Foaling Season: What Every Horse Owner Needs to Know

As winter melts into spring, horse owners eagerly prepare for one of the most exciting and nerve-racking times of the year—foaling season. No matter if you’re a seasoned breeder or welcoming your first foal, careful planning and knowledge can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and successful foaling season.

Signs of an Approaching Foal

A mare's pregnancy lasts about 340 days, but signs of labor can start weeks in advance. Here are key indicators to watch for:

Udder Development – The mare's udder will begin filling with milk 2-4 weeks before foaling.
Waxing Teats – A thick, yellowish wax-like substance may appear on the teats 24-48 hours before birth.
Softening of the Tailhead & Relaxed Vulva – The muscles around the tail and hindquarters loosen as the body prepares for delivery.
Restlessness & Nesting – Mares often become anxious. They will show more movement than nomal such as: pacing, pawing at the ground, or lying down frequently.

Pre-Foaling Mare Care: Vaccinations & Health

Proper prenatal care is essential for both the mare and foal. According to Dr. Jenn Hatzel at Colorado State University's Equine Reproduction Laboratory, pregnant mares should receive a strategic vaccination schedule to protect against common diseases and boost immunity transfer to the foal.

Here's Dr. Hatzel's recommended pre-foaling vaccine protocol:

5 months (120 days): EHV-1 (#1)
7 months (210 days): EHV-1 (#2)
8 months (240 days): Rotavirus (#1)
9 months (270 days): EHV-1 (#3), Rotavirus (#2), Clostridium (#1)
10 months (300 days): Rotavirus (#3), Clostridium (#2), 5-way + WNV and Rabies

Ensuring your mare follows a proper vaccination plan helps protect the newborn foal from infectious diseases, as the first milk (colostrum) is the only immune defense a foal has at birth.

Preparing for the Big Day
A clean, quiet, and well-bedded foaling area is essential. Whether in a stall or a pasture, ensure the space is safe and free of hazards. Key preparations include:

Foaling Kit –
- Gloves
- Towels
- Scissors
- Flashlight
- Tail wrap
- Obstetrical (OB) chains
- Lubricant
- Nasal aspirator
- Umbilical tape
- Navel dip (dilute chlorohexidine or dilute iodine solution)
Surveillance – Cameras or foaling alarms can provide peace of mind, especially for nighttime births to make sure everything is going smoothly and knowing when you need to step in.
Veterinary Contact - Keep your veterinarian informed and on-call in case of complications.

The Foaling Process

Foaling occurs in three stages:

Stage One (1-4 hours): The mare becomes restless, may sweat, and exhibit colic-like symptoms as contractions begin.
Stage Two (10-20 minutes): The foal is delivered, usually in a front-feet-first, nose-second position. If it takes longer than 30 minutes, intervention may be needed.
Stage Three (1-3 hours): The placenta is expelled. Retained placenta can lead to infection, so ensure it is passed completely.

Post-Foaling Care
The first hours of a foal's life are critical, and many veterinarians follow the 1-2-3 rule to ensure o ensure newborns get the best start according to University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

Foals should stand within one hour of birth.
Foals should successfully nurse within two hours for essential colostrum intake.
Mares should pass the fetal membranes (placenta) within three hours after delivery.

Additional post-foaling care includes:

The umbilical stump should be dipped in iodine to prevent infection.
The vet should examine the mare and foal within 24 hours to check for any issues

Foaling season is a time of anticipation and excitement, but it also requires careful planning and attention. With the right preparation, you can help ensure the safety of both mare and foal, setting them up for a healthy start!

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