Preparing for Foaling Season

Key Takeaways

• Successful foaling depends on preparation, understanding the three stages of labor, and recognizing when to intervene–especially if there is no progress within 15 minutes of stage two or signs of dystocia appear.
• The first two hours of a foal’s life are critical: the foal should stand within one hour, nurse within two hours, pass meconium, and receive adequate high-quality colostrum to ensure proper passive transfer of immunity.
• Monitoring IgG levels within 12 hours helps identify failure of passive transfer (FPT), which can lead to serious complications like sepsis, poor growth, or increased disease risk.
• Common newborn concerns include meconium impaction, neonatal sepsis, dummy foal syndrome, limb deformities, and complications related to dystocia or retained placenta in the mare.
• Strong early management–including proper colostrum intake, vigilant monitoring, appropriate deworming, vaccination timing, and gradual feed introduction–lays the foundation for a healthy, thriving foal.

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Few moments in horse ownership are as rewarding as welcoming a new foal. Preparation, observation, and timely intervention play a major role in a successful outcome. Understanding what to expect during labor and the first hours of life gives you the tools to support the mare, protect the foal, and respond quickly if something goes wrong.

The Foaling Process

Stage One

Stage one of labor can vary widely in mares. Visible signs typically last two to three hours, but some mares may progress in as little as 30 minutes, while others may remain in this stage for 10 hours or more. Older mares may show few outward signs, while maiden mares often display more obvious behavior. 

Common signs include:

• • Sweating
  • Restlessness
  • Pawing
  • Lying down and getting up
  • Looking at sides
  • Frequent defecation and urination

Stage one ends when the “water breaks,” which occurs as the choriallantoic membrane ruptures and releases allantoic fluid.

Stage Two

Stage two begins when the water breaks and continues until the foal is delivered. The normal presentation is front feet first, soles facing down, with one foot slightly ahead of the other and the muzzle resting on top. You will usually see the amnion first. It appears white and resembles a water-filled balloon.

This stage usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes and progresses quickly. The mare may get up and lie down several times, so monitor her closely. Once the mare is lying on her side, strong contractions will push the foal out.

After delivery, immediately remove the amnion from around the foal’s face so it can breathe. Do not cut the umbilical cord, it will break naturally when the mare stands

You may notice that the foal has “golden slippers” at birth. This is the eponychium, a soft, rubbery covering over the hooves that protect the mare during birth.

Stage Three

During stage three, the mare expels the placenta. This typically occurs within 30 minutes to three hours after foaling. If the placenta does not pass by three hours, veterinarians consider it a retained placenta.

A veterinarian may recommend small doses of oxytocin (1 to 2 cc, or 10-20 IU) to encourage passage. Always examine the placenta to ensure it is complete and intact.

Retained placentas in horses are a medical emergency. Contact your veterinarian immediately, as retained fetal membranes can lead to infection and laminitis.

Early Newborn Care and Monitoring 

The First 30 Minutes

Within the first 30 minutes, dip the foal’s navel in either a chlorhexidine solution (1 part chlorhexidine to 4 parts water) or iodine. Repeat dipping two or more times to help prevent infection.

Check the mare for excessive discharge or bleeding. If the placenta has not fully passed, tie it in a loose knot to prevent the mare from stepping on it and tearing it.

Allow the mare and foal quiet time to bond.

First Two Hours

Foals should reach the following milestones:

• • 2-20 minutes: Strong suckle reflex when a finger is placed in the mouth
  • By 1 hour: Stands (longer than one hour is abnormal)
  • By 2 hours: Actively nursing (longer than 3-4 hours is abnormal)
  • By 2 hours: Passes meconium (consider an enema if not passed)

If the mare’s colostrum quality is high (>800 mg/dL or >23% Brix) and extra is available, freeze some for future use.

Products to Measure Colostrum Quality

• • Brix Refractometer
  • Colostrumeter 

Normal Foal Vitals

• • Heart Rate: 100-120 beats per minute
  • Respiratory: 35 to 45 breaths per minute 

First 24 Hours

Check the foal’s IgG levels around 12 hours after birth using a CITE or SNAP test. If levels are low, administer plasma (1-2 liters IV) or consider a product such as Seramune. During this time, evaluate the foal’s legs, monitor vital signs, and observe behavior closely. The foal should nurse approximately 50-60 times per day during the first week, with many short naps in between.

Most Common Foal Problems

Meconium Impaction

• • Failure to pass the first manure, which can cause abdominal pain and straining.

