EQUINE SCIENCE

You want to expand your knowledge about professions, terms, horse breeds and riding disciplines? Then you are exactly right here!
A lot of interesting facts and many interesting things about horses you will learn in this section. Read in and inform yourself!

The field of riding and horses offers many interesting professions that may not come to mind at first glance. It is worth taking a closer look and getting to know the various occupational fields better.
In addition, there is a certain basic vocabulary that every horse lover should know and that includes the most important terms related to horses.

If you would like to delve deeper into the subject, then you will find interesting facts about the various horse breeds that are native to the Western Palatinate.
Furthermore, we explain the differences between the individual equestrian disciplines that you can marvel at here in the region and also practice yourself.

Vocations around the horse

In the equestrian field there are many interesting and varied professions. Some, also historically afflicted, we present to you here.

farrier

They fit already prefabricated horseshoes including nails to the horse's hooves individually. In addition, special attention is also paid to the care of the hooves. In addition to removing and attaching the horseshoes, knowledge regarding orthopedics, positional errors and hoof diseases is also necessary to ensure all-round care for the horse and owner.

Jockey

A jockey is a professional horse racing rider. The prerequisite for this title is a completed training as an equine specialist with a focus on race riding as well as victories in at least 50 class A races. In addition, a jockey may not exceed a weight of 55kg. The profession of jockey originates from England and has been known since about 1600.

Riding attendant

The term riding attendant, which was common in the past, is now somewhat outdated. However, this does not apply to the profession of riding warden. Today, it is understood to mean the professional group of amateur trainers, i.e. all trainers with a C, B or A trainer license. Analogous to the riding attendant, there was also a driving attendantas well as vaulting attendant.

Equine physiotherapist

As in human medicine, physiotherapists are also responsible in equine medicine for treating problems of the horse's entire musculoskeletal system. The focus is particularly on the joints and muscles, as well as problems caused by excessive strain on the horse.

Gaucho

The first gauchos existed more than 300 years ago. This was the name given to the horsemen from South America who were responsible for rounding up and catching wild cattle. In doing so, they often led a secluded nomadic life.

Postillon

A postillon used to be the driver of stagecoaches and was always employed by a postmaster. He was responsible for both letter and passenger transportation. Postillons were equipped with uniform and trumpet, which always gave them attention on the road as well as priority on the roads over other road users.

Terms related to the horse

Both in the professional field of equestrian sports and in hobby riding, there are all sorts of technical terms that the layman often does not know. From this wealth of information, we have selected the most common for you.
You can find many more interesting terms at GEOlino.

Gaits

Graits are different speeds at which the horse can run. The basic gaits that every horse is capable of include walk (slow), trot (medium) and canter (fast). In some breeds, there are other gaits such as pass and tölt.

Pony

A pony is any horse that is no taller than 148 cm.

Gelding

Gelding is the technical term for a castrated stallion. This operation is usually performed at foaling age.

Exterior

Exterior refers to the external appearance of the horse. This refers to the head, neck, torso, legs, coat and tail and mane.

Interior

Interior is the opposite of exterior and refers to the horse’s nature, its character. It also includes factors such as temperament and obedience.

Gingers

Gingers serve to protect the horse’s legs.

Saddle pad

A saddle pad is a saddle blanket that is usually larger than the saddle. It is placed under the saddle and prevents the horses from rubbing themselves sore on the saddle.

Snaffle

The snaffle is probably the best known bridle for horses. It consists of a head piece, to which the bit is attached, and the reins.

Withers

Withers are called the raised transition from the neck to the horse’s back.

Stock measurement

The stock measurement is used to determine the height of a horse at the withers. For this purpose, a measuring rod is placed next to the animal and a crossbar is pushed to the height of the withers.

Horse breeds in the West Palatinate

In the West Palatinate are mainly the horse breeds presented below. Many breeders in the region have specialized in these animals.
For information on other horse breeds, see eHorses magazine.

Haflingers

Haflingers are sociable in nature, versatile and are therefore also among the most popular ponies par excellence. They originated in South Tyrol and have developed from a robust draft and pack horse into a modern, rideable family and leisure pony. Whether in dressage, jumping, driving or trail riding, Haflingers prove to be versatile, reliable and sure-footed companions. Due to their willingness to learn, they are suitable as family and leisure horses, but they are also used as therapy horses. They show themselves people-oriented, friendly and uncomplicated in the attitude, accompanied by a remarkable frugality.
Even without being a horse expert, the breed is usually recognized directly, by the typical chestnut color paired with the light long hair. The Haflinger reaches a height of 138 cm to 148 cm and is a medium sized, noble pony with strong shapes and a harmonious build. This gives them a robust yet elegant appearance. The head has large nostrils, mobile ears and lively expressive eyes.

