Brushing boots? No, they’re shin pads… and 27 other funny descriptions of horsey items from the uninitiated
We may take for granted the wide range of equestrian terms we have become familiar with over the years. Therefore, it isn’t surprising when someone completely non-horsey conjures up their own term for equestrian activities and equipment.
However, on reflection perhaps their interpretation of horsey terms isn’t silly after all — they do exactly what they say on the tin (well more or less). Here’s some examples…
1. Brushing boots
Used to protect a horse’s legs during exercise, protecting the lower leg from injury.
Translated to: shin pads
2. Bandages
A type of wrap used on the lower legs of a horse.
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Translated to: leg warmers/socks
3. Bridles/headcollars
Headgear placed around the head of a horse that holds the bit in place in a horse’s mouth, including reins, used to direct and guide the animal or a device placed on the head of an equine for the primary purpose of leading or tying the animal.
Translated to: hats
4. Anti-rub vest
A piece of clothing worn by the horse to prevent hair removal as a result of a rug rubbing their shoulders.
Translated to: horse bra
5. Clipping
Trimming the hair short on all or part of a horse, particularly during the winter so that a horse can exercise without getting too warm as a result of its winter coat.
Translated to: shaving
6. Cooler rug
A thin blanket, sometimes with many small holes in it to help a horse gradually return to its natural temperature after exercise.
Translated to: string vest
7. Cross-country
An endurance test requiring the horse to jump solid obstables.
Translated to: the fast bit
8. Dressage
An equine sport based on classical principles of horsemanship, involving reproducing set movements designed to gauge the training level of horses.
Translated to: the dancing bit
9. Feather
Long hair on the lower legs of horses.
Translated to: horse trousers
10. Field shelter
A structure with one open side and a roof, often made of wood, located in the field which a horse can stand in to avoid wind and/or rain.
Translated to: cabin
11. Fly mask
A piece of headgear worn by the horse to prevent flies disrupting them.
Translated to: blindfold/helmet
12. Girth
Wide, flat strap used to secure the saddle to the horse.
Translated to: belt
13. Hands (hh)
A measurement of the height of a horse (one hand is equal to four inches).
Translated to: 13.7hh/16.5hh and so on
14. Haynet
A vessel in which hay is stuffed for horses to eat from.
Translated to: hay bag/straw bag
15. Jodhpurs
Full-length trousers worn for horse riding, which are close-fitting below the knee and have reinforced patches on the inside of the leg.
Translated to: jodpoppers/yompers
16. Jump-off
An extra round in a showjumping competition when two or more horses are equal first, the fastest round deciding the winner.
Translated to: the show-off
17. Lycra hood
A piece of equipment the horse wears used to keep their neck and head clean.
Translated to: balaclava
18. Martingale
A piece of tack that is used on horses to control head carriage.
Translated to: horse necklace
19. Numnah
A saddle pad used beneath the saddle to protect the horse’s back.
Translated to: numnum, mumrah
20. Reins
An item of horse tack, used to direct a horse or other animal used for riding or driving.
Translated to: handles
21. Rubber overreach boots
A type of protective boot worn on the lower limb of a horse to protect the bottom of their legs and hooves.
Translated to: flip flops
22. Rug
A blanket intended for keeping a horse warm or otherwise protected from wind and the elements.
Translated to: coat/horse jacket/hoodie/mac
23. Saddle
A device placed on the back of a horse where the rider sits.
Translated to: seat
24. Showjumping
The competitive sport of riding horses over a course of fences and other obstacles in an arena, with penalty points for errors.
Translated to: the high jump
25. Stable rug
A blanket used to keep the horse warm in the stable.
Translated to: pyjamas
26. Stirrups
Paired small light frames or rings for receiving the foot of a rider, attached to the saddle by a strap, called a stirrup leather. Used to aid in mounting and as a support while riding.
Translated to: pedals/foot pegs
27. Travel boots
A type of boot used on the lower legs of a horse to protect the animal while travelling.
Translated to: Ugg boots/wellies
28. Working trot
The natural trot of the horse when under saddle. It is a gait between the collected trot and medium trot.
Translated to: walking trot
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Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.