How to Care for a Foaling Mare

By Lauren Lamb, DVM, MS

If you are expecting a foal this spring, congratulations—you are nearly home free. The good news is that the birth of a new born foal, although exciting, is usually uneventful and complication free. Here is an outline of what you should expect during a normal parturition as well as what to look for if there is a complication with the foaling process.

The normal pregnancy for a mare can last anywhere between 320 to 360 days. Although induced labor is an option for a mare who carries her foal beyond 330 days, this option should be avoided due to the possible life threatening risks it presents for the mare and foal. Only in rare circumstances, such as a life threatening disease or an infection in the placenta should parturition be induced.

Labor in the mare is divided into three stages, and each stage has a set time interval. You should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible if there is any deviation from the time interval. The mare should foal unassisted and undisturbed, but you should be present to observe the foaling.

To read more, pick up the February issue of OKFR!