Unlike human babies, who take months to build the strength and knowledge to stand on their own, baby animals only need a few minutes before they’re up on their feet. This is a survival instinct that many species, including farmyard animals, have developed over time, which is why you’ll see newborn horses like @metalheadcowgirl’s newest foal, Zora, learning to walk shortly after birth.

It’s normal for foals to stumble, hop, and even fall down while getting a hang of their legs, but Zora has another method of learning to walk. She’s learning to run and kick instead! The three-day-old foal’s zoomies in her stall left both her mom and human mom, Kaleigh, stunned into silence, but nothing is more shocking than her impressive high kicks!

Just look at her go! This tiny horse may be new to this world, but she’s already using her long legs like a pro. Her mom is a barrel race horse, so the athleticism must run in the family!

“Oh gosh, brace yourself and get a vet on standby,” commenter @geried warned. Luckily, this equestrian knows exactly what to do with a spicy foal! She raised this proud-yet-embarassed mama horse when she was a foal, and now it’s time for the next generation.

Related: Newborn Foal’s ‘Bouncy Zoomies’ Are Inspired by Her Mini Donkey Neighbors

That tiny Dachshund, on the other hand, definitely learned to keep his distance from the spicy horse! @Earth.to.mars21 recognized how he was “trying to defend [Kaleigh] but also afraid of being kicked.” What a brave dog!

Some viewers think she’s zooming out of joy, while others joked she’s a head-banging metalhead in disguise. Whatever you see when you look at this joyful little foal, it’s impossible to deny that she’s going to be an adorable, athletic handful.

When Do Foals Walk?

Although every mom and foal will be on a slightly different timeline, healthy newborn baby horses should be standing on their own about an hour after birth. Some foals may need a hand unfolding their legs for the very first time, but if they cannot stand without assistance, veterinary intervention may be necessary.

Newborn foals should begin nursing within two hours of birth, which means they’ll be taking their first steps to get to Mom. Running, jumping, and kicking usually take several days to master, but for energized and athletic foals like Zora, it’s no trouble at all.

If this is what Zora can do at just a few days old, just think of what she’ll be able to do when she’s a year old!

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This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Feb 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.