Failure of Passive Transport (FPT) (<400 mg/dL IgG in plasma)

• • Occurs when the foal does not absorb enough antibodies from colostrum. Products such as Seramune Oral Equine IgG for Foals may help support antibody levels.

Neonatal Sepsis

• • A systemic bacterial infection with an estimated survival rate of 50-80%. Treatment is often intensive, lengthy, and costly.

Neonatal Maladjustment Syndrome (Dummy Foal Syndrome)

• • Affects approximately 2-4% of foals. Early signs include poor suckle, abnormal behavior, and weakness. This is one reason close monitoring during the first two hours of life is critical. In some cases, the Madigan Squeeze Technique may be beneficial.

Leg Evaluation

Contracted or Loose Tendons

The exact cause is unknown. Severe cases may contribute to dystocia and impaired mobility

• • 2-4 days of stall rest
  • Splinting in more severe cases

Angular Limb Deformities (e.g. knock-kneed)

Management depends on severity and age of the foal

• • Controlled exercise
  • Periosteal stripping (accelerates growth on one side of the growth plate)
    • Fetlock: up to ~10 weeks
    • Hock: up to ~12 weeks
    • Knee (carpus): up to ~16 weeks
    • Post-operative confinement and rest for 6-8 weeks
  • Transphyseal bridging (slows growth on one side of the growth plate)

Equine Dystocia

Dystocia is more common in thoroughbreds, Shetland ponies, and draft horses, and is mainly because of fetal causes. Timing is critical when knowing when you have a problem.

Warning Signs

• • No progress after 15 minutes of stage two
  • Only one foot and nose visible, or only the nose
  • The mare stops straining
  • Mare refuses to lie down (common in maidens)

If you are presented with a “red bag” foal, cut open the placenta immediately, deliver the foal, and call your veterinarian. 

If the mare is not making any progress, check the presentation, if the foal is in the correct position, help pull. If the foal is not in the correct position, call your veterinarian as soon as possible and try to get the mare up and walking. The foal must be readjusted manually and difficulty depends on position, and if the foal isn’t breathing give mouth to nostril every 2-3 seconds. Continue until spontaneous breathing occurs or veterinary help arrives.

Options for Malpresentation

• • Manual correction, preferred
  • Fetotomy, cutting the foal out
  • C-sectio

Following dystocia, additional risks include: 

• • Foal: Dummy foal syndrome (neonatal maladjustment), failure of passive transfer, and physical trauma such as rib fractures
  • Mare: Retained placenta (confirm passage before administering oxytocin), trauma to the reproductive tract, and colic

Post-Foaling Complications

Post-foaling complications can affect both the mare and the foal, especially after a difficult birth (dystocia). One of the most serious concerns is periparturient hemorrhage (PPH), which involves severe internal bleeding caused by lacerations or rupture of the uterine artery. PPH occurs in about 3% of mares, typically within 48 hours after foaling, and mares older than 15-18 years are at a higher risk. Watch closely for signs such as colic-like pain or symptoms of hypovolemic shock. Both the mare and foal should be monitored closely in the hours and days after foaling.

Orphans

If a foal becomes orphaned, the first priority is ensuring it receives quality colostrum. If possible, place the foal with a nurse mare. When a nurse mare is not available, bottle-feed a milk replacer. This approach is labor intensive, as foals require 8-12 feedings per day for the first 2-3 weeks.

After this period, gradually transition the foal to bucket feeding. Begin introducing solid feed at 3-4 weeks of age, wean off milk replacer by 3 months, and ensure clean, fresh water is always available.

First Few Months of the Foal’s Life

Feed and Water Introduction

Foals can begin accessing water by 2-3 weeks of age and will start nibbling hay and grain by 2-4 weeks. You can begin offering creep feed at a rate of approximately 1 lb per month of age, formulated with around 16% crude protein.

Weaning

The typical weaning period occurs between 4-6 months of age.

Vaccinations

First vaccinations are commonly started at 6-9 months of age.

Deworming Program

Deworming should begin at 1-2 months of age and repeat every 3-4 months until one year of age. Use age-appropriate products and avoid moxidectin in young foals.

Suggested Rotation:

• • 2 Months: Anthelcide
  • 5 Months: Pyrantel
  • 7 Months: Zimecterin Gold
  • 10 Months: Duramectin

A healthy foaling outcome starts with knowledge, preparation, and good management. By understanding normal labor, recognizing early warning signs, and providing proper newborn care, you set the foundation for a strong start. Every foal is different, but informed caretakers give each one the best chance to thrive.

Continue learning with more articles in our Foaling Season series:

• • Managing the Mare Before Foaling

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