The following information is based on our own experience and is meant only to share our ideas with new owners.  These ideas may not be useful under different circumstances or if misunderstood.  There is one thing we've learned, it's that we'll never stop learning.  It is your responsibility to do your own research and find methods that will work for you.

Foaling season begins when the mare is checked in foal.  Under normal circumstances the mare is in good physical condition and up to date on yearly vaccinations and dewormers.  The pregnant mare now requires some special care, the mare can still reabsorb or abort her foal.  Stress is often a the cause, especially during the early stage of pregnancy.  For that reason mares are only transported within three days of the last breeding or after 63 days of pregnancy.  Adjustments to the mares daily routine are made slowly and carefully so as not to create upset.  ie. Horses kept together develop strong bonds, this is referred to as being herd bound, so if needed we try to re-arrange horses prior to conception.  

The mares feed schedule is monitored closely to ensure proper weight and body condition is maintained.  Teeth are checked, if the mare is not able to chew her food she won't be getting all the nutrients she needs.  As her term progresses she will need more hay and grain, only the best quality feed is offered to our broodmares.  Special attention is required in checking a pregnant mares weight, she can look fat and still be underweight, a winter coat can also hide ribs.  During the last stage of pregnancy special vitamins and supplements are added to her feed.

Extra vaccinations to guard against Rhinopneumonitis are given at 5, 7 & 9 months.  This disease causes abortions, it often goes  undetected and is easily spread.  With so much time, planning, as well as money invested and with broodmares having relatively few productive years it is wise to be cautious.  Yearly vaccinations given to all our horses every spring help to boost the mare and foals immune system before the last stage of pregnancy.  Otherwise the mare's shots are put until the foal is weaned.  

Two months prior to due date mares are checked regularly for any signs of early foaling, usually mares are brought inside within one month prior to due date.  Inside the broodmare becomes accustomed to our foaling stall, which is 14' x 12'and has video monitoring camera.  Expectant mares are now turned outside daily in supervised paddocks.  We also begin to check them at least three times daily for early signs ie. developing udder, dripping milk or wax from nipples, hind quarter muscles becoming relaxed, muscles around vulva soften, vulva swollen and drops open, foal stops kicking or it's position begins to change. 

Time to restocked the foaling kit;  Clean Towels, twitch, latex gloves, palpation gloves, squirt bottle of betadine (Iodine Scrub), empty syringes, needles, garbage bags,  stainless bucket, tail wraps (vet wrap), 1" white adhesive tape, gauze, clamps, scalpel, scissors,  injectable oxytocin, antibiotics and tetanus, enemas, rectal thermometer, stethoscope, we also try to keep frozen colostrum on hand, baby bottle with nipples and foal milk replacement formulas. 

As the day approaches the stall is bedded in straw (to avoid foal inhailing shavings), vulva is washed (remove sutures if mare has caslick), tail is wrapped from top down (without cutting off circulation) and twenty-four hour supervision begins.  We are fortunate enough to have video reception in all accommodations on the farm, so the mare can be watched without being disturbed.  Most broodmares will try to outwait their attendant if they know they are being watched.  Another method that works well is an observation room with a window out of their reach and sight.  We used to set up  a cot in hallway or adjacent stall with peak hole, often the minute I left to go to bathroom the foaling began.  If none of the above are an option or you're foaling outside, we recommend you quietly check mare about every 15 minutes.

Mares often become restless the last few days, some mares may even colic during this stage.  It's not unusual for them to paw, get up and down frequently or  try to roll to relieve their discomfort or reposition the foal.  These are also signs of colic or foaling trouble, ensure you are educated enough to differentiate.  Always air on the side of caution, if you have any doubts call your veterinarian.  We have at least two vets on call and know how to reach them after hours.  Most of our mares foal between one and four in the morning, but you can never count on that or any other rule of thumb when it comes to foaling.  What we are looking for is a white balloon like shape protruding from the vulva, this indicates the water is breaking, but this happens quickly is hard to see on video.  Most mares lay down and stretch out immediately, you may see her tighten her body in an effort to push or you may already see tiny hooves protruding.  

