PREPARING FOR BIRTH
Most mares foal without difficulty. It usually is best to allow the mare to foal undisturbed and unassisted.
What you can do:
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Keep a watch or clock on hand so you can time each stage of labor. When you’re worried or anxious, your perception of time becomes distorted. The watch will help you keep accurate track of the mare’s progress during labor. Take written notes so that you won’t have to rely on memory alone. |
| Wrap the mare’s tail with a clean wrap when you observe the first stage of labor. Be sure that the wrap is not applied too tightly or left on too long as it can cut off circulation and permanently damage the tail. |
| Wash the mare’s vulva, hindquarters and bag with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly. |
| Clean and disinfect the stall as thoroughly as possible. Provide an adequate bedding of straw. |
| Test strips that measure calcium in mammary secretions are available commercially. These strips aid the owner in predicting when the mare will foal because sudden increases in calcium are associated with imminent foaling. |