Gait
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[Equine Locomotion] A horse's gait describes the particular manner of movement of a horse's legs during which it propels itself forward. Different gaits propel the horse at different speeds and the rider must learn the best way to ride the horse at a particular gait. The common natural gaits of all horses are: walk, trot, canter and gallop. The above diagram also shows a pace, an additional 5th gait that some horses have as a natural gait. During a pace the horse alternately moves the legs on each side of the body and must balance its weight on the set that are on the ground. With a trot its weight is also balanced on two legs but they are on diagonally opposite sides of the body, giving it better balance. I should mention if you have ridden several horses that you will notice that there are unique, individual characteristics to a given horse's gaits, similar to distinct patterns in a given person's walk. One horse might have a very springy trot and another a more difficult-to-sit-to canter on a given lead.
Galiceņo
[Horse Breed] Galiceņos were introduced the the Americas by the Spanish and became established in Mexico. In more modern times some were imported into the united States. Galiceņos are small, agile, extremely gentle in nature and easy to handle and train with gaits that are smooth. They make a good mount for a child.
Gallop
[Gait of a Horse] A natural 4-beat gait that is faster than a canter. The horse has lengthened its stride and for a short interval during a gallop all feet are off of the ground. While the horse is cantering additional leg pressure will urge him into a gallop. Stationary objects fly by you, I tend to stand up a little in the stirrups out of the saddle and I often ask myself, "What in the world do I think I am doing up here?" The term hand gallop may imply that the rider actually has some control of the horse, which is a good thing but may not apply to myself. However in fairness, I can stop when I want to or so I think and generally do. Otherwise hang on, they cannot keep this up forever. Eons of evolution have created this superb running animal and here you see it in all its glory.
Gaskin
[Equine Anatomy] The gaskin is the large muscle on the hind leg of a horse, located above the hock and below the stifle. It is equivalent to the calf of a human.
Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS or Stress Ulcer)
[Veterinary Medicine] Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome results from the natural acidity of the stomach acid overwhelming the natural protective barriers in the stomach. The ulcer is capable of perforating and resulting in death. This is tragic in that it is basically a treatable condition if recognized and that is the difficult part. Your horse cannot directly tell you. Often you need to treat situations in which the syndrome may develop and treat prophetically with omeprazole. Fasting, lack of fiber and being a Thoroughbred increases risk.
Get (also as Get on the Ground)
[Horse Breeding] The offspring sired by a given stallion.
Girth
[Horse Equipage] A piece fitted to the underside of a horse's body to hold the saddle in place. In English riding they are often leather or a synthetic material and buckle in place with the left side often having elastic bands for a flexible fit. Western tack often feature a girth (called a cinch), which is cinched up and tried off with a leather strap attached to the saddle. These straps are tried with a knot that is not unlike a gentleman's tie attached to brass rings on the ends of the cinch. Cinches are often made of a series of cloth cords that allow for air circulation. In any case, a rider should check the tightness of the girth or cinch, which should neither be too tight or too loose. A loose girth allows the saddle to slide from side to side and even end up under a horse. When that happens that leaves the rider feeling rather ridiculous. Believe it or not I have seen this happen to riders twice. They fall off before the saddle gets all the way around, of course. An overly tight saddle can stress and rub a horse. A good fit allows three figures to be slid between the horse and the girth.
Gone to Ground
[Fox Chasing] When the fox runs into a burrow or other refuge, it is said to have gone to ground. In modern chasing that generally signals the end of that particular chase. There is a gone to ground call that a huntsman can blow on his horn that will indicate the occurrence to distant members of the field who are unaware of the event.
Gotland
[Horse Breed] Gotland ponies are an ancient breed, native to the island of Gotland in Sweden. The breed has remained relatively pure and well adapted to their environment until modern times because of their isolation. They were semi-domesticated, being allowed to exist as wild free-roaming herds until locals needed one for a purpose. This kind of horse management is not unique to Gotland and was also true in the American West and many other locations. Gotlands were imported into the U.S., but the interest in the breed waned, until a concerted effort was made to conserve the breed here.
Grand Prix
[Show Jumping] The highest level of competition in show jumping. The term is from the French meaning: major prize. If you have ever watched a competition they have earned it.
Green Broke Horse
[Equine Training] Green broke sounds like a contradiction in terms and may smack of wishful thinking on the part of a seller. The implication is that the horse has advanced somewhat in training but is not fully trained as yet. As always, a buyer should beware.
Green Horse
[Equine Training] A green horse is one that is inexperienced and not yet schooled to its potential. The term might also apply to inexperienced riders.
Grooming
[Equine Care] Grooming is the act of removing any build up of dirt and dander from a horses coat, forelock, main and tail. This is done as routine care or in preparation for a show or hunt. The most important tools are a curry comb, body brush and comb. Grooming may benefit appearance, but its most important task is contributing to the heath of the equine coat.
Grooming Mitt (Grooming Glove)
[Equine Grooming] A grooming mitt or glove is a rubber mitt with a pebbled surface, used at the end of grooming to remove remaining fine dirt from the horse's coat.
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)
[Toxic Plant to Horses] Ground ivy is an herb that hugs the ground and gowns in patches. It has blue-violet flowers. It was used in herbal medicine, as a ground cover and even in an ingredient in brewing. Fortunately, its biter taste causes horses to generally ignore it. Occasionally, a hungry horse on an overgrazed pasture will eat it. The symptoms of poisoning include: dilated pupils, excessive salivation, excessive sweating, panting and excitability. The substance responsible is uncertain but the plant contains many bioactive compounds and the symptoms suggest a sympathetic nervous system activation or disinhibition. If present along a fence line is difficult to totally eradicate.