Animals have always captured the curiosity and fascination of people across the globe.
Among these, horses hold a special place, not just for their beauty and grace, but also for their historical significance and companionship.
This blog delves into a particularly charming aspect of these magnificent creatures – baby horses.
Understanding what a baby horse is called, its developmental stages, and the care it requires can be incredibly enriching for horse enthusiasts and casual admirers alike.
Join us as we explore the captivating world of foals and uncover the 5 Life Stages of Horses with nuances of raising and nurturing these young equines.
What Do You Call a Baby Horse?
When it comes to horses, specific terminology exists for their young ones at different developmental stages.
The term foal is the most widely used name for a baby horse from birth until one year of age, regardless of gender. Derived from the Old English word “fola,” meaning “young horse,” this is the primary classification for equine babies.
Other age-specific terms include:
- Suckling: A foal that’s still nursing from its mother
- Weanling: A young horse (typically around four months old) that has recently stopped nursing and transitioned to a traditional horse diet
- Yearling: A young horse between one and two years of age that is fully weaned and self-feeding
As young horses develop and their gender becomes more apparent, more specific terminology is used:
- Colt: A male horse under four years old
- Filly: A female horse under four years old
After reaching four years of age, these terms change again as the horse enters adulthood.
Special Terminology in Horse Breeding
Beyond the basic age-related terms, horse breeding introduces additional specialized vocabulary:
- Dam: A female parent (mother)
- Sire: A male parent (father)
- Broodmare: A mare used for breeding
- Stud: A stallion used for breeding
- Nurse mare: A mare that nurses a foal that isn’t her own
- Orphan foal: A foal that has lost its mother
- Maiden mare: A female horse that has never been bred
In racing, horses are considered to have their “birthday” on January 1 (Northern Hemisphere) or August 1 (Southern Hemisphere), regardless of their actual birth date.
Some breed registries have their own specific terms. For example, in Arabians, a colt might be called a “sprig” and a yearling filly a “jewel.”
Working ranch horses often use terms like “green broke” or “finished” to describe training stages, which correspond roughly to age groups.
5 Life Stages of Horses
The life cycle of a horse is a fascinating journey that spans multiple stages, each marked by significant growth and development milestones.
Understanding these stages can help horse owners and enthusiasts provide appropriate care and training at each phase of a horse’s life.
Related Post: 10 Tell-Tale Signs That Your Horse Might Be Pregnant
Stage 1: The Baby Horse – Foal Stage (0-1 year)
A newborn foal enters the world in a surprisingly advanced state compared to many other mammals. Within the first hour of life, most foals attempt to stand.
Within two hours, they’re usually walking, and by four hours, most foals are nursing.
This rapid development is an evolutionary adaptation; in the wild, horses are prey animals, and the ability to flee from predators quickly after birth is crucial for survival.
When born, foals typically weigh between 45-100 pounds (20-45 kg), depending on the breed. They stand approximately 60-70% of their adult height at birth.
Their legs are disproportionately long compared to their body, allowing them to reach their mother’s udder and giving them the height advantage they’ll need later in life.
During the first year, foals grow rapidly:
- By 6 months, they’ve typically reached about 80-85% of their adult height
- By 12 months, they’re usually at 90% of their eventual height
Foals are born with a soft, fuzzy coat that they’ll shed during their first summer.
Their initial baby coat is replaced by a sleeker adult coat, though they’ll continue to grow thicker winter coats and shed them seasonally throughout their lives.
Stage 2: The Yearling Stage (1-2 years)
Once a foal reaches its first birthday, it enters the yearling stage and is officially called a yearling. The gender-specific terms still apply: male yearlings remain colts, and females remain fillies.
Yearlings continue to grow, though not as rapidly as during their first year.
During this stage, horses typically reach about 95% of their adult height, though they’re still filling out in terms of muscle and body mass.
This is a crucial developmental period when young horses begin more structured training, usually focusing on: Ground manners, Leading, Standing for grooming and Getting accustomed to having their feet handled.
