Knowledge Base

If you are at all interested in the world of horses, then you might have heard the word ‘filly’ being bandied around.

This is because the name for a young female horse is a filly or a filly foal. However, you might have heard this word used to incorrectly describe a young male horse too.

A filly is called a filly until it reaches the age of 4, after which it is called a mare. If you are going to describe one or more female foals, then you’ll be using the word fillies. You pronounce the word pretty much how it is spelled – ‘fill-ee’.

Fillies are often slightly smaller than their male counterparts, although they can be trained just as easily and are often entered into races. Some owners often prefer to buy fillies as they do not need to go through the extra hassle of being castrated. 

But where does the word filly come from exactly? What do you call a young male and a young female horse? Why does filly have a different meaning in horse racing?

What are the characteristics of a young female horse? How can you tell the difference between this and an adult female horse?

Well, if you are interested in the terminological fine print of what to call a female horse, then we would suggest that you keep reading.

We’ll give you the lowdown on the difference between a colt, a filly and a foal, so that you can be sure that the next time you’ll point at a filly, you’ll know for sure that it is one.

Where Does The Word Filly Come From?

So, the roots of the word filly can be traced all the way back to the 15th Century in England. The word originally started as ‘fylja’, which then morphed as the Middle Ages went on into the word ‘filli’, which is another similar Old English word for ‘foal’.

There is a French counterpart to the word filly, which started off as ‘fille’. Many people think that this word merged with English variants to produce the word ‘filly’ that we still use to this day.

The word ‘filly’ can also be used to describe a human woman, although this is seen as derogatory and should not be used on any accounts.

The roots of this word being applied to young human women date from around the 16th Century.

What Is The Difference Between A Colt, A Foal Or A Filly?

If you are referring to a young horse irrespective of gender, then you would refer to it as a ‘foal’.

However, if you do know the sex of the young horse, then we would recommend that you refer to it as a ‘colt’ (male) or a ‘filly’ (female). However, it is not incorrect to refer to a foal as a foal, even if you know the gender.

When a filly is still weaning, you might refer to it as a weanling filly, as this will demonstrate that you know that the filly is less than one year old. However, a yearling filly is a young female horse that is just approaching its first birthday.

You might hear a young filly being described as a mare as they approach two or three years of age. This might not be technically correct, as the term mare should only really apply to horses that are 4 years or over.

However, you might find some of these terms being used incorrectly, but it is only worth correcting to distinguish age and sex.

What Distinguishes A Filly?

There is a general belief that young female horses are much more nimble than their male counterparts.

It is also suggested that fillies wean quicker, will be able to stand after just a few months and they will generally develop a lot faster, although this fact is debatable.

From a young age, colts (that is, young male foals) will be physically much stronger than female younglings. If they are gelded at a young age, then you can expect them to perform even better, especially in competitions and the like.

If you have bought a young male that is ungelded, then you will often have to go to the lengths of paying for the castration. This is why a lot of owners prefer to get their horses gelded for the extra speed and stamina that it will afford them.

If you are getting a filly, then you can have it sterilized to increase its performance and cut out the breeding urges that it will experience as it gets older.

However, most owners will view this as a costly and very time-consuming process that will actually not really improve the performance of a young mare.

Does Filly Have A Different Meaning In Horse Racing?

If you are going to be training your young female for racing, then you might start to hear the word filly used in a much broader context.

Often female racing horses of around 5 years old can be referred to as a filly. This is because horses that are under the age of 5 rarely get ridden, so they class them as fillies as soon as they can ride.

Other animals that are closely related to the horse are also referred to as fillies when they are younger. Don’t be surprised if you hear zebras, ponies, mules and young donkeys being referred to as fillies.

Our Final Say

We hope that our description of what the term filly means has helped you distinguish and identify one when you are next at the stables.

It is important to remember that a young female horse is only a filly when it reaches the age of 4, at which point it is referred to as a mare.

The Olympic games, hosted every four years, are an athletic event that originated in Ancient Greece, and that is the height of athletic prowess and sporting competition.

Only the best of the best get to compete in this event, and every four years, the location changes to a different country, so that it takes place all over the world!

And of course, the Olympic games also feature some specific events with horses! Specifically, horses will compete (with their riders) in jumping, eventing, and dressage.

Only the best riders and horses get to go, and the level is incredibly high, which is why it is so impressive to watch! 

But…since the Olympics are hosted in a different country each time, and all the competitors have to travel to said location in order to compete.

how do the horses get there? It’s not like they can just jump on a plane in the same way humans do. So how do they travel to the Olympics, in order to compete? 

Well, fear not, they do get there. It just takes some special travel. So if you want to know more about it, stick around! We’re going to talk about everything you need to know about how horses get to the Olympics. Let’s jump right in!

How Do Olympic Horses Travel?

Olympian horses will usually travel by plane, just like any other horses traveling internationally would.

They are placed into extra secure and safe stalls, and then these stalls are lifted up and loaded into the plane, where luggage and suitcases usually are.

Usually, it is three horses per stall. However, Olympian horses are elite athletes, and so they get special treatment, meaning that it’s only two Olympian horses per stall, so that they get a little more room. 

Before the flight, the horses are fed a special type of hay, which has a higher amount of water, plus they are also given buckets of water so that they drink as much as possible.

This is to ensure that they stay extra hydrated during the flight so that they remain healthy and comfortable. 

It might seem like it would be super uncomfortable for them, but traveling by plane is actually better for the horse than traveling by road! This is because there is less movement, and the journey is a lot smoother.

The only problem would be take-off and landing, but the pilot is well aware that they are transporting horses, and so they make sure to be extra gentle. 

In fact, when there are horses on the plane, pilots will use a different type of landing, which is longer. This means that there won’t be that sudden bump of movement when the plane hits the ground, avoiding that little scare so the horses aren’t freaked out. 

Oh, and the horses are well taken care of too. On board the flight, there will be at least one veterinarian, and some groomers and they are in charge of double-checking the horses and making sure that they are completely healthy and comfortable.

And if anything goes wrong, they will instantly jump into action to solve any issues. 

