Age and Sex
A Foal in Lexington, Ky.
Regardless of their actual birth date, all race horses turn 1-year old on January 1 of the year following their birth. Prior to that they are referred to as a Foal, or a Weanling (a horse that has been weaned from its mother). The horse’s mother is called a Dam, and their father is a Sire.
After they turn 1-year old, they are referred to as a Yearling for the next year. Then they become a 2-year old (aka Juveniles), a 3-year old, etc. on each subsequent January 1.
There are additional names added to a race horse based on Age and Sex. Female horses less than 5 years old are called “Fillies.” Females 5 years and older are called “Mares.” Male horses less than 5 years old are called “Colts.” Males five and older are simply referred to as a “Horse.”
Two exceptions to the male names occur. The first is when a horse has been castrated. Regardless of their age, they are then referred to as a “Gelding.” The other exception is a male with an undescended testicle, who is referred to as a “Ridgling.” Let’s return to Age specific matters.