Foaling kit essentials
DON’T let your mare foaling catch you unprepared. Have your foaling kit ready to go well before she is due to foal. Here are some essentials everyone should have in their foaling kit.
Notebook and pen: Important time intervals and events should be documented closely. This will become particularly handy the following year for your mare as you begin to learn what is normal for her.Tail bandage or vet wrap: It is a good idea to wrap up your mare’s tail to keep it out of the way when she is foaling and also keep it clean. Vet wrap is handy as it can be thrown away after.Head collar and lead rope: for your mare should you need to lead her somewhere or encourage her up on to her feet.A large, strong plastic bag or bucket for the placenta.A mixture of short and long sterile gloves.Clean bucket and warm water: If you get the chance, it is nice to wash down your mare’s hind legs after. By mixing the warm water with Dettol or hibiscrub you will help keep the risk of infection down.Iodine: can be used to dip the foal’s navel.String or bailing twine for tying up the placenta.Sterile bottle: If your foal won’t stand up to nurse you could milk your mare into a bottle and feed the foal to ensure it gets the vital antibodies needed from the colostrum.Enema kit: in case your foal needs help to pass meconium (the first faeces).Phone: Ensure your mobile phone is charged and you have all the contacts you need in case of an emergency, for example a friend or neighbour who lives close by should you need assistance and your vet’s number (including an after-hours on call vet).A torch: Make sure you replace the batteries at the start of the foaling season. This is particularly handy if you don’t have lights in your stable or you want to avoid disturbing other mares in the same barn. A head-mounted LED lamp is particularly helpful to keep your hands free.A watch: Keep a close eye on the time, if the foal hasn’t made progress through the birth canal in 10 minutes it is time to call the vet. Make sure you are very familiar with typical intervals for the various stages of birth. If the timings look unusual, call your vet.Colostrum: In case of the tragic event that you lose your mare, or your mare won’t allow the foal to nurse, or she isn’t producing any milk, it is still important to give your foal colostrum. It is better to have it than not to have it. It can be stored in a freezer and taken out to defrost naturally when you need it. Mare’s milk replacer or goat’s milk are also good to have on hand for these reasons. Calving ropes: In case of a difficult foaling.