This is a very exciting time, and you want to be sure your mare is comfortable when she's ready to drop her foal.
Instructions
Take off any blankets or sheets that are on your mare.
Braid her tail and wrap it with Vetwrap starting at the dock of her tail. Make sure no hairs are sticking out.
Wash your mare's genitals with a very mild cleanser that is specifically made to do this. Ask your veterinarian for product recommendations.
Your mare should be watched closely during her last month of pregnancy.
The stall should be at least 12x14' &in a quiet area of the barn.
Straw is less adherent to the newly born foal's wet mouth and nose and is the bedding of choice over woodchips or sawdust.
Her food ration should be changed approx 1-week prior to her foaling date. Speak with your vet about what is right for your mare.
Mares might show some of the following signs when preparing to foal:
The musculature around the dock becomes soft and flaccid 2 to 4 weeks before foaling.
The genitalia relaxes, and the udder begins to fill.
She might show signs of uneasiness during the last two weeks of gestation.
Waxing of the teats (sticky wax-like material form on the ends of the teats) occurs 24 to 28 hours before foaling.
Milky fluid might leak from her teats, possibly starting days before foaling.
It is possible that your mare, especially if she's maiden, might not produce milk until after she foals.
Move your mare to a foaling stall 7 days before expected foaling.
Make sure she has a clean, bedded stall. Remove all horse toys, feed buckets, and anything else that may get in her way during birthing.
Keep a water bucket on the wall filled halfway with water.
During foaling, remove &reapply her tail wrap several times each day until foaling is complete. This assures circulation is ok at her tail dock.
If it is her first time giving birth, she might be nervous. Try talking to her in a calm voice.