1. Don’t panic, keep things calm, the mare will pick up and your stress and it won’t do her any good.
2. Organise to have a veterinary surgeon on call in advance of foaling, especially if you are dealing with a number of mares.
3. Always have your foaling kit with you and restock after every foaling.
4. Have the mare in the stable you’re happy to have her foal in. Try to avoid moving her mid process.
5. Keep things clean.
6. If you encounter problems and are waiting on a veterinary surgeon, try your best to get your mare up, and walk her until the veterinary surgeon arrives.
7. Disinfect the foal’s navel as swiftly as possible post foaling using 2.5% iodine.
8. Watch the mare for signs of colic post foaling.
9. Keep an eye on the mare’s gums, eyes and ears as indictors of a haemorrhage. Call your veterinary surgeon immediately if her ears go cold, eyes go glassy and colour drains from gums.
10. Don’t attempt to foal a mare if you are unsure of what to expect.