So, You Think You Love Horses?

Some Reflections on the Nature of Horses and Man

• Icelandic Horse

  [Horse Breed] Icelandics are small, generally pony-sized animals, established in Iceland, having been brought there by Viking settlers. They are said to be 5-gaited and have developed a two layer coat, found in other horse breeds adapted to cold, harsh climates.

• Infield

  [Horse Racing] The infield is the oval central area of a race tract that the horses are running around but cannot pass through because of the inner rail. Some infields are open areas and others contain structures or ponds. Perhaps, the best known infield is that of Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. During the Preakness Stakes, the second of the Triple Crown series of U.S.Thoroughbred races, spectators are admitted to it and it has the reputation as being the scene of ruckus partying.

• Inner Rail

  [Horse Racing] The inner rail is the rail fence that circles a tract's infield. A position on the inner fence is desired because it is the shortest run around the tract and can be the difference between winning and losing.

• Inside Leg

  [Schooling] When doing ring work or riding in a circle the rider's inside leg is closer to the center of the circle. The point is that it might be your right or your left side depending whether or nor you are going clockwise or counter-clockwise. It is not your basic port and starboard dilemma. When picking up a lead and impelling the horse into a canter you may be going straight but the term is still used and the circle more imaginary. It also may not be all that important to the effort expended by the horse which lead it is on when going straight.

• Irish Draught Horse

  [Horse Breed] Irish Draught horse is the national horse breed of Ireland which developed primarily for farm use as a draft horse. The horse was originally bred as a cross between the Irish hobby and larger stock descended from war and draft animals. The horses have a powerful well-muscled, warmblood build to them.

• Irish Hobby Horse

  [Horse Breed] The Irish Hobby Horse breed is now extinct but was an ancient breed mentioned in medieval sources in the British isles. They were a relatively small breed known for their speed and agility. They are part of the foundation stock of several modern breeds and the source of the name of the children's toy.

• Irish Sport Horse (Irish Hunter)

  [Horse Breed] Irish Sport Horse is a recognized breed of warmblood sporting horse, used mostly for dressage, eventing and show-jumping.