A workshop was conducted to provide input for the development of a comprehensive glossary of equine locomotion terminology. The organisers plan to utilise the recommendations to complete revisions of a glossary for submission for publication in late 1994. Many equine locomotion investigators have emphasised a need to clarify and render more precise communications among scientists working in the field. Several individuals have presented recommendations for English language terminology concerning equine locomotion (Leach et al. 1984; Clayton 1989). Recently a set of general recommendations was made following the First International Workshop on Animal Locomotion (Leach 1993). However, there is still a lack of agreement on consistent terminology in many aspects of locomotion that are the subjects of ongoing study. Scientists agree on the need to define terms objectively, but laboratories working in the equine locomotion field tend to differ in the terminology they have adopted. Some terms for gait parameters are slightly different because they are defined and measured differently or are newly defined by emergent technologies. However, some locomotion researchers use different words for describing the same variable. This lack of consistency creates problems in decoding communications between specialists in the field and makes it difficult for new students of locomotion or non-English speakers to understand the (largely English language) scientific literature. A terminology gap is also apparent between technical analyses of equine locomotion and practice in the field, with some glossaries available that are designed to address this (Shively 1984). Veterinarians, farriers and horse owners tend to differ in their descriptions of equine locomotion, so developing a common terminology therefore would be helpful in clarifying communications in sports-medical applications and promoting effective cooperation in rehabilitative efforts. Furthermore, equine sports biomechanics researchers are beginning to enter areas of investigation, such as dressage and show jumping, previously studied only by the experienced eye of the equestrian. The terminology and definitions must continue to evolve to meet new needs in these areas. Many terms in use are defined by the rules of sport governing bodies, primarily the FCdCration Equestre Internationale (I99 I , 1992), since objective definitions are necessary to make fair and consistent judgements regarding sports performances. However, other terms employed by judges or used in rule books are vaguely defined or subjective (USDF 1993). Some terms are used quite differently by divergent horse industry or disciplines. Investigators are in agreement that they would be unlikely to effect major changes in jargon in common usage in the horse industry. It would be beneficial, however, for specialists to identify the terms that are in common use which may be defined or objectively and then to settle on appropriate biomechanical definitions, while also identifying purely subjective terms used as aesthetic descriptors by equestrians and judges.