The umbilical cord is first treated with gentamycin followed by two additional treatments with chlorhexadene. The foal gets no antibiotics or other injections, as we have already provided for its protection through the colostrum. Mares and their foals are turned out into paddocks adjacent to the foaling barn as soon as the foal's birth weight is recorded and both mare and foal pass a post-foaling exam. As mentioned, the foals are haltered and led from the beginning. Lots of attention is paid to those foals in the first weeks of their life.
Records are, again, a vital part of the foaling process.
The time it takes for the foal to stand and nurse is recorded, as well as the weight and time the mare passes the placenta. Any other notable information is recorded, and, of course, the owner is notified by phone as soon as possible. Photos and a birth announcement are also mailed to the owner. Let's jump ahead about 5-6 months and hear about your methods of weaning. The so-called Kentucky system, where mares and foals are grouped, and a mare at a time is removed has not worked well for us here.