Filly

A filly is a female horse, specifically one which has not reached sexual maturity. This usually means it is under 24 months of age. After it reaches maturity it is known as a mare.

Related Topics:
Female - Horse - Mare

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In Thoroughbred horse racing, the definitions of "filly" and "mare" are slightly different. In this context, female horses are not classified as "mares" until they are five-year-olds—more precisely, on the fifth January 1 (for horses born in the Northern Hemisphere) or July 1 (for horses born in the Southern Hemisphere) after their actual date of birth. Harness racing sets the cutoff age for "mares" as four years.

Related Topics:
Thoroughbred - Horse racing - January 1 - Northern Hemisphere - July 1 - Southern Hemisphere - Harness racing

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The equivalent male is a colt. When either are very young they can also be referred to as foals.

Related Topics:
Colt - Foal

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