Above the Bit: Where the horse evades the rider's aids by
raising the head above the level of the rider's hands. This
reduces the amount of control the rider has over the horse.
Action: The movement of the horse's legs. Aids: Signals or cues
by which the rider communicates his wishes to the horse. The
"natural" aids include the voice, the legs, the hands, and
weight. "Artificial" aids include the whip and spurs. Airs Above
the Ground: High school movements performed by highly trained
horses, where either the front legs or all four legs are off the
ground. Airs above the ground include the levade and the
capriole. Amble: The slower form of the lateral pacing gait.
(See Pacer) Back: To step a horse backward. Barrel Racing: A
timed event in Western riding where horse and rider complete a
cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. Bascule: Term used to
describe the arc a horse makes as it jumps a fence. Blistering:
Application of a caustic agent, or blister, to the leg. Formerly
and, occasionally, still used in the