Most owners know when mares are due to foal. Experienced owners keep records on each mares' specific foaling signs. We can define the classical tell-tell signs of approaching foaling. But, there will always be exceptions to these guidelines. So keep good records on each mare that foals this spring if you don't already have this information.
Mares tend to follow the same foaling pattern year after year.
Then the friend explained that the mare always foaled several days early. One of the most-used signs of foaling is udder development. The udder typically begins to enlarge three to six weeks before a mare foals, with the major increase in the last two weeks. The teats fill out four to seven days before foaling. It's critical to know the expected foaling date to begin monitoring udder development of pregnant broodmares grazing fescue pasture.