When a horse limps he is said to be lame. The weight is not shared equally between the legs causing uneven strides, in most cases so that the horse can avoid as much pain as possible.
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Contributors:
Jan
Laminae
A membrane lining the pedal bone of the foot and interlocking with the insensitive laminae..
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Contributors:
Jan
Laminitis
When the sensitive laminae becomes inflamed within the hoof. It is characterised by heat and pain causing severe lameness. Usually present in more than one foot.
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Contributors:
Jan
Larynx
Is a short connecting tube between the throat and windpipe; it regulates the intake of air, protects against inhaling dust, and is the horse's voice box. It is composed of three single cartilages (cricoid, thyroid, and epiglottis) and one pair (arytenoid).
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Contributors:
Jan
Leading
Leg - the front leg at a canter or gallop that appears to be leading the leg sequence.
Rein - a long rein attached to the bit by which the horse may be led.
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Contributors:
Jan
Leaping Head
The lower of the two pommels on a sidesaddle adjusts a small amount.
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Jan
Left Rein
Means going around an arena in an anti-clockwise direction.
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Jan
Leg up
An easy way of getting on a horse/pony.A helper holds your left leg and helps you spring up into the saddle.
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Dianna
Leg yield
A lateral movement performed at walk, trot or canter. The horse moves both forward and sideways by crossing his legs in front of one another.
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katherine
Leg-plate
Is the lower of the two blades on a clipping machine that is coarser than normal. These are sometimes used on hunters to avoid cutting the hair too short.
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Jan
Leg-up
A method of mounting in which an assistant stands behind the rider and supports the lower part of his left leg as he springs up off the ground.
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Jan
Leopard
(See Appaloosa)
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Jan
Ligaments
Are composed of bands of white and yellow fibrous tissue, the white fibre being inelastic and the yellow fibre elastic. They are somewhat flexible but tough and unyielding in consistency. They connect bone to bone. Ligaments can be categorised as follows:
Supporting or suspending e.g. the suspensory ligament.
Annular broad bands composed of deep fascia, which directs the pull on a tendon.
Inter-osseus ties bone together, e.g. the pedal and navicular.
Funicular (or cord-like) holds bones together.
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Contributors:
Jan
Light Dragoons
Later Hussars and Lancers. A lighter form of Cavalry riding smaller horses introduced in the middle of the 18th century. Lancers introduced c.1816 were originally classed as Medium Cavalry.
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Contributors:
Jan
Linings (Saddle)
Leather is easy to clean and lasts a long time if it is well looked after and the saddle used frequently.
Linen is a cloth lining, which dries quickly and wears well but not easy to keep clean.
Serge is absorbent, is difficult to keep clean but moulds extremely well to the shape of the back.
