Do You Really Know Horse Terms?

A brood mare is a term used to describe a mare that is specifically used for breeding purposes. This means that her main role is to produce offspring and contribute to the continuation of a particular breed or bloodline. Brood mares are carefully selected based on their genetic qualities, conformation, and reproductive history. They are not used for riding, showing, or cart pulling, as their primary focus is on reproduction rather than other activities.

The horse carries its head high to avoid the pressure of the bit, which reduces the rider's control. This means that the horse is intentionally lifting its head to alleviate the discomfort or pain caused by the bit in its mouth. By doing so, the horse is able to lessen the pressure on its mouth and make it more difficult for the rider to have full control over its movements.

The correct answer is "Mother of a horse" because a dam is a female parent of a horse. In horse breeding, the term "dam" refers to the mother of a horse, while the term "sire" refers to the father. Therefore, the correct answer is the option that correctly identifies the dam as the mother of a horse.

Daisy-cutting refers to a low walking or trotting action in horses. When a horse exhibits this behavior, it means that it is keeping its head low to the ground while walking or trotting, as if it were cutting the daisies with its hooves. This term is often used to describe a horse's movement style and can be seen as a desirable trait in certain disciplines, such as dressage or showing.

When a rider asks for a specific gait such as trot or canter, they use aids to communicate their intentions to the horse. These aids can be verbal, such as a command or cue, or physical, such as a leg or rein aid. The rider's aids serve as a means of communication and guidance, helping the horse understand what is being asked of them and respond accordingly.