A horse race is a game in which participants bet on the outcome of a contest, and winners are awarded prizes according to their place. It may be an athletic event, a competition in which contestants attempt to reach a goal, or any other sort of contest. A common form of a horse race involves betting on which participant will come in first place. In addition to wagering, a number of people participate in horse races as spectators. Some people also work in the horse racing industry, either as trainers or jockeys.
A race can be a fun and exciting activity to watch, but it can also be a confusing one for those who are not familiar with racing terms and terminology. Below is a list of some of the most important horse racing terms that every person should know before watching or participating in a race.
BROKEN-A horse whose back legs are lame. BUMP-A slight knock on a horse’s body from a fence or another object. COOLING OUT-Restoring a horse to normal temperature after overheating during a workout or a race. CLASSIC-A stakes race, especially the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes for colts and Coaching Club American Oaks for fillies. COMBO-A combination bet on two or more horses in a single pari-mutuel race. ENTRY-A horse or jockey who is entered in a race and must meet the minimum requirements. EXERCISE RIDER-Riding a horse for exercise, to help him develop and recondition. ELEVATION-The distance a horse travels above sea level during a race. EQUIPMENT-A whip, blinkers or other gear carried by a horse. FEES-Amount paid to rider or the cost of nominating, entering and starting a horse in a race. FIXED WEIGHT-The fixed amount of weight that a horse must carry in a race, determined by the owner, sex, race course, age and time of year.
FLIPPED-A horse that drops out of contention during a race. It is more drastic than weakened but less so than stopped.
GALLOP-A gait of a horse, a fast canter.
HEAVILY LOADED-A horse that is carrying more weight than his abilities or the conditions of a race call for.
MEETING-The point at which a race begins and ends.
SHOULDER-The front part of a horse’s body, between the shoulder blades.
SPRINT-A race that is shorter than a mile and usually has only one turn.
STOPPED-A horse that has dropped out of contention in a race. This can be caused by injury, tiring or simply losing speed.
TRACK-The surface of a racecourse, may be dirt, grass or synthetic.
In the U.S., a track is usually graded “fast” when it is dry and has a good consistency.
For animal rights activists, the isolation and confinement of racehorses are reasons for reform or outright bans on the sport. In testimony before the New York State Senate, an equine veterinarian likened keeping a 1,000-pound horse confined to a 12-by-12-foot stall for 23 hours a day to locking a 100-pound child in a four-by-four-foot closet.