Caring for Mares & Foals

Lesson 6: Caring For the Newborn Foal

Problems

As you observe and work with your foal you should become aware of any problems. Basically a healthy foal should get stronger by the hour while a weak foal does just the opposite. This would first be noticed in lack of vigor and desire nursing. Even if you don’t notice that the foal is not nursing, your mare’s udder is a good signal. If it becomes hard and hot, or even dripping, your foal is not nursing well enough. There is little leeway with a sick foal and you need to summon the vet immediately. Karen Hayes, in her book “The Complete Book of Foaling”, goes into much detail on specific neonatal problems and solutions. In general, anything out of the ordinary requires a call to your veterinarian. He/she will be glad for your call in a timely manner for then there is a better chance of saving your foal and shortening its recovery period. Until the vet arrives, try to keep the foal warm and try feeding it with a bottle if possible. Sometimes just getting nourishment will ease the problem.

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