The animal kingdom uses specific collective nouns, often called terms of venery, to describe groups of creatures. These terms frequently apply to livestock, where distinctions are made based on the age or gender of the group members. While a general term applies to all horses, a more precise word exists for a gathering of young males. Understanding this specific terminology requires first defining the individual animal.
What Defines a Colt
A colt is a young, uncastrated male horse, typically under the age of four years. This designation depends on both the animal’s gender and its stage of development. The term contrasts directly with a “filly,” which is the designation for a young female horse also under four years old.
The more general term “foal” is gender-neutral, referring to any horse of either sex that is less than one year of age. A colt is technically a male foal until it reaches its first birthday, after which it is referred to as a colt until it matures. Once a colt turns four, it officially becomes a stallion if it remains uncastrated or a gelding if it has been castrated.
The Collective Noun for Colts
The traditional collective noun used to describe a group of colts is a “rag.” This historical term is rarely encountered in modern equestrian circles. The use of “rag” may evoke the idea of a loose, boisterous collection, aligning with the energetic nature of young horses.
Another less common term for a group of colts is a “rake.” While these specific nouns exist in historical texts, the general term “herd” is far more frequently applied to any group of horses, including young males. In the wild, a group of colts is often referred to as a “bachelor herd.” This dispersal, usually occurring between one and two years of age, prompts the young males to form temporary, non-breeding groups.
Group Names for Other Horses
The collective noun “herd” is the most widely accepted term for any general gathering of horses, whether domesticated or wild. However, many other specific terms exist that depend on the horses’ purpose or social composition. For example, a group of horses gathered for breeding purposes is referred to as a “harras” or a “stud.”
When a group of horses is working together, such as those pulling a carriage, they are called a “team,” or a “span” if there are two of them. A group of racehorses owned and trained by the same person is frequently called a “string.” Furthermore, a group of wild horses consisting of one stallion and multiple mares is known as a “harem” or a “band.”