Word of the Week – Blocked
BLOCKED - Impaired in the connection due to sustained muscular contraction, creating rigidity.
Full glossary: http://bit.ly/2019USDFGlossary
Word of the Week – Chewing The Bit
CHEWING THE BIT - The movements of the horse’s mouth—gently and softly mouthing the bit—showing mobility and relaxation of the jaw and causing secretion of saliva for a “wet mouth.” Not to be confused with snapping, clacking or grinding of the teeth.
Full glossary: http://bit.ly/2019USDFGlossary
Word of the Week – Exercise
EXERCISE - A designated task that may include movement(s), transition(s), figure(s), and/or pattern(s) to be performed at designated gaits and paces and sometimes at specific places in the arena, e.g. 20-meter circle at working trot, half-pass at collected canter, or simple change of lead.
Full glossary: http://bit.ly/2019USDFGlossary
Word of the Week – Suppleness
SUPPLENESS (Elasticity and Freedom from Anxiety) - Suppleness indicates the absence of negative muscular tension, allowing the joints to move with harmonious flexibility. Elasticity describes the horse who is able to stretch and contract the musculature smoothly and fluently.
Full glossary: http://bit.ly/2019USDFGlossary
Word of the Week – Rocking/Rocking Horse Canter
ROCKING/ROCKING HORSE CANTER - A canter in which the neck/forehand goes too much up and down as a result of lack of sufficient ground coverage, lack of sufficient engagement, or interference by the rider.
Full glossary: http://bit.ly/2019USDFGlossary