Trust us, Olympian horses are elite, and they are treated as such! The journey is planned well in advance, and everything that needs to be considered is done so carefully so that the horses have everything they need. Not to mention that there are a lot of safety rules to abide by!

What Do Horses Need In Order To Get To The Olympics? 

Getting horses to the Olympics is possible thanks to plane journeys, and when planned well, they are smooth and comfortable for the horses in question.

That being said, getting horses to the Olympics takes a lot of planning and a lot of preparation. It’s no easy task! 

In fact, these journeys are prepared years in advance, as there are many different factors to consider, and many different things to prepare so that all the rules and regulations are followed, and the horses can be transported safely. 

Here Are Just Some Of The Main Things That Need To Be Considered, When Getting A Horse To The Olympics

• Having the right documentation, such as the horse’s passport, and any other documents and certificates that prove who the horse is, who the horse belongs to, why the horse is traveling, and the health checks and condition of the horse in general. 
• Veterinarian checks and examinations to ensure the horse is safe for travel (health comes above all! If a horse cannot safely be transported, it won’t be) 
• Quarantines and travel regulations (depending on the country the horse is traveling to, there might be certain restrictions or quarantines in place, so it could be that the horse has to get there with plenty of time before the Olympics!) 
• The plane ticket and the travel arrangements, as they all need to abide by horse travel regulations and safety measures (after all, a horse can’t just be placed on any plane!) 
• Appropriate accommodation for the horses, before and after, and during. The horses need to always have a safe and comfortable environment to rest in, and they also need water and food

Also, horses need to get to the location of the Olympics with plenty of time to spare. Not only to respect any quarantines or regulations that might be in place, but so that they can rest after the journey, and get used to the new place.

They will then undergo some extra training to make sure they are still at the top of their skills after having traveled. 

How Much Does It Cost For A Horse To Get To The Olympics? 

Plane tickets can get pretty expensive, especially if you are traveling far. So how much does it cost to get a horse to the Olympics? 

The short answer: a lot. Like seriously, getting a horse to the Olympics is expensive. Getting people to the Olympics is already expensive, and horses come with a longer list of expenses and costs! 

For example, a round trip specialist flight for horses from the US to Tokyo is around $55,000 per horse. Yup, you read that right. 

Then on top of that, you need to consider the cost of the accommodation, the materials, the veterinarian and the groomers, the food and drink, the documentation…and much more! 

It’s safe to say that getting a horse to the Olympics is very costly, but it’s worth it to see them compete at that height of skill and ability! 

Final Thoughts

Horses get to the Olympics in the same way that most other elite athletes get there, by plane. Of course, it has to be a specialist horse flight, in which the plane is adapted, and the pilot is prepared to handle the plane with more care.

But basically, the horses are loaded into stalls, which are then loaded onto the plane. They are given special food beforehand, to stay hydrated,

and they are accompanied by a team of groomers and veterinarians, to ensure they are safe and comfortable the entire time. 

It’s expensive and pretty complicated to plan, but they can definitely get to where they need to be in order to compete!

Horses, like most mammals, have a beautiful coat of fur that keeps them warm, and that makes them soft to the touch. This coat can vary in length, depending on the time of year, and can have many different patterns and colors, as horses have different appearances!

But have you ever wondered if horses can sweat? Picture a horse being ridden during the summer season, on a hot sunny day.

The riding session causes the horse to perform different activities, which require effort. And by the end of it, the horse is practically drenched. Is that sweat? 

The answer is yes! And that is because horses are one of the few mammals that can sweat, just as humans do. But how do they sweat, and why? And what if they sweat too much, is this something you should watch out for? 

Don’t worry, we can answer all of these questions and more, so let’s get right into it! 

How And Why Do Horses Sweat? 

Okay, now that we know that horses can indeed sweat, let’s go a little more in-depth as to how and why they do so. 

The reason why horses sweat, put simply, is so that they can cool themselves down. Sweating is a way for them to regulate their body temperature, and they will usually sweat when it is very warm outside, or when they perform intense physical activity.

It is completely normal, and it is something that keeps them healthy, as otherwise, their bodies would overheat! 

As to how they sweat, their body does it naturally, using the water within. During especially hot days, horses can sweat up to around 4 gallons of water every hour! Which seems like an insane amount of water to be losing,

but you have to remember that horses make up for that by drinking large amounts of water throughout the day. 

Something that you should know, as to how they sweat, is that horses don’t swear all through their body. Instead, the sweat mainly comes from their neck, chest, and legs.

These are the parts of their body from which they sweat, and which should therefore be left uncovered during hot or intense days. 

That being said, if a horse begins to overheat, it might also start sweating from the rump, and this indicates that the horse is in danger of suffering a heatstroke!

Is Sweating Good For Your Horse?

Seeing a horse sweat can make you worry, especially if they start sweating quite a lot. So is sweating actually good for them? 

The answer, generally, is yes. When a horse sweats, it is a sign that its body is regulating the temperature, cooling itself down in order to avoid overheating and suffering from heatstroke.

They do so during hot days, or during intense physical activity, and it is completely normal and healthy.

That being said, there are times in which your horse sweating can be a sign of something wrong. 

For example, if a horse starts sweating from the rump, this is a sign that the horse is close to overheating, and you should do something immediately to help them cool down.

This is because usually, a horse will sweat from the neck, chest, and legs. Sweat on any other part of the body means that they need cooling down with your help! 

(Of course, if you are riding the horse, then there will probably also be sweat around the saddle, due to the contact. This is completely normal, just make sure to cool down your horse after the session!) 

Other times to be concerned are when your horse is sweating despite being stood still, in normal temperature conditions. Or when your horse is sweating excessively, as this could lead to dehydration. 

How To Cool Your Horse Down After Exercise

Horses tend to sweat after a riding session, due to the physical activity involved. They do so even more during the summer season when it’s warmer outside! This is completely normal and healthy. 

However, it is important to make sure that your horse isn’t sweating too much, or else this can lead to dehydration. So it’s important to cool your horse down after exercise so that the excess heat dissipates faster, and your horse is back to normal without the need for so much sweating. 

