The birth of a foal is a highly anticipated event for many horse owners. Good management practices are essential to a successful breeding program. A live, healthy foal represents the investment of considerable time, money and effort. Management is especially important prior to the time the foal is weaned. The mare and foal should be on a regular worming, exercise, vaccination schedule along with an adequate nutritional program.
Early management can impact future health throughout the foal's life.
The gestation period of the individual mare may change from one year to the next. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations on which vaccines to administer, but as a minimum, the mare should be boosted with tetanus toxoid. The foaling stall should be prepared well in advance. It should be at least 12 by 14, clean, located in a quiet area of the barn and maintained at a comfortable temperature. The stall should be checked over very closely for protruding nails, splintering wood or anything else that could damage the newly born foal.