Is there anything cuter than a new foal trying to figure out what to do with ALL those legs?

Even lying down takes some practice. We’ve watched foals walk in circles trying to figure out just how to get down before finally awkwardly folding those long legs underneath themselves.

But those long legs are there for a reason.

A healthy foal is normally standing within about an hour of birth and nursing within two hours. Those first steps may be pretty wobbly, but it sure doesn’t take them long to figure things out!

And then come the baby zoomies! The sudden bursts of running, quick stops, little kicks and bucks are so much fun to watch. But all that playing is also helping a baby build strength, balance and coordination—things a wild horse is going to need.

Life doesn’t stop for the family because there is a new baby. A foal has to follow Mom and keep up with the band as they travel to water, food, shade and safety. On some days, that can mean traveling miles on those little legs!

And here’s something you may not know. A foal is already about 61% of its mature overall size at birth, and the cannon bone is one of the most mature bones in length when they’re born. No wonder they look like they’re ALL legs!

It is pretty amazing to watch. One day those legs seem to be going in every direction, and before you know it, that baby is racing around Mom!

What’s your favorite—those first wobbly steps or the baby zoomies? ❤️

Photos by Shaun Barkasy, Deb Saari, Debra Mykitiak, Destini Rhone See less