Pat Connell of Peria Stud in Tallow, Co Waterford, shares his foaling routine. Hopefully there will be something here you can add to your own system because we all learn from each other.

PRE-FOALING

1. Have stables powerwashed and disinfected.

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

3. 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.

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

FOALING

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Sit the foal up on his brisket and clear its nostril of excess fluid.

POST-FOALING

1. 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.

2. All foals get an enema to help clear the meconium.

3. Lastly, tie up the mare’s placenta so she doesn’t stand on it. 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.

4. 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.

AFTERCARE

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:

Consider all these points and select a stallion that complements your mare and hope for the best.