Definition

Noun: - A herd of horses, specifically a group of saddle horses from which ranch hands choose their mounts for the next day's work.

Usage

• The term is used primarily in the context of ranching, particularly in the American West, to refer to the group of horses kept available for cowboys to use.
• It describes a specific, managed herd, not just any group of horses.

Examples

• The cowboys gathered at the corral at dawn to select their horses from the remuda.
• Managing a large remuda is essential for the operation of a cattle ranch.
• Each morning, the wrangler would bring the remuda closer to the camp.

Advanced Usage

• The word is often associated with the imagery and logistics of traditional cattle drives, where a fresh horse was needed daily.
• In modern contexts, it can be used metaphorically to refer to a group of resources or options held in reserve for selection.

Variants and Related Words

• Herd (n): A large group of animals, especially hoofed mammals, that live, feed, or are kept together. (A more general term than ).
• String (n): In ranching, a personal group of horses assigned to or chosen by a particular cowboy. (A is the source for a cowboy's ).

Synonyms

• Horse herd
• Saddle band

Notes

• is a loanword from Spanish, derived from , meaning "to exchange" or "to change (horses)." This etymology directly reflects its function.
• It is a specialized term with a very specific meaning, most commonly understood in regions with a history of ranching.

Noun

1. the herd of horses from which those to be used the next day are chosen