A projection on the heels of a horseshoe, similar to a cleat, on the rear shoes of a horse to prevent slipping, especially on a wet track.  Also known as a "sticker."  See "mud calks."

The largest bone between the knee and ankle joints in the front of the leg.

Inflammation of the bursa at this point often due to hitting the area.  If at the elbow, also referred to as a "shoe boil."

To have rolled into a wall or fence in such a way as to prevent the horse from getting up.

Wagering favorite in a race.

A statistical picture of a race (from which past performances are compiled), that shows the position and margin of each horse at designated points of call (depending on the distance of the race), as well as the horse’s age, weight carried, owner, trainer, jockey, and the race’s purse, conditions, payoff prices, odds, time, and other data.

When a jockey slows a horse and changes its stride due to other horses impeding its progress.

1) A term to describe the color of a horse that varies from a red-yellow to golden yellow.  The mane, tail, and legs are usually variations of coat color, unless white markings are present.  2) Horny, irregular growths found on the inside of the legs.  On the forelegs, they are just above the knees.  On the hind legs, they are just below the hocks.  No two horses have been found to have the same chestnuts, so they may be used for identification.  Also called "night eyes."

Extension of backstretch or homestretch to permit a straight running start in a race a opposed to starting on or near a turn.

Process by which a licensed person may purchase a horse entered in a designated race for predetermined price.  When a horse has been claimed, its new owner usually assumes title after the starting gate opens, although the former owner is entitled to all purse money earned in that race.  Claiming rules vary from state to state.

Box in which claims are deposited before the race.

A race in which each horse entered is eligible to be purchased at a set price.  Claims must be made before the race and only by licensed owners or their agents who have a horse registered to race at that meeting or who have received a claim certificate from the stewards.

1) A race of traditional importance.  2) Used to describe a distance

An official whose chief duty is to weigh the riders before and after a race to ensure proper weight is (was) carried.

When a horse lifts its front legs abnormally high as it gallops, causing it to run inefficiently.

One who times workouts and races.

A condition when the cartilaginous growth plate above the knee (distal radial physis) has turned to bone.  Indicates completion of long bone growth and is one sign of maturity.

Generally, the turn on a racing oval that is closest to the clubhouse facility; usually the first turn after the finish line.

A condition referring to abdominal pain. It can range from mild stomach upset to more severe cases, such as a twisted intestine, that requires surgery.

An ungelded (entire) male horse 4 years old or younger.

A series of booklets issued by a racing secretary which set forth conditions of races to be run at a particular racetrack.

The requirements of a particular race.  This may include age, sex, money or races won, weight carried, and the distance of the race.

Restoring a horse to normal temperature, usually by walking, after it has become overheated during exercise.

A single breeding of a stallion to a mare

Abnormal conformation in which the points of the hock turn in.

An undesirable characteristic describing a horse that clings to objects with its teeth and sucks air into its stomach; can be controlled.  Also known as a "wind sucker."

1) The number of foals by a sire in a given year.  2) A group of horses born in the same year

A dry and loose racing surface that breaks into clods and shows distinct hoofprints.

The swelling and thickening of the ligament or tendon at the lower part of the hock.

The loose, top portion of the racing surface on a dirt track.