Here Are Some Basic Ways Of Cooling Down Your Horse After Exercise

• Walk your horse until the breathing becomes normal once more (this is a lot better than having your horse stop immediately after intense work, walking will slowly relax the muscles to avoid damage, and will regulate the body temperature a lot better) 
• Give your horse a cold shower! (This is a must, especially during the summer, and it’s the most effective way of cooling down your horse and wiping the sweat away) 
• Make sure your horse has plenty of water for drinking, they will need it to stay hydrated after all the sweating! 
• Make sure your horse has shade after exercising so that they are not standing around in the sun

What To Do If Your Horse Doesn’t Sweat

So…horses sweat, and that’s a good thing. They do so to cool their bodies down, which is why they will usually sweat when it’s hot, or when they are performing intense physical activities. 

But what if your horse doesn’t sweat? Is this something you should be concerned about? Is sweating not a problem? 

Well, in the same way that sweating too much is bad for a horse’s health, not sweating at all is definitely a bad sign and something that you should call the veterinarian over! 

Not sweating is dangerous, because it means that your horse doesn’t have a way of getting rid of the heat within the body, meaning the temperature is staying high, which can lead to overheating.

So if your horse isn’t sweating, when he should be, you need to intervene and make sure you’re getting that temperature down! 

There is actually a condition called anhidrosis, which is when a horse is unable to sweat. There is no clear answer as to how this condition comes about, whether it is hereditary, metabolic, or environmental.

But what is clear, is that it happens when a horse is unable to sweat and regulate the body temperature and that it is more common in horses that live in hot and humid climates. 

Here Are Some Of The Signs That Can Indicate That Your Horse Has Anhidrosis

• A completely dry coat after an intense workout or in warm weather (basically, no sweating) 
• The coat is hot to the touch (indicating a high body temperature) 
• Labored breathing during and after physical activity 
• Poor performance (becomes exhausted quickly, cannot perform as well, and doesn’t want to exercise) 
• Loss of hair on the coat (this is one of the earliest signs!) 

If you notice any of these signs, contact the veterinarian, and they will be able to perform a test to determine whether it really is anhidrosis or not. If it is, then you will have to make sure you are limiting the build-up of heat in your horse’s body, and that you are helping your horse cool down since they can’t do it by themselves. 

Here Are Some Of The Tips For Dealing With Anhidrosis

• Exercise your horse early in the morning or late in the evening (when there is less heat and sun) 
• Take lots of breaks while exercising your horse, so that the heat doesn’t build up as much
• Use cold water and fans in order to help your horse cool down
• Make sure your horse always has shade in which to seek refuge

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, horses do sweat, and they are actually one of the few mammals to do so! They sweat in order to regulate their body temperature, getting rid of excess heat to avoid heat stroke.

They will usually sweat through their neck, chest, and legs, so if you notice excessive sweat anywhere else, this might be a cause for concern. 

It is very important to help your horse cool down after exercising and to make sure your horse has plenty of water and shade during hot days so that they are able to stay safe from overheating.

But if your horse is unable to heat, then you will have to take more extreme measures to help regulate their body temperature!

When you see a group of horses, the instinct might be to shout out “a group of horses!”. But did you know that there is an official term to refer to a group of multiple horses?

In fact, there are several different terms you can use when talking about a group of horses, depending on the type of group of horses, and the context!

Just like how a group of crows is a murder, and a group of sheep is a flock, a group of horses is most often referred to as a herd, or a team (depending on the context and situation). But as we have said, there are several different terms! 

If you’re interested in talking about groups of horses, and you want to sound like you know what you’re talking about, stick around.

We will give you a list of all the main different terms used to refer to a group of horses, and we’ll also talk a bit about dynamics within a group of horses and how all that works. 

Does that sound good? Then let’s get right into it! 

Terms For Referring To A Group Of Horses

As we have already mentioned, there are several different terms that you can use in order to refer to a group of horses, some of which are more commonly used than others. 

We’ll just cut straight to the chase and provide you with a list, and their specifics: 

A Herd Of Horses

A herd of horses is the most common term used to describe a group of horses located outdoors, interacting with one another. It is also the term used to describe a group of wild horses. 

A Team Of Horses

A team of horses is the term used to describe a group of horses that are working together in the same activity or job. For example, a group of horses pulling a carriage together would be a team, and the same would go for a group of horses competing as a whole within an official event. 

A Rag Of Horses

A rag of horses is the term used to describe a group of colts, specifically.

A Stud Of Horses

A stud of horses is the term used to describe a group of horses that are placed together for the purpose of breeding. So it’s a group of horses separated specifically for breeding. 

A String Of Horses

A string of horses is the term used to describe a group of horses that all belong to the same person, or that are used specifically by one single person. However, it is also sometimes used to describe a group of ponies! 

A Harras Of Horses

A harras of horses is quite an outdated term that isn’t really used much nowadays. However, it can be used to describe a group of horses, and is especially suited to a ranch-setting in English-speaking countries. 

A Stable Of Horses

A stable of horses is a term used to describe a group of domesticated horses that live within a stable or barn environment. It quite literally means a stable full of horses! 

A Troop Of Horses

A troop of horses is a term used to describe a group of horses within the army. So for example, a group of horse guards would be referred to as a troop of horses, and the same goes for any horse that is ridden by a soldier or officer. Sometimes it also applies to horses used by the police forces! 

The Social Structure Of A Herd Of Horses

A herd is the most common term for describing a group of horses. It is essentially a group of wild horses, outdoors, that have formed a group dynamic in which they essentially “live with one another”, moving from one place to another out in the wild, as a whole. 

This happens quite naturally, because horses are social animals. They do not like being alone, and always form groups, some of which can become quite large in number!

And within these groups, which are called herds (we might as well use the right term since that’s what the article is about!), specific dynamics are formed. 

Within a herd, some horses are more in charge than others, kind of like in human society. And horses also interact with one another, forming relationships and bonds! 

As a general rule, a herd of wild horses will feature one or two stallions, some mares, and any foals that are born. 

The stallion, or one of the stallions if there is more than one, will be the one that “owns” the herd, so to speak, and is the one that establishes dominance and drives away any other horses that aren’t part of the herd. But curiously, the stallion isn’t actually the leader.

