How do I Catch a New Born Foal?

The birth of a new baby horse, or foal, is an event that horse breeders and horse owners anticipate long before the actual birth. Preparing for the birth beforehand and taking the appropriate precautions for a safe and healthy delivery is an important part of having a healthy baby horse. Circumstances may arise during the foaling that will force the horse owner or breeder to catch the foal so that the newborn is not injured.

Things You'll Need

  • Soap
  • Water
  • Disinfectant
  • Straw or shredded paper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare the stall. Clean the stall thoroughly to eliminate the chance of infection for the foal and mare. Use soap and water to scrub the stall and then use an anti-bacterial disinfectant to clean a second time. Clean the floors, walls, manger and watering trough. Regulate the temperature in the stall so that there is not a chill. Place clean straw or shredded paper on the floor of the stall. Avoid materials like sawdust which can harm the newborn. Paper or straw is a sanitary option and cushions the floor for the foal.

    • 2

      Place the mare in the foaling stall around a week before the birth. Common signs of an approaching delivery, including swollen udders, uneasiness and rubbing of the tail or hindquarters, can appear two weeks prior to the birth. Change the straw and continually keep the stall clean while the mare is in it.

    • 3

      Comfort the mare by petting, patting and talking softly to her during the initial stages of the labor. Most mares will lie on their sides during delivery. If the mare stands and refuses to lie down, the vet, owner or helper needs to catch the foal. Have two people in the stall with the mare if the mare refuses to lie down.

    • 4

      Hold the mare steady by firmly placing a hand on her head and preventing her from walking. One person should handle the mare and keep her still while the other person prepares to catch the foal.

    • 5

      Catch the foal by holding your hands under the birth canal in a position similar to catching a ball, with the hands facing upward and supporting the foal along the chest, shoulders and body as it emerges. Do not pull the foal to expedite delivery, as it can injure both foal and mother. Gently lower the foal to the ground once it is fully delivered.

    • 6

      Gently rotate the foal to the left and then the right to assist in the delivery if the hips or body become dangerously stuck. If the foal is breached or positioned incorrectly, call a vet immediately and keep the mare walking. A breached foal needs to turn so that the front hooves and head emerge first and are followed by the hind hooves.