HORSE SENSE: Preparing for you mare to foal 09 February 2018 Premium

HOME

USE PAPER CODESIGN IN

09 February 2018

Leanne O'Sullivan on 09 Feb 2018

HORSE SENSE: Preparing for you mare to foal

Foaling can occur any time between day 310 and 370 of pregnancy, here is our advice on how to prepare

Leanne O'Sullivan

9 February 2018

Approximately four to six weeks prior to foaling, the mare should be brought to the premises at which she is intended to foal

Mares that have had a procedure known as Caslicks performed (this is where a portion of the vulva lips are sewn together) will need to have the stitches opened approximately two weeks before foaling

If your mare is to foal indoors, the stable should be at least 12ft x 12ft in size

If the mare is to foal outside, a small paddock with a reliable means of artificial light, in case of an emergency, is ideal

VETERINARIAN, Emma-Rose Conroy once described a mare’s pregnancy as a series of hurdles and many breeders will now be approaching the final hurdle – foaling. Having successfully come this far, it’s important not to fall at the final hurdle, preparation is key.

RELATED STORIES

Helen Sharp

Dyslexia-friendly horse books

Celebrated Irish equestrian author Elaine Heney launched three groundbreaking, dyslexia-friendly horse books this year

Helen Sharp

Donate to support Irish Horse Welfare Trust this Christmas

The Irish Horse Welfare Trust (IHWT) is planning a fundraising online auction of equestrian and racing related items in December.

Leanne O'Sullivan

HORSE SENSE: The three stages of labour

A mare's parturition or labour is divided into three stages. Here is how to recognise the signs

Irish Field Contributor

HORSE SENSE: Diarrhoea in foals can be either harmless or fatal

Diarrhoea is commonly seen in foals, but good hygiene practices and supportive care can aid hydration and recovery, says the experts at Foran Equine