A little horse NYT crossword clue

The answer to the clue “A little horse” is FOAL. A foal is a young horse, specifically one that is under a year old. This term applies to both male and female baby horses before they mature into a colt (male) or filly (female). The clue uses the word “little” to indicate youth rather than size, making “foal” the most accurate fit.

In crossword puzzles, seemingly simple clues often hinge on wordplay or double meanings. Here, “little” doesn’t mean “small in stature” like a pony, but rather “young in age.” Understanding this nuance is key to arriving at the correct answer: FOAL.