The leader of the herd will usually be the oldest mare, and we will call her the alpha mare. She will usually be weaker than the others, due to age,

but she has survived longer than any others, and that experience is what earns her the respect of the herd. Wherever the alpha mare decides to go, the herd follows. She sets the pace, and the direction.  

The stallion, meanwhile, will guard and protect the herd. And of course, he will get with all the mares when they are in heat, to keep producing foals, so that the hoard keeps growing and stays alive. 

Once the foals grow up, the colts will be on their way, and they will often form their own herd of bachelors, until they find their own mares with which to found a proper herd. (Quite often, they will replace a stallion from a herd, when the stallion becomes too old.)

So essentially, there are herds, and the herds have a stallion, mares, and foals. The alpha mare is in charge, and the stallion protects and procreates.

When the colts grow old, they leave and form their own bachelor herd. Then, when they find a herd in which the stallion is too old, one of the bachelor colts will replace that stallion, and take charge of that herd. And so on! 

It’s quite fascinating, really! Oh, and don’t think that special dynamics and behaviors are unique to herds. All types of groups of horses end up forming a dynamic, with some horses establishing dominance, and some becoming submissive. 

It is why in teams or troops of horses it is very important to implement the right kind of training, to ensure that the horses work well together and get along! 

Final Thoughts

So…what is a group of horses called? Well, as we have established, there are several different terms that can be used.

The most common are a herd (for a group of wild horses), a team (for a group of horses working together), and a stable (for a group of domesticated horses living together). But there are more, so do go back and check our list! 

And remember, within any group of horses, a dynamic will arise in which some horses are in charge, and some submit.

If you are putting together a group of horses, it is important that you monitor their behavior to ensure they work well together, and no conflict arises!

Horses are wonderful animals. They have had a close bond with humans for thousands of years. We have ridden on them; we have taken care of them; we have fed them, and we have written stories about them.

Yet, there is a great deal of terminology related to horses that many people aren’t familiar with. You might have heard words like mare, foal and colt but not know what those words mean. 

This article will explain what some phrases related to horses mean. So if you have ever wondered what a gelding is, this article will explain exactly what one is.

What Is A Gelding?

Let’s start by explaining the simplest question is first – what is a gelding?

A gelding is a castrated male horse that has had its male reproductive organs, also known as its male genital area, which allows a male horse such as a stallion to become a much calmer animal.

Horses like male stallions often have unpredictable behavior patterns associated with their reproductive organs.

This is why the owners of horses often geld their male horses because it ensures that they calm down and don’t cause trouble for their other animals or horses. 

Now that we’ve explained what the term gelding means, let’s move on to explaining the history behind gelding and how it can help horses. 

The History Of Gelding 

The gelding of horses is first recorded to have occurred in 6^th century BC and to have been done by the Scythians, one of the oldest civilisations in the Ancient World. 

The reason that the Scythians did gelded their horses was for much the same reason as horses are gelded now – to stop them becoming too rambunctious and causing issues with other animals. 

However, the method that is used for gelding now is much different from that employed by the Scythians and other historical practitioners of gelding.

In the past, gelding was done by actually using burning metal to geld up the horse’ genital area and it was a process that involved a great deal of risk – both to the horse who might have potentially died had the process not being done right and the people doing the gelding who could equally have been seriously injured if the horse was not properly restrained. 

Thankfully, the process of gelding has come a long way since the time of the Scythians.

Today gelding is done by sedating the horse before performing an operation to remove the testes and crush the spermatic cord, thus ensuring that the horse will no longer have any potential anger issues caused by its hormones. 

This of course raises some questions about the continuation of horses as a species – if male horses are regularly castrated, how then does this affect the general horse population and could it have serious consequences for horses as a species? We’ll turn to the answer to this particular issue next. 

Gelding And Horse Reproduction

Population control is a complex and sensitive subject relating to animals. For some animals such as pigs and sheep, it is done via the killing and then consumption of these animals as food stuff.

With more domesticated animals like horses, cats and dogs it is done through a process or chemical or physical castration. 

However, you might be wondering how this then impacts the overall horse population. It impacts it in so far as the decision is made at a relatively early age as to whether or not the particular male horse will become a stallion or not.

When a male horse is born it is known as a foal and will only become a stallion when it reaches sexual maturity. 

Some horse owners will therefore decide they don’t want to breed from that particular male horse and so geld them at an early age. However, some other horse owners wait until a horse is no longer as virile or fertile as it once was.

This is a process known as being put out to stud. Rather than let the horse stay alone in a field after it has lost its fertility, many owners decide to geld their former stallions. 

This therefore means that the impact on the horse population is generally rather small as there are always male horses that are kept as stallions for stud horses meaning that even though a significant proportion of the overall male horse population is gelded at some time in their lives, this does not have a detrimental impact on the horse population as a whole. 

Gelding can, therefore, in fact be beneficial for horses – it ensures that former stallions can interact with female horses and therefore not be isolated and lonely and it keeps a handle on the horse population so that it does not suddenly explode and become too much for the ecology of the human population to handle. 

Why It Is Important To Know About Horse Gelding 

Horses are wonderful animals. They have not only enriched our lives by helping to transport people and good across the world in the past but they have also enriched our lives by being truly amazing animals that have brought joy to the millions of people who have loved and cared for them, who have ridden on their back and who have dreamed of owning them. 

Whilst gelding might seem like something that hurst horses, it in fact helps them. It ensures that male stallions do not become too unpredictable and end up harming themselves or others. 

It ensures that there is a stable horse population which does not suddenly overwhelm the resources we have to look after horses. 

It makes sure that male stallions, once they are no longer as fertile, can have company with other horses in their old age. 

Gelding is a natural part of ensuring that horses are safe, healthy and protected. This is why rather than seeing gelding as a negative thing it should be understood as a means of keeping our favorite animals safe,

healthy and ultimately happier than they would have been without it. This is why it is important to understand what gelding is and why it is often seen as necessary. 

