Note: In thoroughbred horse racing, there is no artificial insemination, and all thoroughbred horses share the birthday of January 1, regardless of their actual birth date.
breaks maiden—first race the horse wins
breeding—the act of horses mating or the horse’s bloodline
broodmare—adult female horses who are breeding
colt—male horses under four years old
cover—the mare is covered by the stallion in the breeding process
dam or “out of”—mother of horse
farrier—blacksmith
fillie—female horse under four years old
foal—baby horse
foaled—a mare has given birth
gelding—castrated male horse
in foal—mare is pregnant
maiden—has never won a race
mare—adult female horse
mudder—racehorse performs well on muddy track
pensioned—completely retired, no racing or breeding allowed
retired—retired from racing and breeding
stallion—male horse that has not been castrated
stud—male horses ready for breeding
slipped—mare has miscarried her foal
sired, or “by”—father of horse
stakes race—race conditions met before being allowed to enter and are graded I, II, or III
stud fee—fee paid to the stallion owner(s) for a successful breeding
stands and nurses—indicates stud fee is paid when newborn foal stands up and nurses
up—jockey riding the horse