Caring for Mares & Foals

Lesson 4: Foaling

To Pull or Not to Pull

In most deliveries, the mare needs little or no help. In fact if you assist and shorten her labor time she may have post partum trouble, as she will not have pushed enough fluid from the uterus. However, if you want to lend a hand there are some vital basics you need to know. If you pull too hard, or in the wrong direction, you will do more harm then help. You can fracture ribs, bruise the lungs, rip the mares birth canal tissues or even the uterus. You can avoid this if you only apply pressure when the mare is also pushing, and if you pull in a downward arc.

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