Training Fillies vs. Colts: Is There a Difference?
Spend enough time around a racetrack or sales barn and you’ll hear the same old line: “Fillies are harder to train.” It’s one of those long-standing perceptions in the Thoroughbred world—colts are said to be bold and straightforward, while fillies are branded as moody, sensitive, or “difficult.”
But here’s the truth we see every day at horseOlogy: it’s not about fillies vs. colts. It’s about treating every horse as an individual.
Industry Perceptions vs. Reality
In the Thoroughbred world, stereotypes tend to stick. Many buyers lean toward colts (aiming for the future stallion career, understandably so!) assuming they’ll be stronger, easier, and more profitable. Fillies, on the other hand, are sometimes viewed as needing a bit more patience or a softer touch.
The reality is far more nuanced. Yes, colts can be powerful and focused, but they also tend to require a little more hands-on management to channel all that energy in the right direction. Fillies, meanwhile, often bring sharp minds, athleticism, and an eagerness to work. With the right approach, they show a natural desire to please, which can make them incredibly rewarding to train.
At the end of the day, “challenging” is usually just another way of saying “unique.”
Our Real-World Experience
At our farm in Ocala, if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: no two horses are the same.
We’ve had fillies who blossomed in a quieter, more individualized program, showing off their willingness and eagerness to connect.
We’ve also had colts who needed every ounce of patience and a trainer’s feel for what they were really asking for to bring out their best.
The difference isn’t gender—it’s personality. And when you approach training with sensitivity and flexibility, you start to see those so-called “challenges” as opportunities.
The Advantage of a Smaller Barn
This is where being a boutique program becomes our strength. At horseOlogy, we don’t have hundreds of horses rotating through a rigid routine. We have the time and space to notice the little things: the filly who builds confidence through quiet one-on-one work, the colt who steadies once he knows his boundaries.
Because we’re intentionally small, we can build real relationships with our horses. That trust is invaluable, especially for fillies who thrive on connection and colts who benefit from consistent, hands-on guidance.
A Female Trainer’s Perspective
At horseOlogy, being a female-forward team means we’ve heard it all—the same stereotypes people put on fillies get tossed at women in this industry too. Words like “difficult,” “emotional,” or “hard to manage.” (Shocking, right? We’ve never heard those before. 🙄) But just as fillies often prove, those labels usually miss the point.
What some call “emotional” is really awareness. What’s described as “difficult” is often just individuality. And with the right patience and program, those differences become strengths.
When it comes to the sales world, the distinction is different: colts often bring stallion potential, while fillies carry the added value of broodmare careers after racing. Both paths offer incredible upside—just in different ways.
At horseOlogy, we lean into that balance. Being intentional, thoughtful, and hands-on allows us to maximize opportunity—whether it’s in the training barn or the sales ring.
So, Is There a Difference?
Yes—and no. Fillies and colts can bring different energy to the training barn, but one isn’t inherently harder or easier than the other. The difference comes down to perception, patience, and program.
At horseOlogy, our philosophy is simple: every horse deserves to be seen as an individual. And when you start from that place, fillies and colts alike can thrive.
Final Word
If you’ve ever hesitated to get involved with Thoroughbred ownership because you’ve heard the myths about “difficult” fillies—or worried that colts come with their own set of challenges—we’d love to show you another side of the story.
Ready to see the difference a smaller, hands-on barn can make?
With horseOlogy’s Thoroughbred Partnerships, you’re not just along for the ride—you’re part of a program where every horse gets the attention they deserve.
Call (855) 467-7437 or email Teona@horseOlogyinc.com to get started.