WE are just at the start of another breeding season. I have been asked to write about how we foal mares at Peria Stud and hopefully there will be something here you can add to your own system because we all learn from each other.

Vaccinate your mares for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) and Rotavirus and give a Prevac T a month before foaling.

Open mares that are caslicked - removal of the caslick’s should be accomplished within a month before foaling by a veterinarian. Failure to remove a caslick’s prior to foaling can result in irreparable damage to the mare and death of the foal.

Have stables powerwashed and disinfected.

Put down a good bed of straw so the newborn foal does not get down to the floor when trying to get up.

Have your foaling kit ready. It should include: tail bandage, examination gloves, iodine, scissors, oxygen bottle, scalpel blade, chains, tetanus shot for the foal, bottle and teat.

You can use different types of alarms and cameras but the most important thing is to know is what is normal for each mare. Not all mares will wax up, walk the box, sweat or be uncomfortable.

When the mare breaks water, check the presentation of the foal. If that is okay let the mare get on with the natural process.

Some mares may need a little help, so you can give a pull but if the presentation is not as it should be (two front legs and a head) it is best to call the veterinary surgeon immediately. If you are able to correct it while the vet is on his way they won’t mind.

If you leave the foal’s hind legs in the birth canal the mare stays down a little longer and the blood gets a good chance to flow to the foal through the umbilical cord. Sit the foal up on his brisket and clear its nostril of excess fluid.

When the cord breaks the navel can be sprayed with 5% iodine. Any stronger can cause burning and form a scab that could get infected. All foals get an enema to help clear the meconium.

If the foal is a little stressed with his breathing it is best to give him some oxygen. Lastly, tie up the mare’s placenta so she doesn’t stand on it.

We normally give the foals that are weak a bottle of colostrum that has been milked from the mare as it gives the foal great energy.

If the mare does not pass the placenta after one hour it is best to consult your veterinary surgeon as retained placenta can cause a toxic reaction resulting in laminitis.

The placenta should be checked to make sure it is all present as sometimes one of the horns may have been retained. If the placenta is very thick and of poor colour it is best to put the foal on antibiotics and the mare may need a post-foaling flush.

POST-FOALING

  • See that the mare is comfortable and not colicing. Mare and foal should be alert. The foal should be passing meconium (first faeces). If the mare shows signs of colic you should call the vet.
  • If all is well with the mare, and the foal is strong on his legs, they can be turned out into a small paddock.
  • The mare can be caslicked post-foaling but do not use a twitch on a freshly-foaled mare as this could lead to the mare hemorrhaging.
  • While you have the vet in the yard it is a good time to do the CEM and EVA so you are ready to go to stud.
  • Young foals should not be lame. If you suspect lameness call the vet as you may have a joint ill.
  • Foals should be wormed around day 16 and the farrier should have a look at them after 3-4 weeks.
  • Record your assessment and repeat your exercise at 3-4 week intervals and take appropriate action.
  • Sometimes restricted exercise can get good results on weak-limbed foals.
  • Your foal should continue to thrive but be observant. See that they lose their foal coat when they should and are not coughing or scouring, and are breathing at the normal rate. If any of these problems arise consult your vet to rule out Rotococcus.
  • Some foals will get too heavy and may need to be weaned early to restrict their growth rate. This can cause their limbs to deviate.

    • STALLION SELECTION

    Your number one aim should be to produce a good racehorse.

    Assess your mare for:

    a) Conformation.

    b) Temperament.

    c) Ability, pedigree and distance.

    d) What service fee she warrants. Consider all these points and select a stallion that complements your mare and hope for the best.

    MARE TO STUD

    Put barren and maiden mares under lights from the end of November.

    Expose them to the teaser and have him in the barn until January 1st, not nessecarily teasing them but so they can hear him and get used to him.

    Do all swabs in January - CEM, EVA, EIA.

    If mares are in all-weather paddocks put the teaser where they can see him.

    Make sure maiden mares are well jumped with the teaser as it is only fair to the staff in the covering shed and the stallion.

    Don’t let the mares get too heavy.

    When mares have been covered keep them exposed to the teaser as it will get rid of any excess fluid. Keep your system as near to nature as you can and their fertility will improve.

    Perform scans on days 16, 18, 30 and 45.

    Scanned mares going to grass should be rugged until the pregnancy is well established and the weather has improved to prevent pregnancy losses.