• 1. Don’t panic, keep things calm, the mare will pick up and your stress and it won’t do her any good.
  • 2. Organise to have a veterinary surgeon on call in advance of foaling, especially if you are dealing with a number of mares.
  • 3. Always have your foaling kit with you and restock after every foaling.
  • 4. Have the mare in the stable you’re happy to have her foal in. Try to avoid moving her mid process.
  • 5. Keep things clean.
  • 6. If you encounter problems and are waiting on a veterinary surgeon, try your best to get your mare up, and walk her until the veterinary surgeon arrives.
  • 7. Disinfect the foal’s navel as swiftly as possible post foaling using 2.5% iodine.
  • 8. Watch the mare for signs of colic post foaling.
  • 9. Keep an eye on the mare’s gums, eyes and ears as indictors of a haemorrhage. Call your veterinary surgeon immediately if her ears go cold, eyes go glassy and colour drains from gums.
  • 10. Don’t attempt to foal a mare if you are unsure of what to expect.