VETERINARIAN, Emma-Rose Conroy once described a mare’s pregnancy as a series of hurdles and many breeders will now be approaching the final hurdle – foaling. Having successfully come this far, it’s important not to fall at the final hurdle, preparation is key.

Pregnancy length can range from 310 to 370 days, with the average equine pregnancy lasting for 340 days. An estimated foaling date for your mare can be calculated from the following:

Estimated foaling date = date of the last covering + one year - 25 days

However, mares will foal when they are ready and this is not necessarily when they are calculated to be ‘due’. Detailed and accurate health and reproductive records are hugely important when breeding as mares tend to repeat breeding and foaling patterns.

PREPARATIONS

Approximately four to six weeks prior to foaling, the mare should be brought to the premises at which she is intended to foal. This will allow the mare time to settle in and develop immunity to the premises’ specific pathogens.

The mare should also be vaccinated for both influenza and tetanus at this time as this will provide the foal with antibodies through the colostrum, which will offer protection for the first six months of life. Mares should be on an effective deworming programme throughout their pregnancy, a programme which should be devised in consultation with a veterinarian.

Mares that have had a procedure known as Caslicks performed (this is where a portion of the vulva lips are sewn together) will need to have the stitches opened approximately two weeks before foaling – breeders should consult their vet for advice.

If your mare is to foal indoors, the stable should be at least 12ft x 12ft in size, this is to allow plenty of room around the mare when she goes down to foal. The stable should be free from hazards such as sharp or protruding objects and it should be thoroughly cleaned to kill any pathogens.

Plenty of straw bedding should also be provided, straw is preferred to wood chips or shavings as chips and shavings can cause contamination of the umbilicus and could potentially be inhaled by the foal.

If the mare is to foal outside, a small paddock with a reliable means of artificial light, in case of an emergency, is ideal. The paddock should also be free of obstacles and have secure fencing.

Be sure to keep the lights low until your mare starts foaling. They don’t like bright lights at this time and the least amount of interference or distraction is best.

CONSTANT SURVEILLANCE

The majority of mares will foal normally without human assistance, however a small percentage will require human intervention and this will not come to light until labour begins. The mare should be monitored daily for physical changes that indicate that she is getting ready to deliver. Physical signs of impending foaling may include:

  • The vulva becoming soft, swollen and there may be small amounts of clear (mucus) discharge.
  • The mare’s abdomen may drop and hollow in front of the hips, the pelvic ligaments may also relax and create a sunken appearance on either side of the tailhead.
  • The mare’s udder will enlarge and begin to produce a “waxy” yellow secretion (colostrum) as near as one to two days before foaling, but sometimes as long as two weeks prior to foaling.

    • Foaling kit essentials

  • Important numbers and contact information – your vet’s number, after hours numbers, and anyone else who could help in case of emergency.
  • Headcollar and lead rope – just in case you need to move or reposition your mare. Having a few leads can always be helpful in the event you need to move her manually while she’s preparing for labour.
  • Clean buckets – you should have a designated bucket to hold the placenta for further inspection after your mare has foaled. When your mare has foaled, you will also want a clean bucket to wash up in and you may need another spare bucket for cleaning the mare, and in the event that you need to, the foal.
  • Towels or rags – good for cleaning your mare, drying your hands etc.
  • Tail wrap or vet wrap – when your mare is in the second stage of labour, you’ll want to wrap up her tail to keep it out of the way during the delivery.
  • Palpation gloves – in the event that you need to assist with the delivery, these gloves are necessary to protect the mare and foal from infection.
  • String or baling twine – good for tying up the placenta, so having some on hand is a good idea.
  • Scissors come in handy for a variety of uses.
  • An enema for the foal – administering an enema to a newborn foal can help dislodge any meconium (first faeces) and assist in getting the bowels active.
  • An antiseptic treatment for the foal’s naval.
  • Pen and paper – important time intervals and events should be documented closely. A mare labouring too long may need intervention. Record the length of time from breaking of waters to when the foal’s nose and feet first protrude through the vulva and from then until delivery. If the entire process takes any longer than 30 minutes your vet should be called. Then record the time it takes for the foal to stand, nurse and the time that the meconium passed. Most breeders will also record the time that the placenta is passed.
  • Torch and batteries – since a majority of mares foal in the dark hours of night, be prepared with a torch or head lamp. Even if you are blessed with barn lights, you never know when they might go out due to a storm.