Pregnancy & Foaling: Comprehensive Care for Mares and Foals
Your field-tested roadmap from positive pregnancy check to healthy foal—feeding and vaccines, foaling signs and emergencies, postpartum checks, neonatal care, and safe, show-smart product choices you can trust.
Gestation Timeline & Nutrition
Timeline
- Early–Mid (1–7 months): Maintain a healthy BCS 5–6/9; quality forage, balanced minerals.
- Late (8–11 months): Fetal growth accelerates—review calories, protein, copper/zinc/selenium per your vet/nutritionist.
- Final 4–6 weeks: Plan foaling space, booster vaccines, and colostrum strategy.
Feeding Strategy
- Forage-first diet; add concentrate only as needed to maintain BCS.
- Target key vitamins/minerals (Cu, Zn, Se, vitamin E) and salt; avoid sudden ration changes.
- Provide fresh, clean water and consistent turnout for gentle movement.
Pre-Foaling Preparations
Health Program
- Vaccinations: Work with your vet on a broodmare plan; many barns booster core vaccines ~4–6 weeks pre-foaling for colostral antibodies. EHV-1 abortion risk protocols are scheduled during mid-gestation per vet guidance.
- Parasite control: Fecal egg counts and targeted deworming per season and region.
Foaling Environment & Kit
- Clean, dry, well-bedded stall or foaling area with safe footing
- Foaling kit: tail wrap, chlorhexidine/povidone-iodine for navel, clean towels, clock, vet number, plastic bags for placenta, headlamp
- Plan for foal heat exams and IgG testing within 12–24 hours
Pro Tip Hang a whiteboard with due window, vet contacts, and the “1-2-3 rule.” It saves seconds when seconds matter.
Recognizing Labor & When to Intervene
- Stage I (1–4 hrs): Restless, pawing, waxing udder, dripping milk, pelvic relaxation.
- Stage II (15–30 min): Water breaks → active delivery. Emergency if no progress in ~15 min, malpresentation, or “red bag” (velvety red membrane) — call your vet and proceed per emergency protocol.
- Stage III (<3 hrs): Placenta expelled intact. Retention >3 hrs is an emergency.
1-2-3 Rule Foal stands in 1 hour, nurses by 2 hours, placenta out by 3 hours—miss any step, call your veterinarian.
Postpartum Mare Care
Placenta & Uterine Health
- Collect and inspect the placenta for completeness (tips of both horns present).
- Monitor for fever, foul discharge, depression, or foot soreness (metritis/laminitis risk).
- Never pull a retained placenta; keep it tied up and call your vet.
General Recovery
- Check appetite, hydration, and attitude; provide quiet turnout when cleared.
- Protect rub-prone areas and healed skin with vet-approved topicals (see Product Integration).
Neonatal Foal Care
- Colostrum: Ensure a strong suckle and adequate intake ASAP; banked colostrum or plasma per vet if weak.
- IgG testing: Test at ~12–24 hours to confirm passive transfer; address FPT with veterinary guidance.
- Navel care: Dip with 0.5% chlorhexidine or dilute povidone-iodine soon after birth; repeat several times in first day.
- Red flags: Lethargy, poor suckle, fever/hypothermia, labored breathing, diarrhea, injected sclera, joint swelling—call your vet.
- Early handling: Quiet, brief sessions; avoid over-handling in the first hours to prioritize nursing and bonding.
Product Integration (Safe Use)
Topicals Around Pregnant Mares
- Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel — sensation-free, under-wrap friendly. Use on healthy tissue for light post-work comfort; avoid udder/nipples pre-nursing and follow your vet’s direction.
- Gentle grooming products from our ShowBarn Secret® line are commonly used in broodmare barns; see our Detangler & Shine FAQ for usage details.
Important Many respiratory supplements are not labeled for pregnant or lactating mares. Always check each product page on drawliniment.com and consult your veterinarian before use.
Postpartum Skin/Hoof Support
- Rapid Relief Restorative Cream — thin, water-resistant barrier for intact skin around healed incisions or rub-prone zones (only after your vet clears topical coverage).
- Silver Hoof EQ Therapy® — supports hoof bulbs/coronary band moisture balance near postpartum hoof/skin challenges; do not apply inside open wounds.
These products do not treat disease; they help protect skin/hoof environments within a veterinarian-directed plan.
Pregnancy & Foaling — FAQ
What body condition score (BCS) should a broodmare maintain?
Most mares do well at BCS 5–6/9. Over- or under-conditioned mares can have foaling and lactation challenges—adjust forage and concentrate with your vet/nutritionist.
When should I vaccinate?
Follow your veterinarian’s broodmare protocol. Many barns booster core vaccines ~4–6 weeks pre-foaling for colostral antibodies; EHV-1 protection is scheduled during mid-gestation per regional guidance.
What if the placenta hasn’t passed in 3 hours?
That’s an emergency (retained placenta). Do not pull. Keep the mare quiet and call your veterinarian immediately.
When should I test the foal’s IgG?
Typically around 12–24 hours after birth. Your vet will interpret results and advise on colostrum/plasma if needed.
Can I use liniment on a pregnant mare?
Use sensation-free topicals on healthy tissue only, avoid udder/nipples before nursing, and follow label directions. When in doubt, ask your veterinarian.
Educational note: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Always follow your veterinarian’s guidance for breeding, foaling, and neonatal care.
