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Word rarity: = commonly used = occasionally used = obsolete


Words with two dots are between categories.
Total words in this section: 26

MAGYAR

The Magyar horse tribes of the Asian steppes were cavalry experts. The modern CSIKOS (Hungarian cowboys) are their descendants.

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MAIDEN

Horse racing - A horse (any sex) that has not won a race on a recognized track. In showing, refers to a horse that has not won a first place ribbon in a recognized show.

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MAIDEN MARE

A mare that has never been bred.

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MALE HORSE

A male horse that has not been castrated is called a "stallion". A male horse that has been castrated is a "gelding". Both may be called "colts" if they are under the age of 4.

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MANE

The long hair that grows from the top of the horse's neck.

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MANE COMB

A grooming tool made of metal and/or plastic that usually resembles a human hair comb, but larger. Used for combing the horse's mane. Also used for pulling the mane (practice of pulling longer hairs so mane stays flat and even).

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MANURE

Horse droppings. It makes good fertilizer and is often used in gardens.

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MANGE

A contagious disease caused by mites.

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MARE

An adult female horse. Usually used for horses 4 years of age and up (younger female horses are called 'fillies').

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MARKER

Often a piece of twine, or other object used to mark the place where a pattern will be set. For example, rodeo arenas often have markers made of rope or twine that mark out the area to set the barrel racing pattern up.

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MARTINGALE, RUNNING:

A piece of tack that runs from girth and splits into two rings through which the reins are placed. This limits the height to which a horse can raise his head, and prevents him from throwing his head up. Also called a Training Fork (western term).

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MARTINGALE, STANDING:

A piece of tack that goes over the horse's head and nose with a strip running down through the breastcollar to the cinch (girth). This keeps a horse from throwing his head or keeping it held too high. In western speed events, it is called a "Tie Down" and is used either to keep the horse from throwing his head, or to help a horse balance. Some barrel horses will use the tie down to balance their head.

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MASTITIS

An infection of the mammary glands.

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MATURITY

An event for horses of a specific age (usually above 5 years old). See also FUTURITY.

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MCCLELLAN SADDLE

A type of millitary saddle used by the U.S. Cavarly. A very light saddle made of a wooden tre covered in rawhide and stretched leather. The stirrups have no fenders and the seat has no padding. The tree has an open slot at the top for air circulation and to ease fitting. It was said of the designer that he hated men but loved horses; the lacks anything that would comfort a rider but is designed to fit and comfort the horse's back.

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MEALY

A 'mealy' horse is one that has lighter flanks, under belly, elbows, and other soft parts. A 'mealy muzzle' is a horse's muzzle that is lighter around the soft parts of the muzzle. Mealy eyes are also seen, with lighter color surrounding the eye, especially the back of the eye. This coloration is often seen in donkeys, and some horses.

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MEASURING HORSES

Horses are measured in 'hands' -- for more information, see HAND.

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MECONIUM

Fecal matter that a new foal passes within the first few hours of birth.

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MOON BLINDNESS

An eye disease which causes a cloudy/milkey look and inflammation of the eye. Also called periodic opthalmia, or uveitis.

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MORNING GLORY

Racing term: A horse that performs well in morning workouts, but does not meet expectations later in the afternoon race.

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MOUNT (noun)

A rider's horse is his 'mount'.

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MOUNT (verb)

To climb onto a horse's back.

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MOUNTING BLOCK

A sturdy stool or block (usually made of wood or plastic) that the horse is led next to, to allow the rider to step up on and mount easier.

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MOUTHING

Determining a horse's age by looking at its teeth -- See "AGING".

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MUCKING or MUCKING OUT

The act of cleaning a horse's stall or living area of manure.

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MUDDER

A horse that is good for riding even in mud; or, a racehorse that performs well on a muddy track.

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MUTTON WITHERED

A horse that has low withers. Not desirable.

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MUZZLE

The part of the horse's face which includes the horse's nostrils, mouth, lips, and chin. Also, a device made to cover the horse's muzzle to prevent CRIBBING or wood chewing.

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