Navigating the Linguistic Landscape of Equine Actions: 'Rear' vs 'Rared Up'
When discussing the action of a horse when it stands up on its hind legs, which verb is correct - 'reared' or 'rared up'? This question has been a topic of debate, especially in discussions about regional dialects and riding styles. Let's delve into the intricacies of these terms and explore why the inclusion or exclusion of 'up' can significantly influence the context in which these phrases are used.
Understanding 'Rear'
Formal and standard English usage of the verb concerning a horse's action is 'reared'. This verb is widely accepted in all regions and circles, as it accurately describes the action of the horse. The verb 'reared' is concise and clear, indicating that the horse has raised its front legs, often in a defensive or aggressive posture.
].' reared'American Dialect: The 'Rared Up' Phenomenon
While 'reared' is the correct and commonly accepted form, a distinctive dialect often heard in the U.S. Southwest and commonly associated with cowboys and buckaroos (Wyoming cowboys) is 'rared up'. This phrase adds an extra layer of redundancy but is often used in casual, informal settings.
The term 'buckaroo' is a unique term that refers to a type of cowboy, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Although 'rared up' is used in this region, it is important to note that even contemporary southerners and Texans would rarely use this term. In most professional and educated settings, 'rared up' is considered 'uneducated' or even incorrect.
Regional Dialects and Phrases
Regional dialects can significantly affect how different terms are used. For example, in the Southwest, a horse may be described as 'rared up', and similarly, a cowboy might describe a horse as 'standing up' or 'standing up on its hind legs'. This linguistic variation is often attributed to the unique experiences and heritage of the region, but it is essential for modern speakers to recognize that 'rared up' is not the standard form.
Equine Riding Styles: English vs Western
The choice between 'reared' and 'rared up' can also be influenced by the riding style. In English riding, which involves a more formal and controlled riding posture, 'reared' is the preferred term. It accurately conveys the horse's actions without additional redundancy. An example of this usage might be:
“No. He stood up. Scared me to death.”
The English rider would also be more likely to use the phrase 'stood up' if referring to a horse that rose onto their hind legs, thus providing a more precise and direct description.
Dialogue and Context
Let's imagine a scenario to further illustrate the use and misuse of these terms. A dialogue between a rider and someone questioning why the rider returned early from a planned trail ride might go as follows:
“What are you doing back so soon? I thought you were going to trail ride for two hours.”
“No. He stood up. Scared me to death.”
“Oh that's awful.”
“Hey little ladies!”
“Uh….hey Gomer….”
“Wha happen?”
“Well he stood up on her.”
“You mean he rared up?”
“Um…yeah…”
In this dialogue, the use of 'stood up' is more accurate and respectful of the riding style, while the inclusion of 'stood up on her' though more descriptive, is less formal and more likely to be seen as incorrect in an educational or professional context.
Conclusion
In summary, while both 'reared' and 'rared up' can be used to describe a horse raising its front legs, the choice between them depends on the context, regional dialect, and riding style. 'Reared' is the most standard and accurate term in formal and educational environments, while 'rared up' might be more commonly used in informal, regional dialects. It is essential to be aware of these linguistic nuances to ensure clear and effective communication, whether in writing, speaking, or riding contexts.