Age: Every horse shares a “birthday” of January first. A horse becomes one year old on the first of January after he or she is born, and turns two one year later – regardless of the actual date of his or her birth.
Break: When a horse gallops, instead of trotting or pacing, it’s on a break. The driver must get the horse out of the way of the others, must not improve their position, and must attempt to get the horse back on its proper gait. A horse is not automatically disqualified.
Colt: A male horse, age three or under.
Dam: The female parent of a horse.
Filly: A female horse, age three or under.
First-Over: A horse racing on the outside without another horse directly in front of him or her. A foreshortening of the phrase “first overland.”
Foal: A newly-born horse. Also, the act of giving birth.
Gelding: A desexed horse of any age.
Horse: A male horse, age four and up.
Mare: A female horse, age four and up.
Purse: The cash prize won by the owner.
Qualifying Race: A race without a purse or betting used to determine a horse’s ability and manners. Horses who have made repeated breaks in stride or have been away from the races for a long period of time must race in a qualifying race before being allowed to race in a betting race.
Sire: The male parent of a horse.
– Courtesy of the Maine Harness Racing Promotion Board.
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