Last Updated on November 13, 2023 by Fumipets
Unveiling the Terminology: What Is a Baby Horse Called? Exploring the Equine Lexicon
Delving into the fascinating world of equine terminology, this summary uncovers the name for a baby horse and addresses common questions associated with these young and endearing creatures.
What Is a Baby Horse Called?
Every animal has a particular word for its young and newborns. The same is true for horses. Nevertheless, since the industry uses a variety of terminology to designate various sorts of horse infants, it may be challenging to determine precisely what to call a young horse.
All of that language will be covered in this post so that you may use it with greater assurance. We’ll start by discussing the common nomenclature for young horses before moving on to terminology that is more particular to age and gender.
Let’s get going.
What Do You Call a Baby Horse?
A foal is a young horse that is less than a year old. It makes no difference whether this foal is a male or a girl. The term “foal” merely indicates that the horse is a newborn or young animal under the age of one. If only everything was as easy as referring to a young horse as a foal. You must also be familiar with the following terms in order to correctly refer to a horse by its age and gender:
Horse Age Terminology to Know:
| Term | Definition |
| Foal | Baby horse under the age of one |
| Weanling | Foal who has recently stopped nursing, under the age of one |
| Yearling | Foal between its first and second birthday |
| Colt | Male foal who is not yet 4 years old |
| Filly | Female foal who is not yet 4 years old |
| Stallion | Adult male |
| Stud | Adult male for breeding |
| Gelding | Castrated adult male |
| Mare | Adult female |
| Broodmare | Adult female for breeding |
Weanling vs. Yearling
A weanling is a foal that has just quit nursing, as opposed to a foal, which is a horse under the age of one. When the foal is roughly six months old, this usually happens.
A horse is referred to as a yearling after its first birthday. A horse is referred to as a yearling if it is between the ages of one and two. You might refer to males or females as weanlings or yearlings.
The horse in each of these situations is still quite young and not nearly an adult. Weanling and yearling are basic phrases used to describe a horse’s age and stage of development.
Male vs. Females
The gender of foals is another way to identify them. When the horse is between the ages of two and four, this happens. The horse is still not fully grown at this age, but it is old enough to have passed the infant stage.
Colts are the term used to describe male horses that are between the ages of two and four. In contrast, this age group’s females are referred to as fillies. Although this word may be used for horses before they are two years old, you are more likely to hear it applied to horses between the ages of two and four.
Adult
Horses are officially considered adults after they become four years old. At that stage, stallions refer to males and mares to females. It will be referred to as a gelding if the male has been castrated. Broodmares are females used for breeding, whereas studs are males used for breeding.
More Information About Foals
In fact, foals are pretty fascinating. Here are some interesting facts regarding horses and producing foals:
After an hour, foals may begin to walk.
Before they are ridden, the majority of horses are older than two.
The eleven-month gestation period for horses.
Breeders make an effort to time the birth of their calves as nearly as possible to the start of the year.
By applying its universal birthdate of January 1st, a horse’s age is determined.
Dystocia, or a difficult delivery, may result in both the mother and the infant dying, as well as a barren future for the mother even if she survives.
Ponies are not the same as foals.
Conclusion
Simply use the term “foal” to describe any horse that is a foal or younger. From a weanling to a yearling, the nomenclature changes as the horse gets older. Then you start to hear terminology that are peculiar to a certain gender, including colt, filly, stallion, stud, gelding, mare, and broodmare.
Don’t worry if you’re not utilizing these words just right. As you may think, these words are used far more often. The most important thing is to be able to identify when a horse has reached maturity. The horse’s ability to breed and compete is at maturity.
Most people won’t question or object to the language used as long as you avoid saying “baby horse” and use the more appropriate phrase “foal” instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proper term for a baby horse?
A baby horse is called a “foal.” This term encompasses both male and female offspring.
How soon after birth do foals begin to stand and walk?
Foals typically stand and attempt to walk within a few hours of birth, showcasing their remarkable agility from an early age.
When are foals usually weaned from their mothers?
Foals are commonly weaned from their mothers between four to six months of age, transitioning to a diet that includes solid food.
At what point is a foal considered a “colt” or a “filly”?
A foal is termed a “colt” if male and a “filly” if female until they reach the age of three, after which they are often referred to as “horses.”
When do foals typically begin their training for specific roles, such as riding or racing?
Training varies, but foals usually begin their training in earnest at around two years of age, depending on the intended purpose, whether it be riding, racing, or other equine activities.