By now the breeding team has been alerted and is throwing their clothes on as they run across the parking lot to the barn.  We approach the stall as quietly as possible and watch from someplace we can't be spotted.  If the mare is straining but the foal seems stuck, if nothing is happening or if the mare tries to roll, we use voice to soothingly make our presence known and calm the mare while two of us enter the stall.  One person goes to the head to reassure and control the mare while the other goes to the rear, a third person remains outside the stall to fill out Foaling Record, access the foaling kit or make emergency telephone calls.  Avoid tearing the sack until the foals head is out, If the foal is a breech or there is a problem with the umbilical cord the foal may need to be pushed back in and you don't want it inhaling fluids.  If such a problem is suspected we have the security of knowing our vet is on call ready to give emergency advice or come to our rescue.  If needed we carefully grip the foals feet and provide a constant gentle pull only when the mare is pushing.  Often the mare just needs some additional help in getting the shoulders out and all the rest goes smoothly.  Our experience is with Arabian mares, additional equipment might be required with larger breeds.

As the foal is born, we clear the nasal passages and check the breathing.  On one occasion the foal's lungs were filled with fluid and we had to carefully lift the foal head down to drain them and provide mouth to mouth, this was not an easy task.  We have our sterile gloves on and betadine in hand ready to squirt the umbilical cord the second it breaks, but we always allow it to remain intact as long as possible and are careful not to disturb the mare or foal.  We used to have the odd umbilical infection with Iodine Tincture, our vet was the one to suggest that betadine was better.  At this point we vigorously towel the foal dry, this provides heat and helps the foal become more alert.  The mare may have passed the afterbirth, we put it in a garbage bag right away.  If it is still attached and dragging on the ground, we tie it in a knot so it doesn't become damaged, ensure the mare is not bleeding.  The afterbirth can hang there for hours before it's released, never try to pull it out!  We then check for any abnormalities in the afterbirth or placenta, you may want to save it where no animals can get at it until your vet can check it. 

Now it's time to allow the mare and foal time to bond with one another, this is an important stage and they should be left undisturbed as long as the mare is not acting aggressively towards the foal.  We continue to observe them on video monitor, watching for any signs of trouble ie. signs of colic, shock, foal not trying to get up, mare not allowing foal to drink, etc.  If all else seems well our next priority is to ensure the foal gets the colostrum and milk it needs.  If this does not occur within an hour of foaling we intervene by carefully entering the stall (the mare might be very protective of the foal, even if it's out of character or she was fine before) then gently lift the foal to it's feet and help it balance and find it's way to the nipples.  Often a second person is required to hold and comfort the mare. Most foals move into pressure so be patient and gentle when guiding it, allow the foal to lean on you for balance or fall against your arms so it can remain standing.  If all else fails, it may be necessary to milk the mare before the foal becomes to weak.  Once that first long drink is taken go back to observing from a distance, watch them closely for the first 48 hours.  We have our vet out within that period to check the mare vaginally and give the foal a checkup.  Emergency care may be required if you see signs of diarrhea, straining, bleeding. abnormal temperature, increased heart and respiration rate, swollen joints or navel, loss of suck reflex, lethargy, signs of shock or colic, diminished circulation, dehydration or bloating.

There are books such as "Blessed are the Broodmares" and "Blessed are the Foals" that give excellent and far more in depth information.   The horse industry is fortunate today to have good milk replacement formulas and services like the colostrum Bank available incase of complications or lose of the mare.   Check out the Equine Education-Health-Research section of our links page for some valuable resources now available on the web.  

Recommended Reading;

Blessed Are the Brood Mares; M. Phyllis Lose; Hardcover

Blessed Are the Foals; M. Phyllis Lose; Hardcover