What is a Female Horse Called?

As a lifetime gamer and horse enthusiast, I get asked this question a lot – what is a female horse called? The answer is: a mare!

Specifically, a female horse under 4 years old is called a filly, while a mature female over 4 years is a mare. But there‘s more horse terminology that every passionate gamer should know.

Filly vs Mare: What‘s the Difference?

Let‘s break down the key distinctions:

Filly

• A female horse under 4 years old
• Has not reproduced or had a foal yet
• Called a weanling in the first year after being weaned from mother
• Examples: Epona in early Legend of Zelda games

Mare

• A mature female horse over the age of 4
• Has likely reproduced and/or had offspring (foals)
• Additional terms: broodmare (breeding mare) or dam (mother)
• Examples: Agro in Shadow of the Colossus, horse in Red Dead Redemption

So in gaming, unless specified, full-grown female horses are nearly always adult mares – capable of having or nursing foals.

Horse Breeding Terminology in Games

Games that emphasize horse breeding mechanics use some unique terms:

Dam – The female parent or mother of a new foal
Sire – The male parent or father of a foal

In Foal – When a mare is pregnant, over 11 months

For example, Stardew Valley tracks pregnancy status, dams, and sires behind the scenes to generate new offspring in breeding cycles.

Some statistics on mare pregnancy in games:

As this data shows, mare gestation periods vary based on realism goals!

Mare Behavior & Care Tips in Games

Through iconic gaming mares like Agro (SOTC), Epona (LoZ), and more, players get a digital glimpse into mare temperaments and needs:

• Heats: some games simulate estrus cycles, when mares come into heat and can breed
• Kicking: mares may kick males aggressively during courtship rituals
• Pregnancy: in foal mares need specialized feeding/care pre- and post-foaling in some games
• Injuries: mares can experience strained tendons, leg fractures, and other complex diagnosis

Caring for a pregnant or injured mare often requires expert gaming skill – but pays off with faster steeds!

Analyzing Iconic Gaming Horses & Mares

Beyond breeding, some of gaming’s most iconic horses just happen to be mares:

Agro – Shadow of the Colossus

This faithful black Andalusian mare accompanies Wander on his ill-fated quest. Known for advanced AI that replicates equine behavior.

Epona – Legend of Zelda Series

Link’s loyal riding companion, this sorrel mare possesses seemingly magical powers and intelligence.

I could devote 10,000 words to analyzing other extraordinary gaming mares! From Whistle in Gun to Argo in Half-Life 2, mares have left an indelible mark on gaming.

Why Gamers Love Horses (Especially Mares)

For gamers, horses represent power, freedom, and human connection. And iconic females like Agro and Epona have uniquely captured players‘ hearts across decades.

In my opinion, there‘s something special about the mare‘s mix of strength, speed, and nurturing instincts that speaks to a gamer‘s soul. They watch over us, carry us into adventure, and occasionally buck us into last week!

Sure, stables have stallions and geldings too. But give me a spirited mare as my noble steed any day. Gamers wouldn‘t have it any other way!

So whether you‘re bonding with Epona or racing an Arabian in RDR2, remember a key horse term: mare!