Caring for Mares & Foals

Lesson 3: Preparing For the Foal

Signs of Parturition

Is it time to start watching your mare around the clock? How do you know that her time is approaching? If a mare can go anywhere for day 330 to day 350, how do you know that your mare’s time is at hand?

Each mare has her own individual way of preparing to foal, although that too can change from pregnancy to pregnancy. If you are observing your mare carefully on a regular basis, you should be able to see telltale signs of her getting ready.

Approximately three weeks before delivery, a hormone is excreted that begins to soften muscles, tendons, ligaments and even bone to enable the foal to pass safely through the reproductive tract into the world. You may notice the result of this softening in the mare’s beginning udder formation, softer muscles, particularly around the dock area, and even an uneven or careful gait. This softening continues up until the moment of delivery so it becomes more marked as the mare approaches parturition.

“Bagging Up” is a term used when the mare’s udder appears full, and can occur three weeks before foaling, or not until the last hours before foaling. “Waxing” is a sure sign that foaling is imminent, but some mares may totally skip this outward sign. Waxing is the term used to describe a honey colored, sticky substance collected on the tips of the teats. Only in a few cases is the appearance of wax not a sign of an impending delivery. Some mares may actually drip milk, and if that happens you should not leave your mare unattended. If it goes on without the delivery of a foal, you should try collecting the milk or that precious colostrum will be lost.

Observe any other changes as possible signs of approaching foaling; signs such as lack of appetite, personality or behavior changes, changes in posture. Your mare may lay down to rest and grunt; this is not a sign that she is foaling and will often send you running to the barn or standing by the door for countless times to watch your mare sleep. But one of those times will be the right one, if you just keep your vigil.

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