Behind the Scenes: The Care of Mares & Foals
Bringing a Thoroughbred foal into the world is a carefully planned, year-long process that requires expert care, constant monitoring, and quick decision-making. From the moment a mare is confirmed in foal to the first steps of her newborn, breeders and farm staff work tirelessly to ensure both mare and foal thrive.
So, what exactly goes on behind the scenes? Let’s take a look at the daily care, veterinary checks, and foaling preparations that make the arrival of a healthy foal possible.
Caring for a Pregnant Mare
A broodmare’s entire pregnancy lasts around 11 months, and every stage requires careful management. While nature plays a big role, breeders support the mare’s health and foal’s development through:
✔ Nutrition & Supplements – Pregnant mares need higher protein, vitamins, and minerals to support foal growth.
✔ Routine Vet Checks – Ultrasounds confirm pregnancy and check fetal health.
✔ Vaccinations & Deworming – Preventative care is crucial to protect both mare and foal from disease.
✔ Exercise & Turnout – Mares benefit from movement, which helps keep them strong and reduces foaling complications.
📌 Want exclusive pregnancy updates on our mares? 🔗 Join The Foal Circle
Signs a Mare is Ready to Foal
As the due date approaches, the foaling team starts watching the mare 24/7 for signs that labor is near. These signs include:
🐴 Udder Development: Mares begin "bagging up" (producing milk) 2-4 weeks before foaling.
💧 Waxing: A waxy buildup on the teats appears 12-48 hours before birth.
🏠 Restlessness & Nesting: The mare becomes anxious, shifts weight, and lies down more frequently.
🌡️ Drop in Body Temperature: A slight temperature drop can signal labor is hours away.
At this point, the mare is moved into a large foaling stall with deep bedding and under constant camera surveillance. Most mares prefer to foal at night, so experienced farm staff stay on alert for any signs that labor has begun.
📌 Want to watch foalings in real time? 🔗 Join The Foal Circle
The Birth Process: A Quick, High-Stakes Event
Unlike human births, foaling happens fast—typically within 20-30 minutes once active labor begins. The three stages of foaling are:
1️⃣ Early Labor (Up to 4 Hours): The mare becomes restless, paces, and lies down frequently.
2️⃣ Active Labor & Delivery (10-30 Minutes): Once the water breaks, the foal arrives quickly.
3️⃣ Post-Foaling (1-2 Hours): The foal stands and nurses for the first time, while the mare passes the placenta.
Most foals are born without complications, but if something goes wrong, every second counts. That’s why breeding farms have:
✔ Veterinary teams on call 24/7
✔ Emergency foaling kits ready
✔ Experienced foaling staff who recognize issues instantly
In cases like Lord Paycasso (born upside down) and Emperor Caesarion (delivered via C-section), quick action saved both the mare and foal’s lives.
📌 Want to see how we handle real-life foaling scenarios? 🔗 Join The Foal Circle
First Hours of a Foal’s Life
A foal’s first few hours determine its long-term health. Breeders closely monitor these key milestones:
✔ Standing within an hour – Even if they look wobbly, this is critical for strength.
✔ Nursing within two hours – Colostrum (first milk) provides essential antibodies.
✔ Passing meconium (first manure) – A sign the digestive system is functioning.
✔ Veterinary check-up – Ensuring normal heart rate, breathing, and gut function.
📌 Want updates on foals in their first 24 hours? 🔗 Join The Foal Circle
Why This Process Matters
The level of care given before, during, and after foaling can mean the difference between a strong, healthy foal and one that struggles early on. This is why breeders invest so much time, effort, and expertise into making sure everything goes smoothly.
Want to See It All Firsthand?
By joining The Foal Circle, you’ll get:
✅ Live access to foal watch cameras (see births in real time!)
✅ Exclusive pregnancy updates & vet reports
✅ Behind-the-scenes footage & foal progress updates
🐴 Experience the journey like never before! 🔗 Join The Foal Circle
