Filly vs Mare
 

Why are Fillies not as "rank" as mares? Does it have to do with their bone structure, muscle structure..... why is it that they are not on the whole as "rank" as the males?

Sorry, novice question from a novice but had to ask after really cheering on that Rags to a win. That was fun and I would LOVE to see more races like that. Boy Vs Girl

1 other question, did that 5 pounds really make a difference?

didn't hurt

Curt, I 'm not sure here what you are using as a definition of rank....when horse people use the term it refers to a horse that is overbearing or strong and won't listen, acts like an ass etc....sometimes when talking about a colt that gets studdish all of a sudden, or a horse that runs off with a rider....It refers to a personality trait and has nothing inherently to do with gender or age.

If you're referring to the general belief that fillies are more manageable and "sweeter" than mares-- well, not to anthropomorphize, but it's probably the same reason women are less "manageable" than girls- they're all grown up and they know who they are. :)

Some of my favorite guys on DT prefer "mares" to "fillies," and I love them for that, even if some of those same guys have a weird thing for "Elizabeth Shue."

hmmmmmm

i wonder who.........

Curt,
I don't think one can generalize about fillies/mares being "rank".
Just an example from my own experience, two fillies, both 2yo's.
One is very easy, the other, yikes.
Both one stall apart. Same handlers, same feed.
Just my experience, but each one is different.
Colts are a whole different story. Even a yearling colt put out with mares and fillies can get dangerous (protective) of his harem.
I've met some very nasty mares also.
So, bottom line...I don't think it's a male/female factor.

However, a mare in season can get a bit 'bitchy' (why do you think female dogs got that reputation?) and uncooperative. Again, varies considerably from mare to mare - some are angels whenever.

Some breeder friends have had fillies who come out of the womb with an attitude. One got nick-named 'the Filly from Hell'; the couple who bred her sold her as a yearling, didn't see her race for a couple of years, then all of a sudden she shows up as 5yo maiden at the Pomona fair. Finished in the money, went on to Los Al where she broke her maiden and won a couple more races. Husband of the pair reminisisced "And I remember when she first bit and kicked me." We noticed in the winner's circle the connections kept a respectful distance from both ends of the lady.