Foaling season is an exciting time on the farm, but knowing what to expect can help you recognise when things aren’t going to plan. Most mares foal without complications, but it’s important to know the stages of labour and when to call your vet.

Stage 1: Getting Ready

The first stage can be difficult to recognise, as some mares show very few signs. Others may become restless, repeatedly lie down and get up, look at their flanks, swish their tails, kick at their abdomen or sweat around their flanks. These signs usually last 15–90 minutes.

Stage 2: The Foal Arrives

Stage 2 begins when the mare’s waters break. In a normal foaling, the foal’s feet should appear at the vulva within 3 minutes, followed by the head within 5 minutes. The foal may be covered by a thin, bluish-white membrane, which can be cleared from around the nose and mouth.

This stage usually lasts 10–25 minutes, with steady progress until the foal is born. The mare may lie quietly for 10–15 minutes afterwards while she and her foal settle.

If the foal is not presenting normally or progress slows, call your vet immediately. From the time the foal is visible at the vulva, to the time that the foal is on the ground SHOULD NOT exceed 20 minutes. Foaling difficulties can become an emergency very quickly so it is important to monitor closely and call us promptly.

Stage 3: Passing the Afterbirth

The placenta is normally passed within 30 minutes to 3 hours after foaling. The mare may show mild discomfort during this time. Keep an eye on whether it has passed, and never pull on a retained placenta. If it has not passed within 3 hours, contact your vet promptly, as complications can develop.

When Should You Call Your Vet?

Contact your vet urgently if:

• The foal’s feet and head are not appearing in the expected order and timeframes.
• The legs appear but the head has not followed within 5 minutes of the waters breaking.
• the time the foal is visible at the vulva, to the time that the foal is on the ground exceeds 20 minutes
• The placenta has not passed within 3 hours.
• The mare shows signs of colic, depression or loss of appetite after foaling.
• The foal has not stood and nursed within 2 hours of birth.

Be Prepared

Have your vet’s contact details handy before your mare is due to foal, including after-hours numbers. Keep a close eye on both mare and foal, and if something doesn’t look right, don’t wait to see if it improves — give your vet a call.

From all of us at Bungendore Veterinary Surgery, we wish you a safe and successful foaling season!