bucking: When a horse lowers its head and kicks out or up with both hind legs. This movement is harmless horseplay when performed at liberty in the pasture but can unseat a rider when performed under saddle. paddock: A fenced enclosure for horses. In the US the term “paddock” is usually used for a relatively small enclosure (as opposed to pasture for a larger one), while in some other parts of the world “paddock” can refer to an enclosure of any size. circles and figure eights: Riders often practice different figures to work on steering, bending, and other elements of proper riding. Circles and figure eights are two popular exercises. cow pony: A term for a cowboy’s horse, especially one used for herding cattle. equitation classes: In English hunter jumper shows (and some other disciplines), an equitation class is judged solely on the rider’s performance and abilities, as opposed to most other classes, in which the horse or overall performance is judged. jockey: The person who rides a horse in a race.
