BABY RACE
A race exclusively for two-year-olds.
BACKSTRETCH
The straightaway on the far side of the race track. Also refers to the stable area.
BAY
A brown horse with a black mane, tail, nose and lower legs, can range from light brown to dark brown.
BEARING IN (OR OUT)
Deviating from a straight course.
BLACK
A very dark brown horse. A true black horse has no brown hairs on its’ muzzle, tail or mane.
BLACKSMITH
A person who puts shoes on horses. Blacksmith is another word for farrier.
BLINKERS
A “mask” type headgear with lateral cups around the eyes to limit the horse’s peripheral vision. Helps focus the horse and avoid distraction. This equipment is also called “blinds”. Blinkers or Blinds must be declared as part of the horse’s equipment when it races.
BOXED IN
When a horse is racing along the rail or pylons and cannot improve its’ position in the race because of the presence of a horse in front, behind and beside it, also called “Locked in”.
BREAK
When a horse breaks from its’ gait in to a run or gallop, denoted on the program with an “X”. Also to train a young horse to accept saddle, bridle, harness, rider, driver etc.
BREEDER
Owner of the dam (mother horse) at the time foal is born.
BROODMARE
A female horse used for breeding.
BROWN
The colour of a horse that has a brown body and nose, the tail and mane are black.
BUCKSKIN
The colour of a horse that has a dark yellow or gold body and a black mane and tail.