The pregnant mare
Breeding horses can be very exciting but also a worrying time for the mare’s owner. It is important to ensure that a pregnant mare is cared for in the best way both through the pregnancy and foaling to ensure both mare and foal remain healthy.
In the early stages of pregnancy there is no reason why the mare can’t be ridden and exercised as this will help her to remain fit and healthy. Research has shown that pregnant mares will benefit from cardiovascular efficiency when pregnant as with humans and so moderate and controlled exercise is a benefit.
The gestation period for a horse is around 11 months and it is especially important during the last 2 months of pregnancy that you take extra precautions with welfare. You should get the mare accustomed to the foaling box or stable where she will be kept to give birth. It should be large enough for the mare and foal together and should allow room to move around. It should also be kept away from the other stables if possible so as not to be disturbed. The area should be fully cleaned and disinfected before introducing the mare, there should be banks of bedding around the edges to ensure she doesn’t get cast. Straw is a good bedding to use and it can also be used to clean the foal and warm them up if required once foaled whilst the mare recovers. The bed should be thick so the mare can get up and down easily without the worry of slipping on the concrete, rubber matting is ideal as it prevents this and offers a hygienic solution.
During the last few months it is essential to ensure that the mare is getting the correct nutrition. If you are not sure about this then always consult an expert or your vet who will be able to advise you.
Prior to foaling it is recommended that you clean the mare’s genital area. This is to eliminate bacteria during foaling. Ideally keep the tail held out of the way during foaling by bandaging it up, care should be taken so as not to make it tight, it should not be left bandaged for long periods either.
Vaccinations can be given a month prior to foaling and this will mean that the antibody levels in the mare will be high when foaling and this will be passed to the foal through the mare's colostrum.
Regular worming should be continued and all horses using the pasture that the foal will use should be kept free of worms to avoid passing them on.
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