W
A slow four beat gait without a suspension phase. The footfall pattern is left hind > left fore > right hind > right fore > left hind ...
Asymmetric loading is seen when during movement, the weight of the horse is distributed unevenly on the bearing edge of the hoof; the lateral or medial wall is loaded to a greater extent (i.e., bears more of the horse's weight) than the other wall. This uneven loading is more common in the hind limb and is usually due to conformational deficiencies such as bow-leggedness. It can lead to changes in the shape of the hoof capsule: the side subjected to more load becomes steeper and shorter, while the less loaded side becomes longer and tends to flare.
A type of horse that is of a medium build. Most riding and sport horse breeds are Warmbloods. There are over 100 breeds worldwide that can be described as a Warmblood type. The expression 'Warmbloods' originates from the Anglo-French usage of this term to differentiate the light riding horse breeds from the even lighter 'Hotbloods' (Thoroughbreds and Arabs) and the heavier 'Coldbloods' (heavy draught breeds).
A wedge is an object that is thick at one end and narrows to a sharp edge on the other end. The application of a wedge when shoeing can influence the angle of the hoof as well as the balance and movement of the hoof both in the latero-medial and in the dorso-palmar/plantar direction. There are a multitude of different types of wedges, some only lie between the web of the branch and the bearing edge, others are complete sole covering inserts or pads. They are made from plastic, leather or a combination of both. Alternatives to wedges are thickened wedge shaped branches in which extra material has been welded on.
The total surface area of the bearing edge.
The joining together of two metal parts by heating the surface of both parts and pressing or hammering them together. There are various methods of welding such as fire welding and arc welding.
Western horse is used as a collective term for horses that are used in disciplines of western riding. This includes roping, cutting, pleasure riding and more. Typical horse breeds used as western horses are Quarter horses, Appaloosas and Paint horses, however, any breed can be used as a western horse.
A fine grade stone used to sharpen cutting tools.
Vocalisation of the horse, associated with social communication. Generally performed with a raised head and a slighly opened mouth. Definitions of the whinny vary; it is generally considered to be similar to neighing, but gentler.