half-brother, half-sister
Horses out of the same dam but by different sires. Horses with the same sire and different dams are not considered half-siblings in Thoroughbred racing.
hand
Four inches. A horse’s height is measured in hands and inches from the top of the shoulder (withers) to the ground, e.g., 15.2 hands is 15 hands, 2 inches. Thoroughbreds typically range from 15 to 17 hands.
hand ride
Urging a horse with the hands and not using the whip.
handicap
Betting: 1) Race for which the track handicapper assigns the weights to be carried. 2) To make selections on the basis of past performances.
Harness racing: A race in which performance, sex or distance allowance is made. Post positions for a handicap may be assigned by the racing secretary. Post positions in a handicap claiming race may be determined by claiming price.
handily
A horse racing well within itself, with little exertion from the jockey.
handle
Amount of money wagered in the parimutuels on a race, a program, during a meeting or for a year.
hard
A condition of a turf course where there is no resiliency to the surface.
hard boot
Denotes a well-traveled breeder whose boots are caked with mud and therefore hard. By extension, a breeder or trainer whose methods are characterized as old-fashioned. Generally used in the phrase, “Kentucky hard-boot.”
head
A margin between horses. One horse leading another by the length of its head.
head number
The wagering number for the horse or, in the case of a coupled entry, the wagering number of all horses that make up the coupled entry.
head of the stretch
Beginning of the straight run to the finish line.
heat
A single race or a single trial of a race that is one of a series of races that make up an event (race).
heavy
Wettest possible condition of a turf course; not usually found in North America.
high weight
Highest weight assigned or carried in a race.
hobbles
A leg harness used for controlling the gait of a pacer or trotter.
home stretch
The final stretch where the finish line is situated.
homebred
A horse bred by its owner.
hung
A horse that does not advance its position in a race when called upon by its jockey.