By understanding gelding you can understand the needs of our horses across the world and if you are interested in owning horses yourself then it is truly vital information.

There are lots of different names used to describe horses around the world. If you’re not all that versed in horse terminology, it can be confusing when trying to understand all the different things these terms refer to in the world of horses.

Words like filly, mare, gelding, stallion, colt, and broodmare are all terms used to describe very different types of horses.

So What Is A Mare?

Mare is the term traditionally used to describe a female horse that is over 4 years of age. This is typically used to refer to an adult female horse that is no longer a youngster.

A female horse that is younger than 4 years of age is usually referred to as a filly. Other phrases to refer to female horses are broodmare, which basically means the female horse is used for breeding purposes.

Most riders will prefer a mare to a stallion, as they are often easier to handle. Mares can of course become irritable when they come into season, however, they are still much easier to handle than a stallion would be. 

Mares are used for a variety of sporting activities because of their fantastic temperament. They are often used for dressage, racing, and showjumping.

They are often evenly matched to their male counterparts, although there are some instances where female specific classes are run.

What Is The Difference Between A Mare And A Stallion?

There is a very large difference between a mare and a stallion. A mare is an adult female horse, whereas a stallion is an adult male horse that is often used for stud.

This means that the stallion is often paired with a broodmare for breeding purposes. This can be done both naturally or via artificial insemination.

Stallions tend to be more unruly than mares when it comes to riding or other sports activities. Some people often find them harder to control because of their temperamental nature.

As a result, some stallions are often castrated to make them a gelding. Geldings aren’t as influenced by hormones as stallions are, which makes them generally easier to control.

Mares are much easier to handle than stallions, which often makes them a popular choice. It is worth noting that when a mare comes into season, she is often cranky or irritable. However, she will still generally be easier to handle than a stallion.

Is A Mare Or Gelding Better?

Some riders have preferences of one over the other, but which is really better between a mare and a gelding? There are different benefits and drawbacks to each gender horse which can work in your favor depending on what you have in mind for your horse.

It’s worth bearing in mind that certain traits will also differ from horse to horse.

Out of the two, you will typically find that a mare puts in more effort into your partnership than a gelding will. Once you have managed to establish a relationship with your mare, she will be eager to work towards your goal in tandem.

However, geldings have the advantage of not being ruled by their hormones. Thanks to the fact they have been castrated, they won’t be thinking about breeding as much as stallions will.

Mares can often become moody or irritable once they come into season, so this is a factor to consider.

Both genders will be highly loving, and these traits can often differ from horse to horse. You may find a gelding that is too difficult to handle whereas a mare will be more pliable.

It will be crucial to establish a bond with your horse so that you can better understand their personality and how you can work together.

What’s The Difference Between Fillies And Mares?

Ultimately the main difference between fillies and mares is of course their age. Whereas filly is a term that generally refers to female horses that are foals, yearlings, and up to 3 years of age, mare is a term used to describe adult female horses between 3 to 4 years of age and older.

In terms of Thoroughbreds and the world of horse racing, the term filly is often used to describe female horses under 4 years of age. The term mare is then used to describe any female horses older than this. However, other horse lovers will often refer to any horse older than 3 as a mare instead of a filly.

A filly is generally used to describe a younger female horse. This is usually because a filly is too young to be described as a mare. Mares are able to be used for breeding purposes, whereas a filly will need to mature so that she is able to safely carry a foal to term.

What’s The Difference Between A Mare And A Broodmare?

The main difference between the terms mare and broodmare is that “mare” is used to describe all adult female horses over the age of 4, whereas broodmare specifically refers to adult female horses that are used for breeding purposes.

A broodmare can breed an impressive 16 foals during her lifetime if she was used for breeding once every year since she reached maturity.

The average gestation cycle of a broodmare is around 11 months, and she will typically give birth to a single foal. There are instances of twins, however, these are very rare. It is also incredibly rare for both twins to survive into adulthood.

In Summary

So there you have it! A mare is an adult female horse that is typically at least 3 to 4 years of age. Female horses younger than this are simply referred to as fillies.

Mares can also be called broodmares if they are used for breeding purposes.

Mares are usually much easier to handle than stallions, which makes them a popular choice for sporting activities. They can be irritable when they are in heat, but they are still relatively easy to handle.

Especially when compared to stallions, who are often much trickier to handle when it comes to sporting activities.

Geldings are often preferred out of geldings, stallions, and mares, because they lack the hormonal influence which can alter the temperament of mares and stallions.

Horses are incredible creatures. They are strong, intelligent, caring, and have built a unique bond and partnership with humans over the years.

As equine lovers, we know everything there is to know about horses and how to care for them, and have all of the answers you’re looking for.

If you’ve ever looked inside a field of horses, you’ve probably noticed that the vast majority of them are standing up.

Very rarely do we see horses lying down relaxing, or sleeping, which begs the question; do horses ever sleep standing up? That’s what this guide is all about.

Do Horses Sleep Standing Up?

When we’re feeling drowsy, all we want to do is curl up and lie down to rest, but the same cannot be said for horses. Horses may rest in a stable, barn or in a field, and they can be standing up to do so. 

Now, this is a wild concept to us, as if we fell asleep standing up, you can bet we’d fall over or end up breaking an arm or leg on the way down. But, horses can actually sleep standing up. 

Because horses are naturally prey animals in the wild, they do not often like to sleep on the ground. This is largely due to the fact that horses have large, straight backs, which makes it difficult for them to get up quickly in order to escape a predator.

This could leave them vulnerable to attack, and unable to escape or defend themselves in time. 

Therefore, horses have evolved in order to sleep and rest whilst standing up. For instance, a horse is able to lock its knees, in order to fall asleep safely without worrying about falling over or losing balance. 

That being said, horses can sleep lying down, as they may sometimes take naps whilst lying down in order to rest their legs.

They may also lie down with other horses to keep warm on winter nights. This is also because they feel vulnerable when sleeping lying down, so they tend to do this in groups to feel protected, and often, one horse will stand up to keep guard. 

So in short, horses can sleep standing up, as this is sometimes safer for them, but they can indeed sleep lying down much like other mammals. 

