BHA Work Experience Work Experience Handbook For Students | Page 25

METHODS OF IDENTIFICATION Although most horses can be identified by stable staff, trainers and owners through their colours and markings, there are other methods of identification that can be used by others. The main ones are: • microchip – all registered thoroughbreds and horses that require a passport have a small chip inserted into their neck that has a unique identity number SEX Male and female horses are described as follows: • foal – from birth to 1 January of the following year • mare – an adult female horse • filly – a young female up to three years old • colt – a young male up to three years old • stallion – an uncastrated or ‘entire’ male horse • passport – giving a detailed description of a horse • gelding – a castrated male horse of any age. • freeze brand – a mark on the horse’s coat that shows a unique number (not used in racing). HEIGHT In addition, a horse’s age, height and sex will be used as identification. The traditional standard measurement of height for a horse is the ‘hand’, which is equivalent to approximately 10cm or 4 inches. For example, a height given as 16.2hh indicates that the horse measures 16 hands and 2 inches. HORSERACING WORK EXPERIENCE WORKBOOK 25