A foal is a young horse that is typically less than one year old. Foals are born after a gestation period of about 11 months and are usually able to stand and walk within a few hours of birth. They rely on their mother's milk for nutrition during their early months and grow rapidly during this time. Foals can be either male or female and are often weaned from their mothers at around six months of age. As they grow, they begin to eat solid food and learn important social skills from other horses. A foal's development is crucial for its future as a healthy and strong horse.