Horsewords: The Equine Dictionary - Hardcover

Belknap, Maria Ann

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1570761019 ISBN 13: 9781570761010

Publisher: Trafalgar Square Pub, 1997

Synopsis

Comprehensive and international in scope, this equine dictionary features 8,000 horse-related words and terms. Have you ever wondered what a pair of "blinkers'' was used for? Or how a horse could be "coon-footed" or "cow-hocked?" Or why you wouldn't want a "hat rack" in your barn? The answers to these questions and thousands more can be found in Horsewords: The Equine Dictionary. It clearly explains the meanings of 8,000 horse-related words and terms--many in common use, some antiquated--which makes it not only an invaluable modern reference but also an outstanding research aid. Horsewords also clarifies many commonly encountered veterinary terms. An indispensable reference book that should be on the bookshelf of anyone with an interest in horses. Maria Belknap is an avid horsewoman who rides and writes in Southern California. 472 pp 6 x 9

About this title

Reviews

International in scope, this dictionary of horse-related terms from expert horsewoman Belknap includes 8000 words and phrases that range from hunting, racing, and polo terms to breed names to types of horse-drawn carriages. A few terms, e.g., "cough" and "sweating," are not unique to horses and have no specifically horse-related definitions. Some personal names are also defined, but no explanation is given of the criteria used for inclusion. While cross references are abundant, some are awkward and make using the volume cumbersome. For example, looking under "event," the reader is advised to "see eventing"; under "eventing," the reader is told to "see combined training." Cross references from the word the seem superfluous. "Royal Canadian Mounted Police" proved especially difficult to find, as its main entry is under C for "Canadian Mounted Police, The Royal." While this volume is comprehensive and well researched, users might be better served by Vivienne Eby's The Horse Dictionary (LJ 12/95).?Deborah Emerson, Monroe Community Coll. Lib., Rochester, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Horsewords is a compendium of useful information for the amateur or professional horse enthusiast. It includes 8,000 words used internationally in all phases of horsemanship. Breeds, veterinary terms, equipment, history, sports, associations, and organizations are covered. Entries for specific breeds are the longest, running one to three paragraphs, and describe breed origins and physical characteristics.

See references are used liberally to compensate for variant spelling and common terms (i.e., horse-trainer, see trainer). In some cases, there is a see reference from an entry to a term's primary definition, while an alternate or secondary definition is provided in the alphabetical entry listing. Unfortunately, the references are not used consistently. For example, the entry for Lasix states that it is a drug used to lower blood pressure in horses, but there is no cross-reference to furosemide, the drug's generic name, where its action is described.

On the plus side, although the dictionary is international in scope, American equestrian terms are well represented, unlike similar titles that focus on British terms. The dictionary format is inviting, browsable, and easy to use, but would have been enhanced by illustrations or photographs. Despite some weaknesses, it will be useful in public library collections.

Edition details

• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Pub
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1570761019
• ISBN 13: 9781570761010
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 460