Icelanders

Icelandic horses (or Icelandic ponies or Icelanders) originate, as the name suggests, from Iceland. They are bred exclusively without crossbreeding with foreign breeds and are only recognized as such if all ancestors on both the maternal and paternal sides go back to horses born in Iceland.
They reach a height of up to 150 cm and are available in all coat colors with different color variations and markings. Icelandic horses are gaited horses, which means that they are genetically predisposed to master not only the basic gaits, but also the fourth gait, the tölt. In addition, they are the only horse breed in Europe to master the racing gait. Another special feature of the horses is their late maturity, because they are not fully grown until they are seven years old. Therefore, they are not broken in at the age of three, as is typical, but at the age of four or five.

The breed is very hardy and multi-talented, which makes them a great partner for riding. They have an easy-going and friendly disposition and are characterized by frugality and a good willingness to walk. They are hardy and have a life expectancy of 30 - 35 years and are considered a healthy breed of horse with little susceptibility to disease.
Due to their strong character they are very popular and are therefore a reliable companion not only for children but also for adults. Especially since they can handle weights of up to 90 kg despite their small size. In addition to recreational use, there are special tournaments for Icelandic horses, where the gaited horses can demonstrate their willingness to perform.

Zweibrücker

The Zweibrücker is a large-lined warmblood of the German Riding Horse type. The breed has been bred for more than 250 years, primarily in Rhineland-Palatinate, with the Zweibrücken State Stud playing a key role in breeding. Founded in 1755, it laid the foundation for the breed, which was originally bred as powerful cavalry and work horses and is influenced by the English Thoroughbred and the Arabian. Today, they are versatile sport and riding horses that enjoy great popularity in the discipline. Also due to their large-framed conformation and their affable nature.
Zweibrücker horses should appear as sporty, large-lined riding horses and have a stock size of 1.60 to 1.80 meters. They come in all coat colors and shades, with the exception of cremellos. Characteristic of the correctly built warmblood is a pronounced sex type with varying caliber. Also desirable is a dry, expressive head with sufficient throatiness, as well as large, alert eyes and a clearly defined muzzle. The neck should be well muscled and taper towards the nape. Withers reach far into the back and the shoulder is long and sloping. The Zweibrücker should also have a slightly curved generous topline and show a well muscled loin and muscular, slightly sloping croup. The breeding objective of the foundation is correct limb position, hard correct hooves, and strong pronounced and prominent joints.
The Zweibrücker is a friendly horse, known for its willingness to work and its strong nerves, and proves to be a reliable partner. It is versatile due to its willingness to perform and is thus represented in the disciplines jumping, dressage and eventing but also in driving. The behavior of the horses always reveals a good character, high intelligence and a balanced temperament.

Fjord horse

Fjord horses originate from the western part of Norway and their development dates back to the Viking Age. The pony breed is often referred to as the Norwegian. The robust and powerfully built mountain horse was often used over the centuries as a work and draft horse for agricultural purposes. Pure breeding in 1907 consolidated the breed, but the population declined as the need for workhorses decreased. In Germany, the Fjord horses have been represented since the middle of the 20th century and today, due to their high willingness to perform, their sociable nature and their reliable temperament, they prove to be ideal leisure ponies, which convince with a high riding and driving suitability. They are equally convincing in off-road situations due to their energetic and courageous approach. They are versatile and at the same time robust in attitude, which makes them uncomplicated and reliable partners. Fjord horses convince with their calm and relaxed nature, which expresses strength as well as balance, their facial expressions always appear interested and attentive.
They have a charming, amiable appearance and show themselves breed-typically exclusively with wild-colored fur coloring, which reaches from brown to bright colors. Also characteristic is the two-tone mane with a dark longitudinal stripe, which is typically trimmed to a short standing mane. This leads over the less pronounced eel line along the back into the tail, which is again distinctly bicolored. The front and hind legs have distinctive zebra stripes.
They also have expressive wide-set ears as well as large eyes that radiate calm and balance with their good-natured gaze. Fjord horses typically have a broad chest and a well-muscled back. With a height at withers of 135 to 150 cm, they have a typical pony stock.

Riding Disciplines

In equestrian sports there are various disciplines in which tournaments are also held. We present here the most common sports, which are also practiced in the West Palatinate many times.
You can find more equestrian disciplines in the eHorses Magazin.

Dressage

Dressage is part of the basic training of riding and is used to teach the horse a certain level of obedience to its rider. It also promotes the horse's health. In addition, dressage can be further professionalized and eventually lead to competitive riding, which has been an Olympic sport since 1912 and is the most successful equestrian sport in Germany. Here, various tasks are evaluated in the dressage arena according to their execution.

Show jumping

In show jumping, horse and rider have to overcome various obstacles on a course, which is scored according to time and faults. The obstacles can be up to 1.60 m high and require the duo to jump both steep and long jumps. Today considered the supreme discipline of equestrian sport, show jumping has its origins as early as the 19th century and also became an Olympic event in 1912.

Horse racing

The aim of horse racing is to cover a certain distance on a racetrack in the fastest possible time. Among other things, both trotting and gallop races are organized, which have been held since ancient times. Today, horse racing is considered an entertainment magnet as well as a popular leisure activity and is often the subject of many sports bets.