Where Does The Term Hold Your Horses Originate From?

Published by Clayton Newton on

Origins. In Book 23 of the Iliad, Homer writes “Hold your horses!” when referring to Antilochus driving like a maniac in a chariot race that Achilles initiates in the funeral games for Patroclus. During the noise of battle, a Roman soldier would hold his horses.

What is the actual meaning of hold your horses?

used to tell someone to stop and consider carefully their decision or opinion about something: Just hold your horses, Bill! Let’s think about this for a moment.

Why do people tell you to hold your horses?

If someone tells you to hold your horses, they’re asking you to stop and think about what you’re doing. This idiom originates from horseback riding and horse-drawn carriages. The rider or driver holds the ropes and reins that are used to slow the horses down and direct them.

Is hold your horses a southern phrase?

If you grew up in the South, you know hearing the phrase “hold your horses” means hang on a minute or wait, but knowing where the expression comes from isn’t quite as common knowledge. The literal meaning of the phrase is an easy one to grasp.

What to say instead of hold your horses?

Synonyms:I’m sorry, wait a minute​/​second, hang on, just a minute​/​moment​/​second, I hate to bother​/​interrupt​/​trouble etc.

When did hold your horses originate?

“Hold your horses” was a term commonly heard on New York’s Erie Canal in the early-to-mid-19th century. At this time, a high proportion of transportation logistics was carried out with barges towed by horses on the tow-paths that ran alongside the water.

Is saying Hold your horses rude?

Today, if someone acts better than everyone else, you might tell him to “get off your high horse.” And if someone is pushing you to do something, you can say, “Hold your horses!” This is a very informal way to tell someone to calm down and wait. You would not use it with your boss but you could use it with children.

Do horses like their face petted?

Some horses enjoy having their heads and ears rubbed. Horses often groom each other on the whither, so this would be a good place to try too.

What is the most Southern thing to say?

We chose 15 of the most ridiculous Southern sayings — and tried to explain them.

  1. “We’re living in high cotton.”
  2. “She was madder than a wet hen.”
  3. “He could eat corn through a picket fence.”
  4. “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.”
  5. “You look rode hard and put up wet.”
  6. “He’s as drunk as Cooter Brown.”

What do cowboys say to stop a horse?

It’s whoa. This interjection means “stop.” You might use it as a command to stop a galloping horse.

How do Southerners say hello?

Howdy
Howdy. This is a Southern way to say hello. Howdy!

How do you say hello to a horse?

The most basic equine exercise is to connect with an untethered horse in a paddock. An Equest facilitator explained that the proper way to say hello to a horse is by gently extending your closed hand. The horse returns the greeting by touching your hand with its muzzle. Simple enough.

How do you remember the death of a horse?

Horse Memorial Gifts You Can Display Indoors

  1. Portrait. One of the most thoughtful gifts to give to a horse lover is a portrait or drawing of his or her favorite animal.
  2. Engraved horseshoe. Find someone who will engrave a horseshoe with the name of the deceased animal.
  3. Plaque.
  4. Photo frame.
  5. Framed horse poem.
  6. Collectible.

How do you show respect to a horse?

A horse’s respect is earned by moving his feet forward, backward, left, and right, and always rewarding the slightest try. Think about respect from your horse’s point of view. When horses are thrown together out in a pasture, it’s natural for them to establish a pecking order.

Do horses recognize their owners face?

According to a new study, not only do horses recognize familiar human faces, but they also remember them for at least a few months.

Where should you not touch a horse?

Be sure to stay away from the sensitive areas of the horse like the eyes, ears, muzzle, and belly of the horse. While some horses might be OK with you petting these areas, many are sensitive and won’t like to be touched there.

Do horses like to be hugged?

Horses aren’t just for humans to show one another affection. Did you know that horses hug too? Just make sure that you’re on the horse’s good side before hugging them, and remember that if they start licking you or breathing on you it is often because they appreciate your company.

What does cat has your tongue mean?

unusually quiet
informal. used to ask someone why he or she is not saying anything. “You’ve been unusually quiet tonight,” she said. “What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?”

How long can a horse remember you?

Horses also understand words better than expected, according to the research, and possess “excellent memories,” allowing horses to not only recall their human friends after periods of separation, but also to remember complex, problem-solving strategies for ten years or more.

Should you stare a horse in the eye?

Some report you should use soft eye contact when dealing with horses, meaning you can look at the horse but also keep a wide field of view. Other trainers indicate hard contact is preferred to establish your dominance over the herd.

What does it mean when a horse turns his back on you?

What’s our saying? Two eyes are always better than two heels. The ultimate sign of disrespect is when a horse turns his butt towards you when you enter a stall. If you notice that your horse has this habit, your first step is to start the Fundamentals with him, and that begins with the roundpenning exercises.

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