Do Horses Get Tired Of Standing?

Horses have an incredible ability to sleep whilst standing up, and they can still support themselves. This is due to the fact that horses have an array of powerful muscles, tendons, bones and ligaments in their legs that make them very strong. 

The collection of bones and muscles in the horse’s legs are called the ‘stay apparatus’. This means that it can stand with its weight on three legs, so that one leg can rest.

Then, a horse can switch which leg is resting to give it a break from the weight. Some horses are more than 500 kg too, so this is no easy feat. 

However, studies show that when a horse is sleeping standing up, it is not a deep sleep, and so horses may need to lie down to sleep in order to rest deeply and rest their legs. So, yes, they do get tired of standing after a while.

Even though horses can lock the joints in their legs, so that they can sleep standing up without falling over or growing really tired, they do need to lay down to rest entirely and get some deep REM sleep. 

That being said, horses are able to spend anywhere from four to fourteen hours a day resting whilst standing, and it is more of a nap than a deep sleep. 

Do Horses Ever Sleep On The Ground?

Yes, as mentioned above, horses mainly sleep standing up for many hours of the day, and will only lie down to sleep periodically.

Horses typically only lay down for about 2-3 hours every day, as anything more can decrease blood flow in the body, and so they tend to mostly move or stand. 

When a horse does lie down to sleep, that is the only time that they get deep sleep and rest. As herd animals, they will often do this together for an extra sense of security and safety. 

Why Do Horses Sleep Standing Up?

Horses sleep standing up because they are naturally prey animals. Due to their large size, stature and straight spines, it can be difficult and slow for them to get up from a sleeping position.

This leaves them very vulnerable to predators, as they would not be able to get up in order to run fast enough before a predator strikes.

Instead, horses are able to doze off or nap whilst standing up due to the stay apparatus, or ligaments and tendons in their legs.

These tendons and ligaments are what makes it easier for them to lock their legs into position, so that they can relax and sleep without keeling over. 

In the most basic sense, it all comes down to how horses would survive in the wild. When it comes to fight or flight instincts, horses naturally need to be able to run away and flee quickly, as this is their strong point.

To do this, they have evolved to sleep standing up in order to be able to run at any given moment. 

Conclusion

To conclude, horses do naturally sleep and nap whilst standing up. This may seem bizarre to us, but it is how they have evolved in order to survive predators, so that they can escape quickly.

However, do not make the mistake of thinking that they cannot sleep whilst lying down, because they do. In fact, sleeping whilst lying down is the only way a horse can get deep REM sleep, and so they do both in order to remain rested and relaxed.

Sometimes it’s very easy to tell what an animal eats. Take big cats for example, they are large animals with long, sharp teeth, forward facing eyes, and strong claws. For a terrestrial animal, that practically screams that this animal is a carnivore and eats other animals.

Even if you look at a herbivore like a deer, then there are signs that it only eats plants: eyes on either side of its head and long slender legs for running.

However, the further away from stereotypical features of these two dietary types, the harder it gets to classify them. Take the Sally Light foot crab, it is part of a family that is primarily omnivorous and has features to match that lifestyle, but this crab is entirely herbivorous in nature.

This affects larger mammals as well, as the larger you are, the less likely you are to need adaptations to deal with predatory animals.

So, with that in mind, where do horse’s stand? Are they herbivorous, carnivorous, or somewhere in between? In this article, we seek to discuss a horse’s diet and tell you exactly what a horse likes to eat.

What Do Horses Eat?

So, to answer the question of today off the bat, horses are herbivores. This means that they only eat plant matter and do not consume meat at all. In fact, most of their diet is made up of grasses, if they are feral or wild horses, and hay, if they are domesticated.

This kind of diet can cause issues for horses, as they can be insulin resistant. This means that they can have a hard time digesting sugar, which is a problem as grasses can contain quite a lot of sugar.

In the wild, this isn’t such a big issue, as grass’s sugar content changes depending on the season and the area, meaning that normally it is low enough for horses to digest it with no issues.

However, in domestic populations the grasses in pastures are always kept high and healthy, meaning that they have much more sugar in them.

Owners of horses may want to limit time spent grazing in the pasture or limit time spent there to certain times of the year when the sugar content will be lower.

Hay too can have a lot of sugar in it, so if your horse is sensitive to sugar, be careful and pick hay that comes from the right time of the year. You shouldn’t dismiss hay immediately as a food source, though, as it forms the cornerstone of a domestic horse’s diet.

The other food that domestic horses feed on regularly is grain, though not to the extent of grass or hay. Grain is a great thing to feed your horse and can provide a large amount of calories that you just wouldn’t get eating grass.

Apart from the staples, you can also feed your horse treats as well. These can be in the form of fruits and vegetables. Yet, you should be careful, as a lot of fruits and vegetables horses can’t eat.

This is because of the high sugar content of some fruits, and that some fruits and vegetables are poisonous to horses. It is best to check with your vet what your horse can eat or look online for a definitive list, before feeding them.

Do Horses Ever Eat Meat?

The only time a horse would willingly eat meat is if they were unaware that it was meat they were eating. Horses are not omnivores, and they are not like some herbivores that will supplement a 95% herbivorous diet with the occasional insect, like squirrels. Horses don’t eat meat, plain and simple.

Even if they were partial to eating a steak or some other form of meat, they simply would not be able to. This is because horses have adapted to a specific diet, and they actually have quite delicate guts.

See, a horse is not like a ruminant, like cows or deer, they do not have special stomachs to aid with digestion.

Instead, horses have one stomach like a human, but they have an insanely long intestinal tract. The small intestine can be up to 21 meters, the cecum (first part of the large intestine) can be up to 1.2 meters, and the rest of the large intestine can be up to 3.7 meters.

Including all other parts of the digestive system, then in total a horse’s digestive tract can be up 30 meters in length.

The reason for the length is that horses are hindgut fermenters. This means that they digest cellulose in their stomach and ferment everything else in their digestive tract for a very long time.

This allows the horse to extract every single ounce of nutrition from low quality food, such as grasses, over a period of days.

