Pre-Foaling Kit Checklist

Prepare your foaling kit at least two weeks before your “Earliest Safe Date” so you aren’t scrambling in the middle of the night:

• Your Veterinarian’s emergency phone number
• Clean, soft towels for drying the foal
• Chlorhexidine or mild Iodine solution (for dipping the umbilical stump)
• Flashlight with fresh batteries
• Tail wrap (to keep the mare’s tail out of the way)
• Clean bucket and mild soap (for washing the mare’s hindquarters)
• Fleet Enema (for the foal, if recommended by your vet)
• Heavy-duty trash bags (for storing the placenta for vet inspection)

The 3 Stages of Labor

Stage 1 (Positioning): Can last 1 to 4 hours. The mare may act colicky, restless, sweat around the neck, and frequently pass small amounts of manure. The foal is turning into the diving position.

Stage 2 (Delivery): Fast and intense! This begins when the mare’s “water breaks” (allantoic fluid) and ends when the foal is fully delivered. This stage usually takes only 15 to 30 minutes. If it takes longer than 30 minutes with strong pushing, call your vet immediately.

Stage 3 (Placenta): The passing of the afterbirth. This should naturally occur within 1 to 3 hours after foaling. Crucial rule: Never pull on the placenta! If it is not passed within 3 hours, call your vet as a retained placenta is a medical emergency.