Horses have been a part of human civilization for centuries, providing transportation, work, and competition. In order to identify individual horses, each one is assigned a unique number. But what do the numbers mean on horses? This article will explain the purpose of the numbers, how they are assigned, and how to interpret them.
Purpose of Numbers
The primary purpose of the numbers assigned to horses is to identify them. The horse’s number is used to track its pedigree, performance, and ownership, as well as to differentiate one horse from another.
How Numbers Are Assigned
The method of assigning numbers to horses varies depending on the discipline or organization. In some cases, the numbers are assigned by a governing body such as a racing authority or show organization. In other cases, the numbers are assigned by the horse’s owner or trainer.
Types of Numbers
Jockey Club Number
The Jockey Club is the official registry for Thoroughbred horses in the United States and Canada. Each horse registered with the Jockey Club is assigned a unique number that consists of seven digits. The first three digits identify the foaling state or country, the fourth digit indicates the year of foaling, and the last three digits identify the horse.
Racing Number
Horses that race in the United States are assigned a racing number by the racing authority. This number is different from the Jockey Club number and typically consists of three digits. The racing number is used to identify the horse in the racing program, in the race results, and in the racing records.
Show Number
Horses that compete in shows are assigned a unique number by the show organization. This number typically consists of five digits and is used to identify the horse in the show program and in the show results.
Understanding the Numbers
Jockey Club Number
The Jockey Club number is the most important number for a Thoroughbred horse. This number will remain with the horse for its entire life and can be used to trace its pedigree and performance. Each number has a specific meaning, which is outlined below:
- The first three digits identify the foaling state or country.
- The fourth digit indicates the year of foaling.
- The last three digits identify the horse.
Racing Number
The racing number is assigned by the racing authority and typically consists of three digits. This number is used to identify the horse in the racing program, in the race results, and in the racing records. Racing numbers are typically assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so the number may not have any special meaning.
Show Number
The show number is assigned by the show organization and typically consists of five digits. This number is used to identify the horse in the show program and in the show results. Show numbers may include a letter prefix or suffix that indicates the horse’s class or division.
Conclusion
Horses are assigned a unique number for identification purposes. The type of number and its meaning depend on the discipline or organization. The Jockey Club number is the most important number for a Thoroughbred horse, as it can be used to trace its pedigree and performance. Racing numbers are assigned by the racing authority and show numbers are assigned by the show organization. Knowing how to interpret the numbers can help you gain a better understanding of the horse and its history.
References
- The Jockey Club. (2020). What is the Jockey Club? Retrieved from https://www.jockeyclub.com/what-is-the-jockey-club/
- The Jockey Club. (2020). Understanding the Jockey Club Number. Retrieved from https://www.jockeyclub.com/understanding-the-jockey-club-number/
- Equine Science Center. (n.d.). Racing Numbers. Retrieved from https://equinescience.rutgers.edu/horse-identification/racing-numbers/
- Equine Science Center. (n.d.). Show Numbers. Retrieved from https://equinescience.rutgers.edu/horse-identification/show-numbers/