North American to British Horse Words Comparison

If you read many books written in the U.K., such as novels, or non-fiction books on horse training and riding, or the British Pony Club manuals, you may encounter some words you are not familiar with. Here are the explanations for words you might come across when reading British horse publications.

The following words are commonly used in Britain when discussing horses:

• Anti-sweat rug


• Going


• Gymkhana


• Headcollar


• Knacker


• Livery yard


• Numnah


• Plait


• Rasping


• School


• Stable


• Yard

Some words, like gymkhana and many of the words used in polo, like chukker were brought back to England by soldiers stationed in India. In Canada, where British spelling is used, horse owners will be more familiar with the American terminology.