Step-by-Step: How To Foal A Horse Safely

What is the normal length of time a horse is pregnant? The normal mare gestation period is about 11 months, usually lasting between 320 and 360 days. Safe foaling requires careful planning, close observation, and knowing when to step in and when to let nature take its course. Birthing a foal is an amazing event, but it can also be stressful if things go wrong. This guide gives you the steps to help your mare deliver safely and care for your new baby horse.

Preparing for the Big Day: Setting Up the Foaling Area

A smooth delivery starts long before the mare shows the first signs of labor. Good preparation is key to a low-stress birth for both mare and foal.

Choosing and Setting Up the Foaling Stall

You must have a safe place for your mare to give birth. This spot should be ready several weeks before her due date.

Location: Pick a stall that is large. A minimum size of 12 by 12 feet is best. This gives the mare room to lie down completely and turn around easily.
Cleanliness: The stall must be very clean. Wash the walls and floor well. This cuts down on germs that could harm the newborn foal.
Bedding: Use plenty of soft, clean bedding. Straw is often the best choice. It provides cushion and is easy to see the birth process against. Avoid sawdust or shavings that can stick to the wet foal.
Safety Check: Look closely at the stall. Remove anything sharp. Check for nails sticking out or rough wood edges. The mare might move strongly during labor. You want no sharp hazards nearby.
Temperature Control: Keep the area warm but not hot. A draft-free space is important, especially if the foal arrives during cold weather.

Assembling Your Foaling Supplies Checklist

Having all your tools ready prevents frantic searching when the time comes. Prepare a dedicated kit.

Item	Purpose
Clean, dry towels or sheets	Drying the foal immediately
Iodine solution (2% chlorhexidine)	Dipping the umbilical cord
Tail wrap/streamers	Keeping the tail clean and out of the way
Flashlight or headlamp	Necessary for nighttime checks
Timer or watch	Tracking labor stages
Stethoscope	Checking the foal’s heart rate later
Non-detergent liquid soap	For cleaning hands if assistance is needed
Contact list	Vet, experienced helper, emergency numbers
Nitrile gloves (disposable)	For any internal checks

Recognizing When Labor is Near

A mare does not usually show obvious signs days ahead of time. Most changes are subtle. Knowing the signs of impending labor in horses helps you know when to start watching closely.

Changes in the Mare’s Body

The mare’s body prepares in the final few weeks.

Mammary Changes: Her udder swells significantly, becoming full and tight, usually 2 to 4 weeks before birth.
Waxing: Just a few days before, or sometimes hours before, drops of thick, yellowish fluid (colostrum) appear at the tips of the teats. This is often called “waxing.”
Relaxation: The muscles around her tail head relax. You might see the tail “hang” lower than normal. Her vulva may look soft and swollen.
Loss of Appetite: Some mares stop eating or eat less in the last 24 hours.

Behavioral Signs Leading to Birth

Behavioral shifts are often the most reliable short-term indicators.

Restlessness: She may pace, look at her sides, or shift her weight often.
Vigilance: She might seek isolation or seem nervous.
Nesting: Some mares paw the ground or lie down and get up repeatedly.
Colic Signs: She may appear restless, similar to mild colic. This is common as the mare tries to get comfortable.

Fathoming the Stages of Normal Labor Progression

Horse labor happens in three distinct stages. Recognizing normal labor progression is vital so you know when to intervene and when to wait.

Stage One: Preparation

This stage involves the mare getting ready for the actual delivery.

Duration: This can last anywhere from 30 minutes up to 4 hours. First-time mothers (maiden mares) often take longer in Stage One.
What Happens: The mare’s cervix opens. The foal moves into the correct position in the birth canal.
Signs: She shows restlessness, paces, watches her flank, and may roll slightly. She may try to lie down and stand up again frequently. She usually still eats hay during this stage.

Stage Two: Delivery of the Foal

This is the active pushing stage when the foal is born. This stage must happen quickly for the foal’s safety.

