IF the mare has foaled previously, it is no harm in looking back on how things went for her before. Does she normally foal to date? Did she have enough milk before, what was her colostrum reading? Is she prone to red bags? By taking a look back at the mare’s foaling history it will help you prepare for what you are facing.

It’s pretty common sense but the first tip is clean out the mare’s water bowl and feed bowl. Don’t leave old food just lying around.

Swollen joints and tender feet are part of pregnancy, quarter cracks and under run soles are not. It is important to ensure that your mare is as mobile as possible in order for her to be in the best shape to deliver her foal. Also keep an eye out for heat in your mare’s feet, laminitis can develop during pregnancy.

The first stage of foaling can often present colic like symptoms. This is usually a sign of labour rather than colic, however, sometimes it can be colic. Colic-like symptoms often occur as a result of the foal moving or kicking.

The diagnosis of colic will depend on her foaling history, physical examination and tests if needed. If you think she is experiencing colic, act on it.

For the sake of the mare, foal and foaling attendant you should always cut your mare’s tail. A long, untamed tail will become steeped in amniotic fluids during foaling and when the mare gets up this is likely to splash everyone in arms reach.

It is most important to keep a watchful eye on what is going on under the mare’s tail. It also give you an opportunity to analyse the mare’s vulvar conformation.

Was your mare previously stitched?

Has the mare been opened?

Is there any sign of discharge? Discharge should be acted on immediately.

Placentitis should be suspected in pregnant mares with vaginal discharge.

Consult your veterinary surgeon, who should be able to monitor the situation and prescribe your mare what she needs.

Is your mare bagging up? This may be a sign of placentitis. By establishing what the mare’s due date should be, you should be able to determine whether she should be bagging up or whether there is cause for concern? If she is bagging up prematurely this could be a sign of placentitis.

If she is bagging up and she’s on the right timeline with her due date, it’s time to be keeping a closer eye on her or organising transporting her to where she will be foaled.

Pregnancy length is variable, every mare is different. Prolonged pregnancy (past 355 days) is not uncommon, but if you are worried, get your veterinary surgeon to examine your mare.

Mares have a tough time in the last month or so of pregnancy. Keeping a tabs on behavioural, physical and foaling history should make things somewhat more straightforward.

The identification of high-risk mares is key, if they should go to a veterinary practice to have their foal then organise it. If you think things will be tricky make a plan, there is no point stressing over something and then not being able to manage the situation.