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Foaling Season: Tips for Delivery

This article covers the foaling process, from preparing for the foal to a few days after its arrival.

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Updated:

January 27, 2025

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Pregnant mare grazing in a pasture. Photo credits - Laura Kenny, Penn State Extension

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Introduction

Foaling refers to the process when a mare gives birth to her foal. This typically occurs after an average gestation period of 330 to 370 days, with most mares delivering their foals around the 340-day mark. However, some mares may give birth earlier or carry their foals for longer than usual. There have been cases of mares carrying their foals for over 400 days. It's important to note that foals born before reaching 320 days of gestation are classified as premature, which can lead to various health challenges.

The foaling process occurs in three stages, each characterized by specific signs and signals. Understanding these stages is crucial for anyone involved in horse breeding, as it allows you to monitor the mare closely and recognize when something might be wrong. Being attentive during this time can impact the safety and health of the mare and her foal.

Pre-Foaling Process

Prenatal Care

About one month before the estimated due date, the owner should start preparing for the foal’s birth. If the mare has had a Caslick's procedure, it should be removed to prevent any injury to her and complications during the birthing process. This is also the time for the final round of vaccinations and deworming, so it's important to discuss with a veterinarian which specific vaccines and dewormers should be administered.

The mare’s nutritional needs will increase, as lactating mares have the highest energy demands. Before giving birth, a mare should have a minimum body condition score (BCS) of 5 and no higher than 7. A BCS below 5 can make it difficult for the mare to produce milk since all the nutrients will be directed toward maintaining her health. Conversely, a BCS above 7 may complicate the birthing process due to obesity. Increasing energy needs can be met by increasing forage, except for tall fescue, or choosing a concentrate (grain) to supplement the forage. Work with an equine nutritionist to determine the right feeding schedule for your mare.

Maintaining the mare's health is important for the health of the foal.

Preparing the Barn for Foaling

A mare needs a safe and clean environment for foaling. Ideally, this should be a large stall (minimum size of 14x14 feet) or a small paddock. If you choose a paddock, a grass pasture is preferable to a dry lot.

When preparing a stall, make sure to disinfect it before adding bedding. Straw bedding is recommended because it is absorbent, reduces dust, and consists of larger pieces, which lowers the chances of inhalation issues. Alternative bedding options include paper or cardboard shavings, but wood shavings are not advisable; they increase the risk of respiratory infections due to dust and can be choking hazards or cause airway blockages for a newborn foal. Additionally, wood shavings can get in the eyes and lead to ulcerations.

Consider using cameras to monitor the mare prior to and during birthing. A Foal Alert device can also be helpful in notifying you when labor begins. This device is attached to the exterior of the vulva with a suture. When the mare goes into labor, the suture is pulled, triggering an alert to the owner. However, it's important to note that the suture can sometimes detach prematurely, resulting in false notifications.

Lastly, prepare a foaling bucket with essential items for the birthing process and keep it nearby in the stall or birthing area. This list provides some items to have ready, but talk to your veterinarian for other suggestions.

Foaling Bucket Items:

Veterinarian contact information
Gloves
Towels
Scissors
Baling twine
Flashlight
Tail wrap
Halter
Lead rope
Obstetrical (OB) chains
Lubricant
Enema
Nasal aspirator
Umbilical tape
Navel dip (dilute chlorohexidine or dilute iodine solution)

Foaling bucket with supplies — An example of a foaling bucket. Photo: Olivia Watson, Penn State Extension

Signs of Foaling

The mare will begin showing signs around a month before parturition (the birthing process); signs can include edema (swelling or fluid buildup) on the underside of the abdomen, filling of the udder (bagging up), and relaxation of the vulva and areas around the tailhead. The udders will produce a waxy secretion a few days before foaling, along with a clear fluid, then colostrum. Fluid changes, like color, thickness, and pH, can be monitored easily at home and signify when the mare is getting closer to foaling. A pH of less than 6.5 usually indicates that foaling will happen soon (usually within 24 hours). You can apply a tail wrap and clean the vulva and legs when there is a drop in pH. This helps to maintain a cleaner area. However, ensure that the tail is not wrapped too tightly, as this can cause harm to the mare. The mare should be moved to the birthing area at least a week before the estimated foaling date and hand-walked until the foal is born. If the mare is not at the farm where she is supposed to foal, move her to the foaling location at least one month before the estimated due date.

If the mare displays any of the above signs earlier than a month before foaling, contact a veterinarian. Concerning signs can be discharge from the vulva, premature filling of the udder, dripping milk, rapid swelling around the belly, and more.

Stages of Parturition

A mare experiences three stages of parturition, starting with early contractions and concluding with the birth of a foal. Each mare is unique and may spend different amounts of time in each stage. Close monitoring during this process is crucial to ensure the mare’s and her foal’s safety.

If you are inexperienced with foaling out mares, you should notify your vet when labor begins. The vet may not need to come out right away, but it is helpful to have them on standby in case something goes wrong and they are needed quickly.

