csikó

Csikó is the Hungarian word for a foal, a young horse or pony in its early life. The term covers both male and female offspring and is distinct from adult horses, which are generally referred to as ló. In everyday speech and horse breeding, csikó denotes a juvenile horse before it reaches maturity. It is a native Hungarian word with medieval attestations; its precise historical origins are uncertain.

From birth, a csikó relies on its dam for nutrition and protection. It typically learns basic social behavior, and early handling shapes its temperament. Weaning occurs after several months, after which the young horse may be trained for riding or driving or kept for breeding stock. The term helps breeders and caretakers distinguish juvenile stock from mature animals.

Outside of technical contexts, csikó is also used in Hungarian literature and everyday language as a symbol of youth, potential, or new beginnings. The plural form is csikók.