A Mare’s gestation period is roughly 340 days (11 months). During that time the mare should be monitored closely, checked by a vet if required and allowed to relax and enjoy her time ‘in foal’.
As the birth approaches it is ideal to separate the mare from the rest of the herd and provide her with a foaling box if possible. This is her safe area and provides her with a secure environment within which she can foal and then rest, away from the herd who sometimes show too much of an interest which can unduly stress the mare and cause problems.
Rugs are removed to allow the foal to fall without danger of becoming entangled in the leg straps as this can lead to strangulation or suffocation.
The birth lasts approximately 30 minutes; once the Foal is born the Mare licks it clean which also stimulates the blood flow in the foal. At this point the Mare and the foal must be closely monitored to ensure no complications arise, additionally the foal should be standing and suckling from its mother within the first hour of its life.
If the first couple of hours go well the next thing to watch out for is the foals’ first ‘movement’ as this shows its internal organs are working correctly.
My stallion Ellston Jasper has successfully served 2 of my mares; Dulce Sweet Velvet (2014) and Fourlands Lizzie Brown (2016) and I hope that he will continue to sire healthy strong foals for Waterfall Shires.