Duration: Ideally, this stage takes 20 to 45 minutes. It should rarely take more than two hours.
What Happens: The mare breaks water (rupture of the amniotic sac). The contractions become much stronger. You will see the feet appear first.
Action: Once the water breaks, the mare should lie down, usually on her side. She will use strong abdominal presses (pushing). The front two feet, followed by the nose, should emerge.

Stage Three: Passing the Placenta

This stage happens after the foal is fully born.

Duration: This usually takes 30 minutes to 3 hours.
What Happens: The mare passes the placenta (afterbirth).
Important Note: Do not pull on the placenta! Let the mare pass it naturally.

When to Step In: Interpreting Signs of Dystocia in Horses

Dystocia means a difficult birth. Knowing the difference between normal straining and harmful straining is crucial. Swift action is needed if birth stalls.

Signs of dystocia in horses mean you need to call your veterinarian immediately. Do not delay if you observe any of the following:

No Progress After 30 Minutes of Hard Pushing: If the mare has been actively straining (visible abdominal effort) for 30 minutes and nothing has appeared, something is likely wrong.
Water Breaks, No Feet Seen Within 30 Minutes: If the water breaks and strong contractions start, but no feet appear within half an hour, this is an emergency.
Abnormal Presentation: If you see only one foot, the tail, the head turned sideways, or the legs are positioned incorrectly (e.g., breech presentation—hind feet first), immediate veterinary help is necessary.
Prolonged Stage One: If the mare is restless and contracting mildly for over four hours and has not lain down to push, call the vet for advice.
Mare Stops Pushing: If the mare pushes hard, then suddenly stops, rests for several minutes, and shows no effort to resume pushing, intervention is needed.

Assisting a Mare During Birth: A Gentle Approach

Most births need no help. However, if you see feet and progress stalls, you might need to offer gentle assistance. Assisting a mare during birth should only be done after you confirm the feet are correctly positioned or if the vet instructs you to do so.

Checking Position (If Progress Stops)

If the mare has been pushing without success, check the presentation carefully.

Clean Up: Wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap. Put on disposable gloves. Coat your gloved hand and arm with plenty of clean, sterile lubricant.
Gentle Insertion: Slowly insert your hand into the vagina. Feel for the foal parts.
Normal Position Confirmation: You should feel two front feet, soles facing down, slightly ahead of the nose.
Correction: If you feel one foot or the head is twisted, you may need to gently push the foal slightly back to reposition it. This is difficult and requires training. If you are unsure, stop and call your vet immediately.
Applying Traction (Only if Correctly Positioned): If the feet and nose are in the right spot but are stuck, gently pull down and slightly forward, matching the mare’s natural contractions. Pull only when the mare pushes. Never pull hard or jerk.

If the foal is not moving despite gentle traction, STOP. You risk tearing the mare’s tissues. Call the vet right away for urgent surgical intervention if necessary.

Immediate Post-Birth Care for the Newborn Foal

Once the foal is out, your focus shifts entirely to the baby. Newborn foal care begins the moment it hits the straw.

Drying and Stimulation

The foal must start breathing and dry off quickly to prevent chilling.

Clear Airways: If the membranes cover the foal’s nose and mouth, quickly wipe them clear with a clean, dry towel. Ensure the airway is open so it can breathe.
Rubbing: Immediately use the dry towels to rub the foal vigorously all over, especially its back and sides. This friction stimulates breathing and circulation. It also helps dry the coat.
Standing: Encourage the foal to stand. A healthy foal should try to stand within 30 minutes to an hour. Help it gently to its feet if it struggles.

Navel Care

The connection between the mare and foal must be properly sealed to prevent infection. Umbilical cord care for foals is non-negotiable.

Cord Severing: The cord should break naturally as the mare stands and walks away. Do not cut it unless necessary. The natural break leaves a stump about 1 to 2 inches long.
Iodine Dipping: Dip the entire umbilical stump into a cup of the antiseptic iodine solution (2% chlorhexidine). Ensure the inside of the stump is coated. Repeat this dipping 2-3 times over the next few hours. This kills surface bacteria.

