Horse Show Terms

Whether you are new to competing horses or have been participating in horse shows for a long time, our glossary can be helpful in defining some common horse show terminology.

AOHA Alabama Open Horseman's Association - collection of about 16 independent horse show clubs recognizing a series of shows leading to a state championship

APPALOOSA a color breed that is characterized by a white blanket and spots, or spotting throughout the coat

ARABIAN the oldest recognized breed, characterized by a small, refined head, dished face, and high tail carriage - commonly used in endurance racing and Arabian horse shows

CANTER three beat gait performed by english horses consisting of a left and right lead

GREEN refers to a horse that is untrained; also the name of a division in Hunter horse shows - "green hunter over fences"

JOG two beat gait performed by western pleasure horses in competition

LOPE slow three beat gait performed by western horses consisting of a left and right lead

TROT two beat natural gait performed by english horses

USEF United States Equestrian Federation - governing body of national and international equestrian disciplines