Length (horse racing)
Encyclopedia
A horse length, or simply length, is a unit of measurement that refers to the length of a horse from nose to tail, approximately 8 feet, It is commonly used in Thoroughbred
horse racing
, where it describes the distance between horses in a race. Horses may be described as winning by several lengths, as in the notable example of Secretariat
, who won the Belmont Stakes
by 31 lengths (248 feet (75.6 m)) More often winning distances are merely a fraction of a length, such as half a length. Distances smaller than that are similarly described in reference to the equine body with terms such as a "neck", a "head", a "short head", a "nose" or "the slimmest fraction of a nose."
These terms are used in other disciplines of equestrianism
as well, particularly useful as a guide for riders in spacing animals apart when a number of them are all together in a riding arena
, such as during group riding instruction
or at a horse show
.
Harness race finishing margins are typically measured in meters etc.
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
horse racing
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
, where it describes the distance between horses in a race. Horses may be described as winning by several lengths, as in the notable example of Secretariat
Secretariat (horse)
Secretariat was an American Thoroughbred racehorse, that in 1973 became the first U.S. Triple Crown champion in 25 years, setting new race records in two of the three events in the Series—the Kentucky Derby , and the Belmont Stakes —records that still stand today.Secretariat was sired by Bold...
, who won the Belmont Stakes
Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes is an American Grade I stakes Thoroughbred horse race held every June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. It is a 1.5-mile horse race, open to three year old Thoroughbreds. Colts and geldings carry a weight of 126 pounds ; fillies carry 121 pounds...
by 31 lengths (248 feet (75.6 m)) More often winning distances are merely a fraction of a length, such as half a length. Distances smaller than that are similarly described in reference to the equine body with terms such as a "neck", a "head", a "short head", a "nose" or "the slimmest fraction of a nose."
These terms are used in other disciplines of equestrianism
Equestrianism
Equestrianism more often known as riding, horseback riding or horse riding refers to the skill of riding, driving, or vaulting with horses...
as well, particularly useful as a guide for riders in spacing animals apart when a number of them are all together in a riding arena
Arena
An arena is an enclosed area, often circular or oval-shaped, designed to showcase theater, musical performances, or sporting events. It is composed of a large open space surrounded on most or all sides by tiered seating for spectators. The key feature of an arena is that the event space is the...
, such as during group riding instruction
Riding academy
A riding academy or riding center is a school for instruction in equestrianism, or for hiring of horses for pleasure riding.At the time of the Napoleonic Wars large buildings were constructed for them, like Moscow Manege, Mikhailovsky and Konnogvardeisky maneges in St Petersburg....
or at a horse show
Horse show
A Horse show is a judged exhibition of horses and ponies. Many different horse breeds and equestrian disciplines hold competitions worldwide, from local to the international levels. Most horse shows run from one to three days, sometimes longer for major, all-breed events or national and...
.
Harness race finishing margins are typically measured in meters etc.
See also
- Glossary of equestrian termsGlossary of equestrian termsThis is a basic glossary of equestrian terms; both technical terminology and jargon that has developed over the centuries to describe horses and other equidae, as well as various horse-related concepts...
- Glossary of Australian and New Zealand punting (horse-racing terms)