Caring for the Pregnant Mare

Your Vet

Choose a vet who is interested in equine reproduction and obstetrics, who is on call all hours, who is experienced, willing to attend the foaling, a well equipped mobile unit, organized, up-to-date in training, AND you must be willing to pay for all of this...believe me, it will not be cheap! But, it will be worth it for the safety of both mare and foal are at stake.

It is a good idea to start saving up for unexpected emergencies as soon as you have your mare bred - you have 11 months. Try to choose your vet well ahead of the foaling date and make her/him the choice for routine care so the vet can get to know your mare and her individual characteristics. Keep your own detailed records of your mares care, problems, feed, etc. so you have good information for the vet if you need to call.

Also, vets are very busy, so be organized and ready for them when you call or when the vet comes to call. Be familiar with terminology, have a first aid kit on hand for your horse, have the horse CAUGHT and in the stall waiting for the vet. Call the vet ahead of the foaling date to remind him/her that the time is drawing near and that you will be calling on them to help. Call the vet when signs of foaling begin to appear...don't wait until you are in trouble - it may be too late. Most births are trouble free, but you never know. Be safe, not sorry!