Stage 1

In this early part of foaling, uterine contractions begin, and the cervix dilates. The mare often starts to show signs of stress and nervousness, such as colic, circling, frequent urination and defecation, excessive sweating, and dripping of milk. Monitor this stage, but try not to disturb the mare. Horses have the ability (to an extent) to delay the foaling process until they feel they are in a safer situation. Monitoring can be done by camera or quietly waiting in the barn area away from the stall or paddock. This stage typically lasts 1-2 hours but can be much longer. Some mares have been reported to be in this stage for 12 hours. Stage one ends when the water breaks. A clear/white bag will be seen. If a red bag is seen, contact a veterinarian immediately and break the bag so the foal can breathe. Red bags tend to be thick and difficult to rip; the scissors in the foaling bucket can be used to cut a hole in the bag, but be careful not to cut the foal. Red bag deliveries are caused by early placental detachment and compromise the foal's breathing ability.

Stage 2

Stage two involves the expulsion of the foal and typically occurs quickly, usually within 30 minutes. The foal should emerge in a diving position, with its front feet forward and its nose positioned between its front legs. If the mare is progressing, allow her to foal independently without assistance. However, if the foal is in an incorrect position or if labor is not progressing, contact a veterinarian immediately, as dystocia (birthing difficulties) is an emergency in horses. Once the foal is born, remove the fetal membranes surrounding its face and clean away any mucus or discharge to ensure the foal can breathe. Allow the mare and foal to bond unless the foal is in distress. Give the umbilical cord time to break on its own, typically about 1-2 inches from the abdomen. If the cord does not break on its own, break the cord 1-2 inches from the abdomen and tie it off with umbilical tape. Dip the navel using your preferred antiseptic solution once the umbilical cord is detached.

Stage 3

Stage three of the birthing process is the expulsion of the placenta, which typically occurs 1 to 3 hours after the foal is born. It is important not to pull the placenta out, as this can cause serious harm to the mare. You can tie up the placenta to prevent the mare from stepping on it. Some mares may try to eat the placenta, so it’s best to remove it and keep it for examination by a veterinarian during the postnatal checkup. Occasionally, pieces of the placenta can be retained within the uterus, which may lead to infections. Be sure to monitor the mare's behavior and temperature and contact a veterinarian if the placenta does not detach or if you notice any signs of infection.

Postnatal Care

Mare Care

After foaling, check to make sure the mare does not have any tears or other problems. If the mare is in good condition, allow her to bond with her foal. Difficult births or dystocias can be traumatic for the mare and can interfere with the bonding process, causing rejection. Maiden mares are also more likely to reject their foals than a mare that has had multiple foals. Monitor the interactions between the mare and foal to make sure the foal is safe.

Within two hours, the foal should be up and nursing. This can be a difficult time for some mares, especially maiden mares or mares without milk, and they may kick or bite the foal, preventing it from nursing. Tying the mare up can be a way to keep the foal safe while they are still getting adjusted to each other and milk production increases.

Three hours after the foal is born, the mare should have passed the placenta. Remember to save it for the vet to examine during the postnatal exam. If it has not passed or if there are pieces missing, contact a veterinarian. (See "Stage 3” above for tips)

A postnatal exam should be scheduled 12-24 hours after the foal is born. A veterinarian will check the vitals, check for any tearing, and check the placenta to see if anything has been retained. Continue monitoring the mare for signs of infection, colic, lack of milk production, or foal rejection.

Foal Care

Within the first hour of life, a foal should be able to stand up. While many foals may be shaky on their feet initially, they will improve as they grow stronger. If the foal is not standing, you can help it get up. It is important to remember to support a foal by placing one arm around its chest and the other around its hindquarters; do not lift it by its belly or around the ribcage, as its ribs are delicate.

By two hours after birth, the foal should be able to nurse. Colostrum, the nutrient-dense milk produced immediately after birth, is essential for protecting the foal's health. If the foal is unable to nurse, you should contact a veterinarian, as it is at risk of severe dehydration and may need to be tube-fed. Insufficient or poor-quality colostrum increases the foal’s risk of infection.

Another important occurrence after the foal is born is the passing of meconium, the first bowel movement. Meconium is dark in color and has a sticky consistency. This typically happens within a few hours of life but can be 9-12 hours later. Discuss with your veterinarian when it might be necessary to use an enema to help the foal pass meconium. If the foal does not pass the meconium within 24 hours, there is a risk of impaction.

Be sure to schedule a postnatal exam 12 to 24 hours after the foal is born. During this exam, the veterinarian will conduct a physical check, monitor vital signs, look for swelling in the limbs, and check for any limb deformities. Blood tests may also be performed to assess for signs of infection and the successful transfer of antibodies from the colostrum. Continue to monitor the foal's health and development as it grows.

If the foal is born unexpectedly and you don’t witness the birth, contact a veterinarian and move the mare and foal to a safe location. Monitor their vital signs and check to see if the foal is nursing while waiting for the veterinarian to arrive.

Conclusion

A mare typically carries her foal for about 11 months. As you approach the final month before foaling, take the time to prepare the mare and the barn. Ensure the barn is clean and comfortable, providing a space where your mare will feel safe and secure. The birthing process begins with the onset of contractions and ends with the arrival of a newborn foal! Once the foal is born, monitor the bonding process between the mare and her little one to keep both safe. Be sure to check that the mare is producing milk, ensuring the foal gets the nourishment it needs. Also, monitor the vitals of the mare and foal for signs of infection. Most importantly, take this time with your new foal at home; it’s an experience that will create lasting memories!