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Foaling your mare
 This foal, less than 24 hours old, was born on a cold, wet night. A dry cover helps her maintain her body temperature. |
Participating in the delivery of your new foal can be an exhilarating and nervous time for any broodmare owner. Understanding what is normal during foaling and when to seek assistance during or after foaling are the keys to ensuring that both your mare and foal survive the event safely.
What is normal?
The normal gestation length for a mare is 340 days, however this can vary considerably and can range from 315 to 400 days. It is certainly not uncommon for mares to carry their foals beyond 12 months of gestation. The gestation length also varies with season; mares foaling earlier in the season tend to have a longer gestation than those foaling later in the season. This is probably nature's way of ensuring that the foal is delivered during the optimal time for warmth and grass growth. Udder development usually starts 3 to 6 weeks prior to foaling but may occur earlier in maiden mares.