Horse _____ : Idioms As Told By Equestrians

Candace Wade redefines some common “horse” phrases.

Flickr/smerikal/CC

What do these classic horse phrases and idioms really mean? This is a good game to play with your horse buddies after a long ride and a couple of beers. Try your hand:

Horse sense:
What it actually means: another term for common sense — “the thing that keeps horses from betting on people.”
The equestrian version: the jar of change I keep on the shelf to save money for riding lessons. Actually, scratch that — that’s horse cents.

Don’t swap horses in the middle of the stream:
What it actually means: don’t change your plan or tactics halfway through a project.
The equestrian version: the opposite of what my friend and I actually did when she was having a great riding day and I was having a crappy day — while standing in a creek.

On one’s high horse:
What it actually means: acting in arrogant fashion with the belief that you’re better than everyone else.
The equestrian version: not what I felt, but actually was while riding my friend’s Belgian draft.

Trojan horse:
What it actually means: the famous subterfuge by the Greeks to sneak into the city of Troy which now applies to anyone sneaking their way into anything through disguise or falsehood. Also, a computer virus.
The equestrian version: the guy who pretended to be into horses so he could score a date with me in college. Also, the little packets he kept in the glove compartment of his car.

Horse’s ass:
What it actually means: a stupid or obnoxious individual.
The equestrian version: the view I now love. Also, the guy I dated in college who kept little packets in the glove compartment of his car.

Wild horses couldn’t drag me away:
What it actually means: originally coined by the Rolling Stones, indicating great devotion.
The equestrian version: the opposite of what I am afraid of happening when someone urges me to ride her horse that hasn’t been ridden all year.

Horse hockey:
What it actually means: utter nonsense.
The equestrian version: a less-refined version of polo.

Look a gift horse in the mouth (which I always thought was “kick a gift horse in the mouth”):
What is actually means: looking at a gift for flaws or indications of price.
The equestrian version: first of all, don’t kick any horse in the mouth.  Second, absolutely look a gift horse in the mouth, right?

Now, it’s your turn: join us on the forums for a game of redefinitions! Click here to open the thread. Go riding!