It may seem inefficient, but actually it’s a great adaptation to survive difficult environments. If you eat a large amount of food in one go, then you are full but that food and its calories is quickly gone from your body, and you must find more in a short amount of time.

With hind gut fermentation, you just need to eat low quality, readily available food in small amounts routinely, and your body will constantly draw nutrients out of it.

Even if you stop eating, your body will be drawing nutrients out of the food you ate earlier over a long period of time. This allows horses to survive in deserts and semi-arid areas where only low-quality food is available in abundance.

How Much Do Horses Eat?

I don’t think I’d be overstating if I said horses eat so much food. In fact, I may be understating it slightly. With their food source being nutrient poor and them being hindgut fermenters who need to constantly eat, they can chow down on kilos of food at a time.

A horse should realistically eat 1.5 to 3% of their body weight in a day. Now, if you want a more concrete number, then we can look at what an average horse weighs. So, a horse weighs on average 1000 pounds or around 450 kilograms.

This means that the maximum a horse eats per day is around 30 pounds or 13 kilograms worth of food every day.

To put that into perspective, a person will eat about 3 pounds of food per day, so 10 times what you eat per day and that is just for the average horse. Horses that are bigger, like shire horses, will eat more food and if they are working horses or regularly exercise, they need more food as well.

Final Thoughts

Horses are herbivores. They have adapted to a diet based on the habitats their ancestors lived in, which was grasslands and semi-arid areas where the only abundant food was low nutrient grasses.

While it may not seem like an ideal food source for us – and it isn’t – we should feel some measure of respect for the fact that horses thrive off it.

They have adapted to fairly barren landscapes where other creatures struggle to survive, and have managed to thrive by adapting and changing in ways that others didn’t.

This ecology niche they have found themselves in has given them great success, and it’s a marvel that they managed to make it work at all.

When we speak of different kinds of horses, it can be quite difficult to identify each one without knowledge of their markers.

Some are easier than others, like it is easy to identify a shire horse because they are enormous, but when you get down to average sized horses it can get a little trickier. However, for some it can take either guess work or the keen eye of a professional to know which horse is which.

For example, identifying the various different types of mountain or moorland ponies in the UK would be a nightmare for the layman.

This is true in different parts of the world as well, as horses have adapted for different environments on different continents. The one that sticks out as a horse that people find difficult to identify is that of the mustang.

No, not the car, the mustang horse that inspired the car’s name. These enigmatic creatures are something that people know about vaguely in the back of their minds, but not an animal they are intimately familiar with.

So, what is a mustang then? Is it a special kind of horse? Or just a breed of horse? In this article, we will take a closer look at mustangs and give you the lowdown on what they really are.

So, What Is A Mustang?

Mustangs are actually interesting creatures, as they are not one specific breed of horse. The definition of a mustang is that they are feral horses that roam the US.

These horses live wild, but they are not considered wild horses because of their origins. Yet, their story is a fascinating one, as they have managed a full cycle for horse genealogy in America.

You see, the equine species is not originally from Europe or Asia. Horses actually are from North America originally, with the earliest known modern equid being Eohippus which lived about 52 million years ago.

This horse was a fox sized fruit eater and browser that kept to the forested areas, very different from the modern horses of today.

However, the climate of North America became drier and the first grasses began to evolve. This meant that the lush forests that the Equid family relied upon began to disappear, and the Equids were forced to adapt or die.

The members of the horse family gained grinding teeth, got far bigger, and their feet became single toed hooves instead of three toed feet, all of which was necessary for life on the plains.

During this period, there were tens of horse species, and they became very successful, radiating outwards and becoming masters of their new environment.

When the ice age came, a land bridge was formed between North America and Eurasia, where the Bering Sea is today. This allowed many new species from Eurasia to come to the Americas and begin to compete for food.

Among these were hypercarnivores, like big cats and bears, who took a liking to horses. Yet, this land bridge also allowed horses to spread into Eurasia, where they were well adapted for the grassland environments. Unfortunately, the horses in America did not survive and became extinct 13,000 years ago.

The horses in Eurasia thrived though and became companions to humans about 5000 years ago. Fast-forward to the 1400s, when the Spanish conquistadors brought over their horse companions back to their ancestral home.

Over the next couple of hundred years, horses escaped into the wild from the various groups of colonial powers coming to America and those that weren’t tamed by the native peoples, became mustangs.

A couple of hundred years later and there are still large feral populations of mustangs that keep living wild, just as their ancestors did thousands of years ago.

Where Do They Live?

As you can imagine from their history, Mustangs live in the United States. Of the roughly 130,000 mustangs that exist, 45,000 live in holding facilities and 85,000 live as a free-roaming population.

More than half of all free roaming mustangs live in the state of Nevada and the rest are spread out over Utah, California, Montana, Wyoming, and Oregon.

The reason that the horses have chosen these areas to settle in is mostly that they are suited to the environment. These areas have huge swaths of land that are either arid desert, semi-arid, or grassland, all environments that most horses do well in.

Another reason is that, excluding California, most of these areas have few people in them comparative to their size. For example, Nevada is the seventh largest US state, but it is also one of the least populated with only 3 million people living there.  

Due to the feral and temperamental nature of the mustangs, the expansion of people into wild areas, the reintroduction of the horse into ecosystems, and the horse being a large and powerful animal, there have been some conflicts between them and humans.

Luckily, the bureau of land management created Herd Management Areas in order to manage the free-roaming horses. This is due to the special nature that “wild” horses are afforded under US law, thanks to the ‘Wild and free-roaming horses and burros act of 1971’.

This gave rights and protections to the horses in public areas, where not much had existed before. These areas are now managed mostly for the benefit of the horses, but not exclusively.

What Do They Eat?

Mustangs will eat what most horses eat, except that their diet will not include human made products. This will mean mostly pasture food, which is almost exclusively grasses. However, feral horses don’t have as many options as domestic horses, so their diet can vary a little more.

When there are not many grasses to eat, a mustang will feed on berries, tree leaves, and twigs, but they are definitely not its preferred food. These horses can also go long periods of time without eating or drinking, thanks to the environment that they live in being quite arid and barren.

