Moving to a new country can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it involves learning new languages and terms specific to your interests. If you’re a horse lover moving to the French-speaking part of Switzerland, you'll need to familiarise yourself with the local horse riding terms. This guide will help you understand the essential horse riding terms in French, covering everything from horse care to the different types of stables and riding disciplines.

Essential Horse Riding Terms

Basic Terms

- Cheval: Horse

- Cavalier/Cavalière: Rider (male/female)

- Équitation: Horse riding

- Monture: Mount

- Selle: Saddle

- Étrier: Stirrup

- Rênes: Reins

- Bridon: Bridle

- Mors: Bit

- Pansage: Grooming

Horse Care Terms

- Brosse: Brush

- Cure-pied: Hoof pick

- Étrille: Curry comb

- Peigne: Comb

- Shampoing pour chevaux: Horse shampoo

- Tondeuse: Clipper

- Pansement: Bandage

- Soin des sabots: Hoof care

- Vermifuge: Dewormer

- Alimentation: Feed

- Foin: Hay

- Paille: Straw

Riding Equipment

- Bombe/Casque Riding helmet

- Bottes d’équitation: Riding boots

- Gants: Gloves

- Cravache: Crop

- Chaps: Chaps

- Éperons: Spurs

Tack and Equipment

- Halters and Bridles

- Licol: Halter

-Licol plat: Flat halter

-Licol éthologique: Rope halter

-Bride: Bridle

-Bridon: Simple bridle

-Bride complète: Full bridle (double bridle)

-Mors: Bit

-Mors simple: Snaffle bit

-Mors de filet: Bradoon

-Mors de bride: Curb bit

-Rênes: Reins

-Rênes de filet: Snaffle reins

-Rênes de bride: Curb reins

-Rênes allemandes: Draw reins

-Enrênements: Training aids

-Martingale: Martingale

-Martingale fixe: Standing martingale

-Martingale à anneaux: Running martingale

-Gogue: Gogue

-Rênes allemandes: German martingale

Saddles and Pads

-Selle: Saddle

-Selle anglaise: English saddle

-Selle de dressage: Dressage saddle

-Selle de saut: Jumping saddle

-Selle d’endurance: Endurance saddle

-Selle western: Western saddle

         - Tapis de selle: Saddle pad

-Amortisseur: Saddle pad (shock absorber)

Harnesses and Related Equipment

-Harnais: Harness

-Harnais de traction: Draft harness

-Harnais d’attelage: Driving harness

-Collier: Collar (part of the harness)

-Trait: Trace (part of the harness connecting the horse to the carriage)

-Brancard: Shaft (part of the carriage)

Types of Stables and Facilities

- Box: Stall

- Écurie: Stable

- Manège: Indoor riding arena

- Carrière: Outdoor riding arena

- École d’équitation: Riding school

- Paddock: Paddock

- Rond de longe: Lungeing ring

- Marcheur: Horse walker

- Piste: Track

Riding Gaits

- Pas: Walk

- Trot: Trot

- Galop: Canter/Gallop (Note: "Galop" can refer to both canter and gallop, with context often indicating the pace)

- Petit galop: Canter

- Grand galop: Gallop

Riding Disciplines

- Dressage: Dressage

- Saut d’obstacles: Show jumping

- Concours complet: Eventing

- Endurance: Endurance riding

- Voltige: Vaulting

- TREC: Techniques de Randonnée Équestre de Compétition (a French equestrian sport combining various skills)

- Balade/Promenade à cheval: Hacking out (trail riding)

Understanding the Difference Between a Manège and an École d’Équitation

As a new expat, you might come across the terms "manège" and "école d’équitation" frequently, and it’s important to understand the difference between them.

Manège

A “manège” is an indoor riding arena where riders can practice and train their horses regardless of the weather. It is typically an enclosed space with a sand or synthetic surface designed for riding exercises and training sessions. Manèges are common in regions with harsh weather conditions to ensure riding can continue year-round.

École d’Équitation

An “école d’équitation”, or riding school, is an establishment that provides riding lessons and training programs for riders of all levels. These schools often have multiple facilities, including manèges, outdoor arenas (carrières), stables (écuries), and paddocks. They employ instructors who teach various riding disciplines and horse care.

In summary:

- Manège: An indoor riding arena.

- École d’équitation: A riding school offering lessons and training, often featuring a variety of riding facilities including manèges.

Conclusion

Moving to the French-speaking part of Switzerland as an equestrian and horse lover or owner will be an exciting adventure. Using this guide of essential horse riding terms in French, you’ll be better prepared to integrate into the local equestrian community. Whether you’re visiting a manège for some indoor practice or enrolling in an école d’équitation for structured lessons, understanding the local terminology will enhance your experience and help you connect with fellow horse lovers in your new home. Happy riding, and don’t forget look up and enjoy the views from the back of your horse, the local scenery is stunning.