- 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 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 by making a break.
- Colt -
A male horse, age three or under.
- 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 of the phrase "first overland."
- Foal -
A newly-born horse. (verb) The act of giving birth.
- Gelding -
A desexed horse of any age.
- Green Horse -
A horse that has not raced, or has raced only a few times.
- Horse -
A male horse, age four and up.
- Maiden -
A horse (male or female) who has never won a racing purse.
- Mare -
A female horse, age four and up.
- Parked-out -
A horse racing on the outside with at least one horse between him and the inside rail or barrier.
- Purse -
The cash prize won by the owner. The purse is usually paid to the first five finishers; 50% is paid to the winner, 25% for place, 12% for third, 8% for fourth, and 5% for fifth.
- Purse -
Prize money earned for winning a race.
- 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.
- Scratch -
A horse who is withdrawn before the race starts.
- Sire -
The male parent of a horse.
- Trainer -
The person responsible for keeping a horse in top racing condition. In harness racing the trainer is often the driver.