While yearlings aren’t typically ridden yet (their skeletons are still developing and can be damaged by the weight of a rider), this foundational training sets the stage for future work under saddle.
Socially, yearlings often display playful, testing behaviors as they work out their place in the herd hierarchy. This is when young horses learn important social skills through play-fighting, chasing, and other interactions with horses of various ages.
Stage 3: The Juvenile Stage (2-3 years)
Between ages two and three, horses enter what can be considered their adolescent or juvenile stage. At this point: Males are still called colts, and Females are still called fillies.
Physically, horses in this stage have reached nearly their full height but continue to develop muscle, particularly along their topline and hindquarters.
Their bodies are becoming more proportional as they grow into their legs. This is traditionally when initial saddle training begins, though opinions vary on the ideal age to start riding horses.
Some disciplines, particularly racing, begin training horses under saddle quite early, while natural horsemanship advocates often recommend waiting until the horse is more physically mature, around 3-4 years old.
During this stage, horses’ personalities become more established. They’re energetic, curious, and sometimes challenging as they test boundaries and develop confidence.
Like human teenagers, they benefit from clear, consistent guidance and appropriate socialization.
Stage 4: The Young Adult Stage (4-7 years)
When horses reach the age of four, their terminology changes again:
- Mare: A female horse 4 years or older
- Stallion: An uncastrated male horse 4 years or older
- Gelding: A castrated male horse of any age
By age four, most horses have reached their full height, though some larger breeds may continue growing until age five or even six. They continue to develop muscle and “fill out” through their early adult years.
This stage represents the beginning of a horse’s prime. Their physical development is nearly complete, their coordination is improved, and their training can progress to more advanced levels.
For most riding disciplines, horses in this age range are considered ideal training prospects because they combine physical capabilities with mental willingness to learn.
During these years, horses are often at the peak of their athletic careers, particularly in high-intensity disciplines like racing or jumping. Their bodies are strong but haven’t yet experienced the wear and tear that comes with age.
Young adult horses typically exhibit more settled behavior than their younger counterparts, though they still possess significant energy and may challenge their handlers at times.
They’re capable of learning complex tasks and forming strong bonds with their human handlers.
Stage 5: The Mature Adult Stage (8+ years)
Horses 8 years and older are considered mature adults. The terminology remains the same as in the young adult stage; Mare for a female horse, Stallion for an uncastrated male horse and Gelding for a castrated male horse.
For horses between 8-15 years, many horsemen use the term “prime” or “peak” to describe this ideal combination of physical ability and mental maturity. These horses have:
- Fully developed physically
- Established training foundations
- Accumulated experience in their discipline
- Developed reliable temperaments
This age range is often preferred by riders seeking a dependable mount. Horses in this stage typically maintain their athletic abilities while displaying increased patience and willingness to work.
They’ve learned the “rules” of human interaction and generally show more consistent behavior than younger horses.
As horses move into their late teens (15-20), they’re sometimes affectionately referred to as “veterans” or “schoolmasters.” These experienced horses often make excellent teachers for less experienced riders.
Once a horse reaches 20 years of age, it’s commonly considered a “senior” horse.
With proper care, many horses live well into their 20s and even 30s, remaining active and useful, though perhaps at a reduced workload.
Differences Between a Weanling and a Yearling
While both terms refer to young horses, there are important distinctions between weanlings and yearlings:
Age and Development:
- A weanling is a foal that has been separated from its mother and is no longer nursing, typically between 4-7 months of age, but still under one year old.
- A yearling is any horse between one and two years of age, regardless of when it was weaned.
Physical Characteristics:
- Weanlings still have a more juvenile appearance with a softer, sometimes fuzzy coat and less defined musculature.
- Yearlings have more developed bodies, with more prominent muscle definition and a sleeker coat. They’ve grown significantly taller and have begun to look more like adult horses in proportion.
Nutritional Needs:
- Weanlings are transitioning from a milk-based diet to solid foods. Their nutritional requirements are critical as they develop without maternal milk.
- Yearlings require a balanced diet focused on supporting continued growth without promoting excessive weight gain that could stress developing joints.
