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With the arrival of spring comes the excitement of lambs, calves, kids, and, for us, foals. While most mares foal without assistance, many owners prefer to be present because timing is critical.
The average gestation length for a mare is 335 days (around 11 months), but this can range from 320 days to over 400 days.
Knowing an accurate breeding date can help you better predict foaling and avoid potentially months of sleepless nights awaiting your foal’s arrival.
Vaccinating your mare against tetanus and strangles four to six weeks before foaling is strongly recommended.
If she is not vaccinated, begin a course early enough to ensure the final vaccination is given within this timeframe.
Antibodies absorbed from the mare’s colostrum during the first 24 hours of life are critical for the foal’s early immunity, making good-quality colostrum essential.
“Having a fully stocked foaling kit is a great way to ensure you have everything you need for the arrival of your new foal.”
About four weeks before her due date, move your mare to a safe, secure, flat, and accessible paddock.
This allows her to settle into the environment and makes any necessary intervention safer and easier.
A good spotlight or head torch will make monitoring in the dark much easier!
Most foetal growth occurs during the final three months of gestation, so it is important to ensure your mare’s nutrition meets these increased demands.
Regularly assess her body condition score to avoid her becoming too thin or overweight. You can find guidelines for body condition scoring online.
Having a fully stocked foaling kit is a great way to ensure you have everything you need for the arrival of your new foal.
Essentials include towels, exam gloves, umbilical dip (dilute 1 percent iodine or chlorhexidine), an umbilical clamp, a thermometer, a head torch, buckets, pen and paper, scissors, twine, vet wrap, a clock or watch, and your vet clinic’s phone number.
The key to foaling is being prepared and having a plan in place for when your little one arrives.
If you have any questions about mare preparation, vaccinations, or foaling, contact your veterinarian. Happy foaling!
