Not only for pregnant mares, but also for many breeders, an exciting time begins with the start of the foaling season. Is your mare expecting a foal this year-perhaps even for the first time? Then make sure you are well prepared and have everything you need at hand to ensure the birth and the first days with your new foal go smoothly and without problems.
Presence during foaling
First and foremost, it is crucial for the health of both the mare and the foal that the birth proceeds smoothly. Naturally, you want to be present to ensure everything is going well. In the event of complications, those first few minutes can be absolutely critical.
However, it’s not easy to predict exactly when foaling will occur. Often, it begins during a long period of rest-which frequently happens at night. Fortunately, the Birth Alarm offers the perfect solution. This foaling alert system is a unique, user-friendly, and horse-friendly device designed to notify you when foaling is imminent.
How does the Birth Alarm work?
There are six different models available, each with various features and price points (ranging from approx. €500 to €999). Despite the variety, all models share the same basic function: when the mare goes into labor and the contractions begin, she will almost always lie completely on her side in the typical foaling position. Lying down this way helps her cope with the pain.
The Birth Alarm detects how long the mare remains in this position. If she stays on her side for at least 7.6 seconds, the system interprets this as a contraction and immediately sends out an alert.
You can read more [here] about the different models and their extended features. While purchasing a foaling alarm may not be an easy decision due to the cost, it is truly an investment in the life and health of your foal.
Preparing with your veterinarian
If you don’t have much experience with foaling, it’s wise to consult your veterinarian about what needs to happen during the birth. There are several key points your vet will likely address:
To prevent infections or other complications, it’s important that the uterus is completely emptied after the birth. The placenta is usually expelled within 30 minutes to 1.5 hours after foaling. If it takes longer than 3 hours, contact your veterinarian immediately. You can keep the placenta so the vet can examine whether it was fully expelled. If not, the mare may need to be flushed.
The veterinarian will likely disinfect the umbilical cord as well.
In addition, it is important that the foal passes the meconium (first feces). This typically occurs within the first 24 hours after birth.
If you have any doubts or questions, we strongly advise you to contact your veterinarian.
Tools and essentials for the newborn foal
To begin with, you'll definitely need a foal halter. Emmers Equestrian offers a wide range of foal halters to choose from. Not sure which one to pick? The QHP foal halter is a great starter option. It is highly adjustable, allowing it to grow along with your foal’s head. It’s very important that the halter fits snugly enough to prevent the foal’s leg from accidentally getting caught in it. As your foal grows, there are of course many other, more luxurious halters available.
In addition to a halter, you’ll also need a foal feed bowl in the stable once your foal is ready to eat independently. A foal divider in the feeder is important to ensure the mare doesn’t eat the foal’s feed. There are both plastic and metal options available. Choose a model (like the one shown below) with a removable divider-this way, you can continue using it for a much longer period.
Lastly, it’s always helpful to have a disinfectant on hand for treating small wounds. Suitable options include iodine shampoo or a disinfectant spray.
Recommended supplements
There are also a number of interesting supplements specifically developed to support the healthy development of muscles, bones, and the overall musculoskeletal system-both for the mare (during pregnancy and lactation) and for the foal.
For the Mare
Both Cavalor Nutri Grow and Equistro Mega Base Fertility are highly recommended for broodmares. During the third trimester of pregnancy and throughout the lactation period, mares have an increased need for vitamins and minerals. These supplements from Cavalor and Equistro provide all the essential nutrients needed to support the optimal development of both the pregnant mare and the unborn foal.
The foal’s most significant growth spurt occurs during the final three months of pregnancy. However, the mare’s nutritional demands-particularly for minerals-begin to rise much earlier. It is advisable to feed a diet rich in calcium, phosphorus, copper, and iodine starting from the seventh month of gestation.
For the Foal
The first few months of a foal’s life are crucial in laying the foundation for healthy development into a strong, mature horse. In some cases, basic feed may not be sufficient to meet the foal’s needs for essential minerals and vitamins. In such cases, Equistro Mega Base Junior is the perfect supplement to bridge the nutritional gap up to weaning. This Equistro supplement is an ideal addition to your foal’s feed and is easily absorbed. It can be introduced from 4 weeks of age.
For further questions regarding supplements or specific concerns, feel free to contact us for more information!