Training and Handling:
- Weanlings are typically just beginning their basic ground training, learning to lead, stand for grooming, and respect human space.
- Yearlings are ready for more structured training, including lunging, ground driving, and more advanced handling techniques that prepare them for eventual saddle training.
Social Development:
- Weanlings are adapting to life without their mothers and learning to function independently in the herd hierarchy.
- Yearlings have typically established their initial place in the herd and are developing more complex social behaviors and interactions.
The transition from weanling to yearling represents a significant developmental milestone in a horse’s life, marking the end of infancy and the beginning of adolescence.
Common Problems in Baby Horses
Baby horses face several health challenges during their early development. Being aware of these issues can help owners provide prompt care when needed.
Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (Dummy Foal): Some foals are born with neurological issues that affect behavior and nursing abilities. These “dummy foals” may appear disoriented, have difficulty standing, or fail to nurse properly.
Joint-ill (Septic Arthritis): Bacterial infections can enter through the umbilical cord and settle in joints, causing swelling, pain, and lameness. Early antibiotic treatment is crucial.
Contracted Tendons: Some foals are born with tendons that appear too short, causing them to walk on their tiptoes or knees. Many mild cases resolve with exercise and time, while severe cases require veterinary intervention.
Diarrhea: Common in young foals, especially during the “foal heat” period when the mare returns to estrus. While often temporary, persistent diarrhea can lead to dangerous dehydration.
Umbilical Hernias: These appear as soft swellings at the navel and occur when abdominal tissue protrudes through the umbilical opening. Small hernias often resolve naturally, but larger ones may require surgical correction.
Angular Limb Deformities: Some foals develop crooked legs due to uneven bone growth. Early detection and proper management can correct many cases before permanent damage occurs.
Respiratory Infections: Young foals are susceptible to pneumonia and other respiratory issues, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated conditions.
Early veterinary attention for any abnormal signs can prevent many of these conditions from becoming serious health threats.
Health and Care
Ensuring the health and well-being of horses entails a comprehensive approach that includes proper nutrition, regular veterinary care, and attentive management practices.
Nutrition
- Balanced diet essential for horse’s health
- Mix of roughage (hay or pasture) and concentrates (grains or commercially prepared feeds)
- Clean, fresh water always accessible
- Tailor diet to horse’s age, activity level, and specific health needs
Regular Veterinary Care
- Routine check-ups for early detection and prevention
- Key components: vaccinations, dental care, parasite control, hoof care
- General health assessments during vet visits
Dental Care
- Teeth grow continuously, may develop sharp edges
- Regular dental checks and floating (filing down sharp edges)
- Maintains good oral health and efficient chewing
Hoof Care
- Regular trimming and shoeing by a qualified farrier
- Prevents hoof problems, ensures comfort and soundness
- Clean, dry environments reduce risk of infections like thrush
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
- Adequate exercise for physical health and mental well-being
- Consistent training routines and riding
- Regular turnout in pastures
- Social interaction with other horses for positive behavioral development
Monitoring and Parasite Control
- Ongoing necessity for horse health
- Regular deworming schedules
- Pasture management: rotating grazing areas, removing manure
- Monitor for signs of weight loss, poor coat condition, or colic
Nutrition Tailored to Life Stages
- Nutritional needs change through life stages
- Different nutrient profiles for foals, adult horses, and senior horses
- Foals need higher protein levels for growth
- Senior horses benefit from easily digestible feed formulations due to potential dental issues
Conclusion
From wobbly-legged foals to dignified seniors, horses progress through a fascinating developmental journey.
Understanding the terminology associated with each life stage not only helps in communication among horse enthusiasts but also provides insight into the appropriate care, training, and expectations for horses of different ages.
Whether you’re looking to purchase your first horse, breeding horses, or simply expanding your equestrian knowledge, recognizing these five key life stages—foal, yearling, juvenile, young adult, and mature adult—provides a framework for understanding equine development.
The next time someone asks, “What is a baby horse called?” you can confidently explain not just the term “foal,” but also the rich vocabulary that describes these magnificent animals throughout their lives.