Nursing and Colostrum

The first milk, colostrum, provides essential antibodies (passive immunity) the foal needs to fight disease.

Timing: The foal should attempt to nurse within 1 to 2 hours of birth.
Observation: Watch to ensure the foal latches correctly and nurses effectively. If the mare is nervous or the foal is weak, you may need to milk a little colostrum by hand and feed it using a syringe (without the needle) or a small bottle.

Monitoring the Mare After Foaling

While the foal is the star, the mare needs attention too.

Checking the Placenta After Birth

Checking the placenta after birth confirms that the mare has passed all of it. Retained afterbirth can cause severe uterine infection (metritis).

Visual Check: Examine the placenta carefully. It should look like one large, complete organ. Look for large tears or missing pieces. It should look like a “book” that has opened up.
Handling: Do not hang the placenta up to see if pieces are missing, as this can cause retained tissue to stick tighter. Lay it flat on clean ground or a sheet.
Veterinary Follow-Up: If you suspect any part is missing, or if the mare has not passed it within 3 hours, call the vet.

Post-Birth Observations

For the first 24 hours, keep a close watch on both subjects.

Mare’s Appetite: She should start eating and drinking normally within a few hours.
Uterine Discharge: Mild, dark greenish-black discharge is normal right after passing the placenta. However, excessive foul-smelling discharge or bright red bleeding signals trouble.
Foal Alertness: The foal should be bright, standing, and nursing regularly.

Managing the Foaling Environment Day-to-Day

Creating a routine helps you manage the stressful first few days after birth.

Monitoring Vital Signs

Knowing the normal ranges helps you spot problems early.

Subject	Measurement	Normal Range
Mare Temp	Rectal	99.0°F – 101.5°F
Foal Temp	Rectal	99.0°F – 102.0°F (Higher initially is okay)
Foal Heart Rate	Stethoscope on chest	80–120 beats per minute (first few hours)
Foal Respiration	Watching chest rise/fall	30–40 breaths per minute

Monitoring Urination and Defecation

These milestones confirm the foal’s system is working.

Urine: Foals usually pass urine within 6 to 12 hours. If the foal is straining or seems uncomfortable while trying to urinate, notify your vet.
Meconium (First Poop): The foal must pass its first stool, called meconium, within the first 12 to 24 hours. Meconium is dark and sticky. If the foal strains or shows signs of colic (kicking at belly, rolling excessively) after 24 hours, it might have meconium impaction. This requires vet attention.

Introducing the Sire (If Applicable)

Do not let the sire near the mare and foal until the vet has confirmed both are healthy and the mare has settled down, usually after 1 to 2 weeks. The mare can be very protective, and the stallion might injure the delicate newborn.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foaling

Q: How can I predict the exact due date if I don’t know the date of breeding?

A: Since the mare gestation period varies, predicting the exact date without knowing the cover date is difficult. You must rely heavily on physical signs like waxing and bag development. Use ultrasound scanning early in gestation if you need a more precise timeline.

Q: Is it okay for the mare to stand up while passing the placenta?

A: Yes, some mares pass the placenta while standing. However, if she passes it while standing, make sure she does not try to turn around and step on it or try to eat it. If she passes it while lying down, watch closely to ensure she rolls over to pass it, which aids separation.

Q: How long can a mare safely be in Stage Two labor before it becomes dangerous?

A: Stage Two, the actual pushing stage, should ideally be under 45 minutes. If the mare pushes hard and consistently for over two hours without delivering the foal, it is considered an emergency, and immediate veterinary intervention is required to save the foal and potentially the mare.

Q: What should I do if the foal doesn’t stand up by two hours?

A: A foal that cannot stand needs help quickly. It needs to nurse soon after birth. If the foal is weak, help prop it up while keeping it warm. Contact your veterinarian immediately, as weakness can be a sign of infection or birth injury.

Q: Should I clean the mare’s vulva before birth?

A: Generally, no. Washing the perineal area excessively right before birth can remove natural protective lubricants and bacteria. Focus instead on keeping the foaling stall meticulously clean. Only clean your hands and arms if you must perform any internal checks.