potro

Potro is a Spanish noun that refers to a young horse, typically a male foal or colt. The feminine form is potra. The term is widely used in Spain and Latin America in equestrian, ranching, and breeding contexts to denote horses that have not yet reached full maturity. A diminutive form, potrillo, is common in everyday speech and can refer to a young horse of either sex, often used affectionately or to emphasize small size or youth. In some contexts, potro can be used more generally to mean a young horse regardless of gender when the gender is not specified.

Etymology and usage notes: Potro originates in Spanish and is closely tied to the vocabulary of horse husbandry. Its precise historical origins are not always distinguished in modern usage, but it remains a standard term across Spanish-speaking regions for juvenile equids.

In culture and media, potro appears in nicknames and references to young or promising individuals. A notable example is the nickname “El Potrillo” (the foal), used for Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández, highlighting his association with his famous lineage.

See also: horse terminology in Spanish, potro vs. potra, potrillo.