During which stage do some horses experience a "gangly" period as they continue to grow and mature?

The yearling stage is characterized by a period of significant growth and development, during which many horses experience a "gangly" appearance. This is a time when they begin to lose their baby fat and start to develop a more adult body structure, which can lead to an uncoordinated look as their limbs may grow at different rates compared to their bodies. The body proportions can appear off-balance, contributing to this gangly appearance. This stage is critical for growth and also for the development of strength and muscle as they become more active.

In contrast, the weanling stage occurs shortly after a foal is separated from its mother, typically around six months of age. At this point, they are still quite chubby and not yet in the stage when the gangly look is prominent. The foal stage, which is the earliest stage, involves rapid initial growth and the establishment of baseline body structures without the awkwardness of later development. The term "stallion" refers to a mature male horse, which has already grown past the gangly phase and demonstrates the full development of its physical characteristics.