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Guide - Age Of A Horse
Age of a Horse
This article will describe information about some of the terms of thoroughbred’s horses in regards to their age and sex. There are many different terms when talking about race horses which are important to know, so read on for details.
Every horse celebrates its birthday on August 1, regardless of its actual date of birth. So even if a horse is born on July 31, it would be regarded as 1 year old come August 1st.
To counteract this problem, the racing industry has what is known as breeding seasons. These breeding seasons start in October, resulting in foals generally being born from September the following year, as mares carry their foals for approximately 11 months.
About Breeding Seasons
The breeding season comprises of two distinct periods, the covering season and the foal season.
The covering season is a nine month period extending from September 1st until May 31st and is essentially the official mating season. In other words, it commences one month after the start of the racing season and ends two months before the end of the racing season.
The foaling season is the twelve month period extending from July 1st through til June 30th. It commences one month before the start of the racing season and ends one month before the end of the racing season.
It is very important for breeders to follow these seasons to ensure horses fall within the appropriate age groups. a horse born outside the foaling season, while officially aged the same as a horse born within the foaling season, may be significantly younger and therefore under developed.
Foal
A foal is a newly born thoroughbred in its first year of life.
Weanling
A weanling is a horse that no longer suckles its dam, this typically occurs around the age of about six months.
Yearling
A yearling is a horse aged over 12 months of age, having passed august 1st since it was born.
2 Year Old+
A 2 year old is a horse which is in its third official year of life. A 3 year old is a horse which is in its fourth official year of life.
Aged Horse
An aged horse is a horse which is in its eighth official year of life or is older.