The short, direct answer to what is a female horse called is that an adult female horse is called a mare, while a young female horse is called a filly. In breeding contexts you will also hear terms like dam (the mother of a foal) and broodmare (a mare kept specifically for breeding).
If you have ever wondered “what is a girl horse called?” or “what is the proper female horse name term?”, this guide breaks down every stage and term, plus how female horses compare with stallions and geldings.
Basic Terms for a Female Horse
| Term | Meaning | Typical Age / Context |
|---|---|---|
| Filly | Young female horse | From birth up to about 3–4 years (sometimes up to 5 in racing) |
| Mare | Adult female horse | Usually 4 years and older |
| Dam | Mother of a foal | Any mare that has produced offspring |
| Broodmare | Mare used primarily for breeding | Adult mare whose main role is producing foals |
Every female horse is called one of these terms depending on her age and role, so context matters.
Age Stages: From Foal to Mare
Horse terminology is closely tied to age and development. Here is how a female horse’s labels change as she grows.
- Foal – Any baby horse under a year old, regardless of sex.
- Filly – A female foal or yearling that is too young to be called a mare, generally from birth up to 3–4 years old.
- Yearling filly – A female horse between one and two years old.
- Mare – An adult female horse, typically considered 4 years and older.
Some regions and disciplines adjust these thresholds slightly. In many racing rules, a horse may be classed as a filly until age five, especially in the US and UK racing industries.
Sexual Maturity vs. Terminology
Female horses can reach sexual maturity as early as two years old, but most responsible breeders wait until they are fully grown—often around four—to breed them. That means a horse may be biologically capable of breeding while still being called a filly in common usage.
Mare, Stallion, and Gelding: Key Differences
To understand what a female horse is called, it helps to compare with the main male terms.
| Sex / Status | Term | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Adult female | Mare | Adult female horse, usually 4+ years old. |
| Young female | Filly | Female horse too young to be a mare (up to 3–4 years, sometimes 5). |
| Adult male (intact) | Stallion | Adult male that has not been castrated and can breed. |
| Adult male (neutered) | Gelding | Castrated male horse, cannot breed. |
| Young male | Colt | Young male horse, usually under 4 years. |
This comparison shows that the female equivalent of a stallion is a mare, while the female equivalent of a colt is a filly.
Dam and Broodmare: Breeding Terms for Female Horses
Dam
The term dam is used in pedigrees and breeding records to mean the mother of a foal. Any mare that has had a foal can be referred to as that foal’s dam, even if she is also used for riding or competition.
Broodmare
A broodmare is an adult mare kept specifically or primarily for breeding. These mares are chosen for traits such as sound conformation, good temperament, and strong performance or bloodlines. Some broodmares may still be ridden lightly, but their main job is to produce the next generation of horses.
Many high-level sport horses and racehorses retire to become broodmares once their competitive careers are over.
What About Pony Mares?
The same female terms apply to ponies. A pony is defined by height, not by age or sex.
- Pony filly – A young female pony.
- Pony mare – An adult female pony.
- Pony broodmare – A pony mare used for breeding.
People sometimes confuse foals with ponies, but a pony is a small adult type of horse, usually under about 14.2 hands (around 1.48 m) at maturity, while a foal is simply a young horse that will continue to grow.
Typical Behavior of Mares and Fillies
While personality varies widely between individuals, there are some general trends horse owners often notice in mares and fillies.
- Hormonal cycles – Mares come into heat (estrus) on a regular cycle during the breeding season, which can temporarily affect their mood, focus, or sensitivity.
- Maternal instincts – Dams and broodmares often show strong protective behaviors toward their foals, especially in the first weeks after birth.
- Athletic ability – Mares compete successfully in nearly all equestrian sports and can perform at the same high levels as stallions.
- Social dynamics – In herd settings, older mares often play an important role in guiding and stabilizing the group.
These are general patterns rather than rules. Some mares are laid-back and uncomplicated, while some geldings or stallions are more reactive—each horse is an individual.
Quick Comparison of Female Horse Terms
| Question | Correct Term | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| What is a female horse called? | Mare (adult), filly (young) | “That bay mare is 8 years old.” |
| What is a girl horse called? | Filly or mare, depending on age | “The little palomino filly is a yearling.” |
| What do you call a female horse used for breeding? | Broodmare | “She retired from racing and became a broodmare.” |
| What do you call the mother of a foal? | Dam | “This colt’s dam was a champion jumper.” |
FAQ About Female Horse Terms
What is a female horse called at different ages?
A female horse is called a filly from birth until about 3–4 years old (sometimes up to 5 in racing), and a mare once she is considered fully adult, usually 4 years and older. Once she has a foal, she also becomes that foal’s dam, and if she is used primarily for breeding, she is called a broodmare.
Is “mare” the only correct female horse name term?
No. While “mare” is the standard term for an adult female horse, the correct female horse name term changes with age and role. “Filly” is the young female term, “dam” is the mother in pedigrees, and “broodmare” refers to a breeding mare. So when someone asks “what is a girl horse called,” the precise answer depends on the horse’s age and function.
Is a filly just a baby mare?
Not exactly. A filly is any young female horse that has not yet reached the age threshold to be considered a mare. She might be a foal, a yearling, or a 2–3-year-old in training. Once she passes the age cut-off (usually 4, sometimes 5 in racing), she is then called a mare, regardless of whether she has been bred.
Do mares behave differently from stallions and geldings?
Mares can be influenced by their reproductive cycle, so some show mood or behavior changes when in heat, whereas geldings do not have these hormonal swings. Stallions, as intact males, may display stronger territorial or breeding-related behaviors. However, training, handling, and individual temperament have a huge impact, and many mares are exceptionally steady, reliable riding horses.
Next Step: Find the Perfect Name for Your Mare or Filly
Now that you know exactly what a female horse is calledmare names. For younger horses or any “girl horse,” you can also browse a wide range of charming options in our curated list of female horse names. And if you are naming a pair, don’t miss our bold and powerful ideas for stallion names to match your mare’s new stablemate.