HORSE SENSE: Preparing for you mare to foal 09 February 2018 Premium

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09 February 2018

Leanne O'Sullivan on 09 Feb 2018

HORSE SENSE: Preparing for you mare to foal

Foaling can occur any time between day 310 and 370 of pregnancy, here is our advice on how to prepare

Leanne O'Sullivan

9 February 2018

Approximately four to six weeks prior to foaling, the mare should be brought to the premises at which she is intended to foal

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

If your mare is to foal indoors, the stable should be at least 12ft x 12ft in size

If the mare is to foal outside, a small paddock with a reliable means of artificial light, in case of an emergency, is ideal

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.

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