What is a newborn horse called?

A newborn horse is called a foal. The word applies to a young horse from birth until it is generally about one year old, regardless of whether it is male or female.

After the first year, terminology becomes more specific. A young male horse is commonly called a colt, while a young female horse is called a filly. These terms describe sex and age, whereas foal is the broad early-life term.

Foals are able to stand and walk soon after birth, an important adaptation for a grazing prey animal. They remain dependent on their mothers for milk and protection while gradually learning to eat grass and other solid feed.