So, You Think You Love Horses?

Some Reflections on the Nature of Horses and Man

• Nail Clincher

  Nail Clincher

  
  [Farrier Equipment] A farrier uses a nail clincher as a final step in shoeing a horse. After driving the nails and cutting them off, the clincher is used to flatten them again the outside hoof, so as not to leave any sharp edges. The flat surface of the clincher is placed under the sole and the curved part is brought down on the end of the nail, so as the bend it.

• Navicular Bone

  [Equine Anatomy] The navicular bone is one of the sesamoid bones in the horse's foot and acquired its name because it is shaped like a boat. It is located behind both the coffin bone (distal phalanx) and the middle phalanx. It is supported by the collateral ligament, located above it. The main flexor tendon of the foot and the digital cushion are located behind and below it. It is a marvel of nature's engineering ability, but also all of these features are subject to injuries, some of which are critical.

• Navicular Disease (Navicular Syndrome)

  [Veterinary Medicine] Navicular disease encompasses several diseases that can affect the navicular bones of the forelimbs and their surrounding structures, causing of lameness. Once believed to be a death sentence and currently considered not curable, there are several treatments that slow progression and limit the animal's discomfort.

• Near Side

  [Basic Riding] Simply put the near side is the horse's left side. Just like the nautical port and starboard, you need to somehow remember this. The term is supposed to have originated in among English coachmen, who driving on the right side of the road, would pull over and work on the coach or team from the left side and away from any traffic. When riding clockwise around a ring the fence or wall is to the rider's left or near side.

• Neck Reining

  [Riding Technique] Basic reining is to have the reins in both hands and gently pull back with on the bit with both hands to control the horse. With neck reining the reins are more loosely held in one hand and the horse learns to respond to the gentle pressure of the reins against one side of its neck (called indirect, that is not using the bit) to execute a turn or move to the side. Pressure on the right neck causes a left turn or movement and vice versa. Neck reining is commonly used by Western riders and in polo. Although I ride English, I often will walk holding the reins loose in one hand and neck rein. Particularly when trail riding, I use the other hand to clip off branches growing into the trail as I go. Pulling straight back with both reins in one hand indicates a halt. Should the horse have a sudden problem, such as being spooked, I can rapidly pick up the reins with both hands for better control.

• Nicker

  [Equine Vocalization] A nicker is a fairly long, soft, vibrating "huah, huah, huah" sound that horses make. I would say it indicates they are pleased to acknowledge or greet another human, herd mate, foal or sexual partner. My horses tend to do it when I am about to feed them. It is possible it signals a lack of the intention toward aggression on the part of the animal making the sound. I have read other people interpreting the nicker differently.