So, You Think You Love Horses?

Some Reflections on the Nature of Horses and Man

• Uhlan

  [Military] A type of cavalry that originated in Poland and was formed in many other European nations. They were armed with lances, sabres and pistols and had distinctive uniforms.

• Undefended Penalty Shot

  [Polo] An undefended penalty shot is one that the opposing team may not try to block.

• Undershot Jaw

  [Veterinary Medicine] A horse with an undershot jaw has a lower jaw longer than the upper one, causing a malocclusion of the teeth. The nipping teeth (incisors), but not the cheek teeth (molars) are affected. The condition appears genetic and becomes noticeable as a young horse's jaw develops. It presents problems nipping glass and results in poor nutrition.

• Unicorn Hitch

  [Driving] A unicorn hitch is one in which three horses are hitched to the vehicle. One horse is positioned in front and called the leader and the other two are paired behind and called wheelers.

• United States Dressage Federation (USDF)

  [Equestrian Organization] United States Dressage Federation is a competition-based sport organization that promotes educational programs, dressage competitions and rules within dressage disciplines in the United States

• United States Equestrian Federation

  [Equestrian Organization] The USEF, based in Lexington, Kentucky, mission is to provide access to and increase participation in equestrian sports at all levels by ensuring fairness, safety, and enjoyment. Membership is open to interested parties. The organization provides support to U.S. teams in international competition.

• United States Equestrian Team (USET)

  [Equestrian Organization] United States Equestrian Teams attend the highest level of international competition, including the Olympic Games, World Equestrian Games, Pan American Games, Nations Cups, and World Championships. They participate in dressage, eventing, show jumping, combined driving, endurance, vaulting, reining, and para equestrian events. Funding is received from the United States Equestrian Foundation. Teams qualify primarily through their standing at specific competitions such as the World Equestrian Games and continental tournaments and individuals qualify through their individual rankings. Athletes are elected to the Team USA Athletes' Commission (AC) through a voting process. The US Equestrian Federation (US Equestrian) is responsible for selecting and training Olympic-level athletes for the US equestrian team.

• United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA)

  [Equestrian Organization] United States Hunter Jumper Association is a competition-based sport organization that promotes educational programs, awards, communication, and rules within hunter jumper show disciplines in the United States. The organization hosts the majority of rated hunter/jumper shows.

• United States Polo Association (USPA)

  [Equestrian Organization] United States Polo Association is the governing body for polo competitions in the U.S.

• United States Trotting Association (USPA)

  [Equestrian Organization] United States Trotting Association, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is the governing body for Standardbred racing in the United States

• Unrecognized Horse Show

  [Showing] Unrecognized horse shows are ones that have not been sanctioned by a national horse show organization. They are often sponsored by specific stables or riding clubs and are less formal than sanctioned shows and have more modest entry fees. They are a very good place for an up and coming rider to gain valuable experience.

• Up

  [Jumping Competition] On entering an arena a rider is said to be going up if they are turning away from the entry gate. The direction down is toward the gate or towards the ring. These terms mostly apply to stadium jumping.

• Up Down Riding Lesson

  [English Riding Instruction Slang] An up down riding lesson describes an English rider's initial basic instruction, including posting at a trot in which the instructor sets the cadence by repeating over and over "up, down, up, down" over and over. I have been on both sides of the process. As a notice rider I was very frustrated and seemed to have no sense of rhythm. As one teaching people to ride, there is a sense of pleasure when your student finally picks it up. The other refrain that echoes is "heals down, toes up."

• Uprights

  A Jump with Flanking Uprights

  
  [Show Jumping] Uprights are a vertical jump construction support.

• Upward Fixation of the Patella (UFP)

  [Veterinary Medicine] In an upward fixation of the patella the stifle joint becomes briefly fixed in the extended position. The rider experiences a momentary buckling to the horse's step as the patella fails to slide smoothly with the patellar tendon. The condition can cause pain and lameness, particularly as it becomes repetitive and the tendon inflamed. It can also become totally fixed and require more prompt veterinary attention. Various treatments are available.

• Using Horse

  [Equine Status] Among ranchers a using horse is one reserved for actual range work as opposed to one kept as a show horse.