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At The Farm at Brookside, we know that nothing is more exciting—and more delicate—than the arrival of a new foal. Proper mare and foal care during birth and the first hours of life sets the foundation for a healthy, thriving horse. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of mare and foal care. We will focus on what happens during foaling and how to support both mare and foal in the first critical days.
Whether you’re a first-time owner or a seasoned breeder, understanding mare and foal care is essential to ensuring safety, health, and a strong start for your newborn.
Preparing for Foaling
Mare and foal care starts well before labor begins. About four to six weeks before the expected due date, the mare should be moved to a clean, quiet, and well-bedded foaling location.
Vaccinations should be updated prior to foaling, ideally three to six weeks before the mare’s due date. This boosts the antibodies passed to the foal through colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk that is essential for building the foal’s immune system. Deworming may be advisable every two to three months during pregnancy. Pregnant mares overall can be kept on a deworming schedule similar to that used for other horses. But product labels should be read carefully so an appropriate and safe dewormer is used.
Daily monitoring of the mare becomes especially important during the final month of pregnancy. Signs of impending labor can include:
- Behavioral changes like restlessness or nesting (gathering hay or straw to create a “nest”)
- Swelling of the udder as it fills with milk and waxing of the udder as wax-like beads of colostrum form on the ends of teats
- Relaxation of the pelvic ligaments
- Elongation of the vulva
The Three Stages of Labor
Understanding the stages of labor is a key part of mare and foal care. Here’s what to expect:
Stage 1: Early Labor (1-6 hours)
This stage involves uterine contractions and positioning of the foal. Mares may act colicky, get up and down, pace, sweat, look at their flanks, and urinate often. It’s best to observe quietly, ensuring the environment is calm and undisturbed.
Stage 2: Delivery (20-30 minutes)
Once the water breaks, the foal should be delivered within 20 to 30 minutes. The front feet appear first, one slightly ahead of the other, followed by the nose, head, chest, and the rest of the foal. If the mare pushes for more than 30 minutes without progress, a veterinarian should be called immediately.
Stage 3: Expulsion of the Placenta (within 3 hours after delivery)
The placenta should pass naturally within three hours. Retained placenta is a serious condition requiring immediate veterinary attention, as it can lead to infection and laminitis.
At The Farm at Brookside, our team is on standby for all foalings to assist and intervene when necessary, always prioritizing the safety of both mare and foal.
Immediate Postpartum Mare and Foal Care
Once the foal is born, the clock starts ticking on a few vital milestones. These are known as the “1-2-3 Rule” of mare and foal care:
- 1 Hour: The foal should be standing
- 2 Hours: The foal should be nursing
- 3 Hours: The placenta should be expelled from the mare
Failure to meet any of these milestones warrants a call to the veterinarian.
Foal Vital Signs and First Check
Within the first hour, check the following:
- Breathing: 60 to 80 breaths per minute for the first 30 minutes; 30 to 40 breaths per minute from 1 to 12 hours post foaling
- Heart rate: Over 60 beats per minute (bpm) at 1 to 5 minutes post foaling; 80 to 130 bpm at 6 to 60 minutes post foaling
- Temperature: Normal is 99.5°F to 101.5°F
- Gums: Pink and moist
- Nursing: Signs of a strong suckle reflex
The foal should also pass its first feces, called meconium, within 6 to 12 hours. A failure to do so could indicate a blockage and may require veterinary care. At the Farm at Brookside, an enema administered to the newborn foal is included as part of the Foaling Package.
The Umbilical Cord and Navel Care
The umbilical cord usually breaks naturally as the mare or foal rises. The foal’s stump may be dipped in an appropriate disinfecting solution (chlorhexidine) every 8 hours for 48 hours to prevent infection. At The Farm at Brookside, we monitor the navel area closely for signs of heat, swelling, or discharge, all of which could indicate infection.
The First Nursing
Colostrum is rich in antibodies that protect the foal from disease. It’s essential the foal receives colostrum within the first 8 to 12 hours of life.
At The Farm at Brookside, we monitor colostrum quality and ensure the foal has nursed adequately. If there’s any doubt, we may recommend supplemental colostrum, colostrum substitute, or plasma therapy if needed.
The Mare’s Postpartum Health
Mare and foal care doesn’t end with the foal’s birth. The mare must be monitored for:
- Complete expulsion of the placenta
- Temperature
- Postpartum bleeding
- Appetite and water intake
- Comfort and behavior changes
A mare may experience temporary soreness or fatigue, but ongoing discomfort, fever, or depression requires prompt veterinary care. Always examine the placenta to ensure it’s intact and note any abnormalities in the mare that may signal problems.
Bonding and Behavior
The early bond between mare and foal can be essential. Normal behaviors include:
- Nuzzling
- Frequent nursing
- The mare nickering (“calling”) and licking the foal
When to Call a Veterinarian
Mare and foal care sometimes requires professional help. A vet should be contacted if any of the following is observed:
- Foal not standing or nursing in the first two hours
- Foal continually strains to urinate or defecate
- Swelling or discharge in foal’s umbilical stump
- Retained placenta in mare (not expelled within three hours of delivery)
- Signs of colic in mare or foal
- Fever or abnormal behavior in mare or foal
Why Choose The Farm at Brookside for Mare and Foal Care?
At The Farm at Brookside, we are passionate about equine care. Our experienced team provides:
- Full board with specialized nutrition for pregnant and nursing mares
- 24-hr video monitoring with onsite owners
- Milk testing to predict impeding foaling
- Evaluation of the quality of the dam’s colostrum
- Foal imprinting
- Umbilical cord care (for foal) post foaling
- IgG test to assess foal’s immunity
- Enema administered to newborn foal
- Foal and postpartum mare examination
We pride ourselves on providing a safe and nurturing environment where mares and foals can thrive. From ultrasounds and breeding support to perinatal care and equine training, The Farm at Brookside is your trusted partner.
Final Thoughts
Mare and foal care during and after birth is both a science and an art. It requires careful observation, timely intervention, and a lot of love. By preparing ahead, knowing what to expect, and having a reliable team by your side, you can ensure a smooth start for both the mare and her newborn foal.
If you’re looking for expert mare and foal care, trust The Farm at Brookside. We strive to provide a safe, supportive, and successful perinatal experience for both mare and foal. Learn more at thefarmatbrookside.com.
Sources:
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Foal speed ahead: Caring for the newborn horse.” vet.cornell.edu. 3 February 2023. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/about-us/news/20230203/foal-speed-ahead-caring-newborn-horse.
Holyoak, Reed and Hiney, Kris. OSU Extension, Oklahoma State University. “Foaling Management and Care of the Nursing Foal.” extension.okstate.edu. November 2024 (Id: AFS-3985). https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/foaling-management-and-care-of-the-nursing-foal.html.
Madill, Scott, Malone, Erin, and Ward, Christie. University of Minnesota Extension. “Caring for your mare during breeding and foaling.” extension.umn.edu. Reviewed 2021. https://extension.umn.edu/horse-health/caring-your-mare-during-breeding-and-foaling#deworming-and-vaccinations-67062.
