Foaling Schedule Management: Preparation, Foal Watch, and Post-Foaling Care

Foaling is one of the highest-stakes events in an equine operation. Most mares foal without complication and need minimal intervention. But the complications that do arise, from dystocia to rejection to failure of passive transfer, can be fatal to the foal and dangerous to the mare if not responded to quickly. A well-organized foaling program reduces those risks through preparation, vigilant monitoring, and clear protocols for when and how to intervene.

Pre-Foaling Preparation

Preparation for foaling begins weeks before the expected due date. The average equine gestation is approximately 340 days, but normal range extends from 320 to 370 days. A mare who foals at 315 days is early. A mare who foals at 375 days is late but still within normal range for some individuals. Know each mare's typical gestation history if available.

Foaling stall: Prepare a foaling stall that is significantly larger than a standard stall (16x16 feet minimum, 20x20 preferred). It should be well-bedded with straw rather than shavings to reduce aspiration risk and wrapped wire around the lower walls to prevent a foal from getting a leg caught.

Signs of approaching foaling: Waxing of teats (waxy accumulation at teat ends, typically 24-48 hours before foaling), relaxation of the perineum and vulva, milk letdown, sweating, restlessness, and frequent lying down. Some mares show every sign. Some show none until they are actively in labor.

Pre-foaling veterinary preparation: Confirm foaling kit contents with your veterinarian. At minimum: clean towels, iodine or chlorhexidine for navel dipping, enema for the foal, and emergency contact numbers.

Foal Watch Protocols

Foal watch is the practice of monitoring a mare around the clock in the final weeks of pregnancy. Most mares foal at night, between 11pm and 4am. This evolutionary habit was protective in the wild but inconvenient for humans who need to monitor them.

Foal watch systems range from in-person barn checks every 30 minutes to electronic monitoring. Options include:

Camera monitoring: A camera in the foaling stall with remote access allows monitoring without being physically in the barn at all times. The limitation is that someone needs to be actively watching.

Foaling alarms: Alarms that attach to the mare's halter or are placed vaginally detect the specific positioning of foaling and alert the handler. These are the most reliable automated systems but require proper fitting and familiarity.

Stall door sensors: Motion sensors or break-beam sensors that alert when a mare lies down frequently. Less specific than foaling alarms but simpler to manage.

Whatever system is used, define who is responsible for each overnight watch period and what their protocol is: when they check, what they do if they observe signs of imminent foaling, who they call.

During Foaling

The normal foaling sequence progresses from water sac rupture to foal delivery in approximately 20 to 30 minutes. If a mare is actively straining for more than 15 to 20 minutes without progress, or if the foal is not presented correctly (front hooves and nose in the diving position), call the veterinarian immediately. Do not wait and see.

Most uncomplicated foalings require only quiet observation. The temptation to assist is strong but usually counterproductive if things are progressing normally.

Post-Foaling Documentation

Immediately after foaling, document:

• Foaling date and time
• Delivery type: unassisted, assisted, or veterinary assistance required
• Time to first stand and first nursing
• Passage of meconium (first manure)
• Mare's behavior toward the foal (accepting or showing signs of rejection)
• Placenta passed within 3 hours (retained placenta is an emergency)

At 18 to 24 hours, an IgG (immunoglobulin G) test confirms adequate passive transfer from the mare's colostrum. A foal with inadequate IgG levels needs veterinary intervention immediately.

BarnBeacon allows you to record all of this foaling documentation within the mare's record and create a new record for the foal at birth. For breeding records that connect to foaling outcomes, see equine breeding records. For the health records that begin at foal birth, see equine health records.