With so little around to eat, you might think that mustangs are unhealthier than domestic horses, but this is where you would be wrong.

Mustang’s diets, although leaner in amount, are actually far more varied, with them eating different types of grasses, flowers, fruits, leaves, or seeds than domestic horses, who tend to eat one type of grass. As such, they get a variety of different nutrients that keeps them healthy.

The hind gut fermentation process that a horse’s digestion goes through means that they are always extracting the maximum amount of nutrients from their food as well, meaning that as long as they have eaten in the last few days, they will have energy to spare, even in this difficult ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

Mustangs are one of the few horses that we can consider wild today. Even though, technically, they are descended from domesticated stock and so are feral, they have taken to life in the wilderness as if their ancestors never left it.

They are wonderful creatures that represent not just a return of horses to America, but the adventurous spirit of the old west, and they may also represent one of the few ways we can see a horse truly at home in the wild.

If you have never been to a rodeo before, we encourage you to give one a try. They are a really fun event that you are bound to love. Plus, it is a great way to see beautiful horses do some cool things. What’s not to love? 

For people who are new to rodeos, it can be tough to know what to wear. Thankfully, this guide will give some inspiration for both men and women, ensuring that you are appropriately dressed for this event. 

What Are Rodeos?

Do not worry if you are unfamiliar with rodeos. Essentially, they are a sporting event whereby the participants can show off their cowboy and horse-based skills.

Horses and other animals are frequently included in these routines. This allows you to see cowboys and cowgirls working with some majestic creatures. 

Among The Events That Are Commonly Featured In Rodeos Are:

• Steer wrestling
• Bull riding 
• Team roping 
• Tie-down roping 
• Barrel racing 

Rodeos are particularly popular in the United States, particularly in Wyoming and Texas. The sport is also common in Canada and Mexico, meaning that you may be able to watch a rodeo if you visit these countries. 

What Should I Wear?

Whether this is your first or fifteenth rodeo, you may be searching for some wardrobe inspiration. These tips can be used by both men and women, as the outfits tend to be quite similar at rodeos.

Cowboy Hats

As an event that is rooted in the history of cowboys, cowboy hats are a wardrobe staple at rodeos. There is something about that that will immediately help you get into the mindset of a cowboy.

Felt hats are the most popular variety, though you can also get cowboy hats made from leather or straw. 

Though felt hats look great, you may be better off wearing a straw hat in the summer. Felt will likely cause you to overheat.

In terms of color, a black cowboy hat will go with several outfits, though it may also be too hot for warm weather. In this case, you may be better off with a light or medium brown cowboy hat. 

Remember to look up cowboy hat etiquette before wearing one. For example, you will be expected to take your hat off whenever the National Anthem is played.

Jeans

For both men and women, denim jeans tend to be worn at rodeos. Though you can try wearing trousers, they may seem too formal for this event. Bootcut jeans will be ideal, especially for men. If not, feel free to try straight-cut denim jeans.

In terms of color, blue jeans are the standard. Black jeans will likely be too hot for these events, so it may be best to leave them in your closet. Though it is acceptable to have a few rips in your jeans, overly ripped jeans will not be too fashionable at a rodeo. 

Cowboy Boots

Like cowboy hats, cowboy boots are one of the first items of clothing you will think of when it comes to rodeos. Cowboy boots have quite high heels, allowing you to add some extra height to your appearance.

They are also quite decorative, enabling you to find an appealing pattern. You can find them in a small range of colors, though most cowboy boots are brown. 

You may want to break in your cowboy boots before you attend the event, as they can be quite uncomfortable at first. Traditionally, cowboy boots are made from leather. You can also get faux-leather cowboy boots if you are vegan.

Though leather boots can be a costly investment, they are worth spending the money on if you want to attend rodeos frequently. Suede boots are also an option.

Buttoned Shirt

Shirts are a great way of adding some color to your rodeo outfit. In fact, you are pretty much free to choose whatever pattern, print, or color you want. The only rules that you have to stick by are that the shirt should have buttons and a collar. 

You can stick to some fairly standard shirt colors, such as white or blue, or you can experiment with more bold prints or patterns. Even if you do not want to do something too vibrant, you can still try wearing a striped or checkered shirt. Honestly, the sky’s the limit!

Belt And Buckle

Though you may need to wear a belt to hold up your clothes, you can also wear one for style purposes. Preferably, the belt should be made from leather (or synthetic leather).

The belt will likely be on show, as shirts are commonly tucked into the pants at rodeos. As a result, you may want to choose a designer buckle. 

Try to match the belt to the rest of your outfit, mainly the boots or hat. For example, if your cowboy boots are medium brown, you should wear a medium brown belt. 

Scarves

When the weather is chilly, you may want to opt for a scarf. This choice is particularly popular with men in winter. 

Jewelry

Though jewelry is not commonly worn by men at radios, feel free to give it a try. For women, jewelry is quite popular. For jewelry, turquoise is often worn at rodeos. If you are going to wear jewelry, you may want to match it with your shirt color.

Other Accessories 

Bandanas are perhaps the best rodeo accessory. They can add some much-needed vibrancy to your outfit, as they are available in a variety of colors and patterns. Red is a widespread choice when it comes to bandanas.

You can keep it in your pocket or wear it around your neck. Bandanas do not tend to be worn around the head at rodeos, as they are unnecessary when wearing a cowboy hat. 

You may also consider wearing a bag to your rodeo so that you can store all your essentials. For women, you may want to bring a tasseled handbag or purse. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Wear Sandals To A Rodeo?

It is not the norm to wear sandals to rodeos, as cowboy boots are the more common choice. We only advise wearing sandals when the weather is warm. They will be more comfortable in the heat. 

Why Did Cowboys Wear Bandanas?

You may have noticed that cowboys are often depicted wearing bandanas in film and TV. The reason why they wore these accessories was to protect themselves from the harsh conditions in the desert. Bandanas would defend their faces from sand and dust. 

Final Thoughts

Rodeos tend to be lively events. By following these style suggestions, you will be able to fit into a rodeo. If you ever dreamed of being a cowboy or cowgirl as a child, rodeos are great ways of living this fantasy.