As to be expected, the black mare does not stand still as he enacts his attack. As he barrels towards her he can see her getting ready, muscles moving in anticipation of an attack or defence that she is planning. As inexperienced as he is, he cannot read the movements of her muscles and barrels onward, heedless of the danger.
When she finally does rear up at the last moment, he is far too close to get out of the way. He shies his head to the right side, but not fast enough. Her hoof scores along the left side of his soft muzzle and Zayn bellows in pain. As close as they are, and with the combined power of his momentum towards her and the power of her own kick, the sharper edge of her hoof breaks the flesh. For a moment, he can taste blood.
But there’s still no way for him to stop. His attack at least hits home - his shoulder making contact with her left knee. An injury that will hopefully impede her movement throughout the rest of the battle.
His momentum carries him past her and he continues on with his second attack, grunting through the pain. It’s truly not a grievous injury (though it will likely scar), but having never been in battle and having an injury in such a sensitive spot, proves distracting. But his second attack also hits home and he smirks slightly as he feels his hooves make contact with Hestia’s side.
There’s no time to gloat however, for the mare is already mounting her counterattack. She wheels around so that her own rear hooves are facing him and lashes out, aiming for his rear end. Zayn takes a few steps forward and wheels to his own left, swinging his hind end to his right and out of her reach. He’s lucky - her hooves just barely miss his rump. With her superior height and weight he could have suffered some painful bruising to the muscles in his hip or thigh.
He continues his spin around and races after her, his golden neck snaking out and yellowed teeth snapping at her dock. He grimaces as he tries to bite her - the wound on his face still hurts, but thankfully he’s able to bear it. If his teeth hit true he won’t seriously injure her, but he’ll give her a painful wound to think about - just like the one on his face.
He continues in his dash, now running along her right side. Instead of relying on hooves and teeth he once again resorts to brute force, leaning slightly to his left and aiming to throw his wait against her barrel. Being shorter, if his aim is true, he could hit her in her mid barrel (depending on how she reacts). And if he’s successful, he could cause her to stumble.
Fourth and final attack completed, he continues forward in his run, hoping to get past her before she has any chance to retaliate.
ZAYN
I'm an ugly mess