Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Stage One
Step1
Common signs that a mare is getting ready to foal is pawing, sweating, rolling, looking or kicking at her belly.
Step2
Be very quiet during foaling. Mares will interrupt labor if disturbed.
Step3
Before delivery, wrap mare's tail with a gauze wrap, wash perineum and wash udder with providine soap scrub or with mild liquid soap.
Step4
Avoid above step if mare is stressed, nervous or if it is a maiden mare. Leave mare alone.
Stage Two
Step1
Understand that this stage can last from 5 minutes to 1 hour and begins with the mare's water breaking. She will expel a large amount of a clear to cloudy yellowish liquid. The mare will then usually stand for several minutes, walk around and lick fluid off bedding until delivery.
Step2
Record the time at which fluid is expelled. This is very important.
Step3
Within 5-10 minutes of loss of fluid, observe for appearance of opaque, white amniotic membrane at the vulva.
Step4
Observe whether, as more membrane becomes exposed, you can see more of foal's feet. They should be staggered with one foot several inches in front of the other so that shoulders are aligned properly, followed closely by the muzzle.
Step5
Observe whether the nose of foal and both front fetlocks are out and 5-6 inches clear of vulva. If nose is not visible, call veterinarian immediately.
Step6
Look for fast, forceful and obvious abdominal contractions. With each contraction you should see more of the foal.
