Mare and Foal Welfare During and After Foaling

Foaling is the highest-risk event in a mare's reproductive life, with welfare for both mare and foal depending on appropriate preparation, monitoring, and post-foaling care.

Key Facts

Dystocia affects around 4-8% of horse births requiring emergency intervention
Foals must receive colostrum within 2 hours and absorb antibodies within 12 hours
Neonatal maladjustment syndrome (dummy foal) causes seizures and welfare emergencies
Mare rejection of foal occurs in around 3% of births especially in maiden mares
Retained placenta beyond 3 hours is a veterinary emergency causing systemic illness
Foals begin to stand within an hour and nurse within 2 hours when healthy

Welfare Considerations

Foaling emergencies are among the most acute welfare events in equine medicine. Dystocia causes severe pain and oxygen deprivation to the foal with rapid deterioration without intervention. Foals that fail to receive colostrum face complete immune deficiency with high mortality from infection. Mare rejection leaves foals without nutrition or warmth. Adequate preparation, monitoring, and veterinary contact information are essential welfare obligations for breeding horse owners.

What You Can Do

Monitor mares closely from 2 weeks before expected foaling date
Ensure 24-hour veterinary emergency contact is available during foaling period
Test foal immunoglobulin levels at 18-24 hours to confirm colostrum absorption
Have colostrum supplement available in case the mare produces insufficient milk
Know the signs of foaling emergencies: red bag delivery, prolonged labour, foal distress
Contact your vet immediately if placenta is not passed within 3 hours of foaling