generally used in the phrase Kentucky hard-boot.
harrow
Implement or unit with pulling teeth or tines used to rake and loosen the upper surface of a track.
head
A margin between horses. One horse leading another by the length of its head.
head of the stretch
Beginning of the straight run to the finish line.
heat
1) A race in which more then one running is required to decide the winner. More common in harness racing. 2) A breeding term. See estrus.
heaves
Emphysema. See chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
heavy (track)
Wettest possible condition of a turf course; not usually found in North America.
heel crack
A crack on the heel of the hoof. Also called a "sand crack."
helmet
A lightweight fiberglass cap worn by riders to prevent head injuries. It is required equipment that is not considered part of a jockey's riding weight.
hematoma
A blood-filled area resulting from injury.
high weight
Highest weight assigned or carried in a race.
hip
Joint located in the hindquarters, which is formed by the pelvis and the femur.
hock
A large joint just above the shin bone in the rear legs. Corresponds to the level of the knee of the front leg.
homebred
A horse bred by its owner.
hood
A (usually) nylon covering which goes over a horse's head to which blinkers or earmuffs are attached.
hoof
The foot of the horse. Consists of several parts that play an integral role in supporting the weight of the horse. See "Hoof" subsection of "Musculoskeletal System" in veterinary supplement for a more detailed explanation. For hoof injuries, see cracked hoof; heel crack; quarter crack; toe crack.
hopped
A horse that has been illegally stimulated.
horse
When reference is made to sex, a "horse" is an ungelded male five-years-old or older.
horsing
Behavior of a mare in heat (in season). See estrus.
hot walker
Person who walks horses to cool them out after workout or races.
hung
A horse that does not advance its position in a race when called upon by its jockey.
hyaluronic acid
A normal component of joint fluid. Also can be a man-made intra-articular medication used to relieve joint inflammation.
I
icing
1) A physical therapy procedure, properly known as "cryotherapy." 2) When a horse is stood in a tub of ice or ice packs are applied to the legs to reduce inflammation and/or swelling.
IM
Abbreviation for intra-muscular; an injection given in a muscle.
impaction
A type of colic caused by a blockage of the intestines by ingested materials (constipation).
impost
Weight carried or assigned.
in foal
Pregnant mare.
inferior check ligament
A direct continuation of the posterior (back) ligaments of the knee (carpus), located below the knee. Function is in support of the deep flexor tendon.
infield
Area encompassed by the inner rail of the racetrack.
in hand
Running under moderate control, at less than top speed.
inquiry
Reviewing the race to check into a possible infraction of the rules. Also, a sign flashed by officials on the tote board on such occasions. If lodged by a jockey, it is called an objection.
insensitive laminae
The layer just under the wall of the hoof; similar to the human fingernail. It is an integral structure that helps to attach the hoof wall to the underlying coffin bone.
in the bridle
See on the bit.
in the money
A horse that finishes first, second or third.
intra-articular
Within a joint.
Irish rail
Movable rail.
irons
See stirrups.
ischemia
Deficiency of blood supply, which may be temporary or permanent. Caused by the shutting down of the blood vessels.
isolation barn
A facility used to separate sick horses from healthy ones.
ITW
Intertrack wagering.
IV
Abbreviation for intravenous; an injection given in the vein.
Jack spavin
See bone spavin.
J
jail
Refers to the requirement that a horse which has been claimed that next runs in a claiming race must run for a claiming price 25 percent higher for the next 30 days. Commonly used in the phrase The horse is in (out of) jail.
The Jockey Club
An organization dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing. Incorporated Feb. 10, 1894 in New York City, The Jockey Club serves as North America's Thoroughbred registry, responsible for the maintenance of "The American Stud Book," a register of all Thoroughbreds foaled in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada; and of all Thoroughbreds imported into those countries from jurisdictions that have a registry recognized by The Jockey Club and the International Stud Book Committee.
jockey fee
Sum paid to rider for competing in a race.
jockey's race
A race whose outcome will hinge mostly on strategic thinking by the riders; i.e., one in which riders must pay close attention to pace to keep their horses fresh for a strong finish.
jog
Slow, easy gait.
joint
1) See musculoskeletal system. For injuries, see "Joint Injuries" subsection of "Musculoskeletel System" in veterinary supplement for a more detailed explanation. 2) See battery.
joint capsule
The structure that comprises the boundary to the joint space.
jumper
Steeplechase or hurdle horse.
juvenile
Two-year-old horse.
K
key horse
A single horse used in multiple combinations in an exotic wager.
Note: Information Provided by Thoroughbred Racing Communications, Inc.