Take written notes so that you won't have to rely on memory alone. The watch will help you keep accurate track of the mare's progress during labor. When you're worried or anxious, your perception of time becomes distorted.

Keep a watch or clock on hand so you can time each stage of labor.Write down your veterinarian's phone number well in advance of the birth and keep it by all phones.If a problem becomes apparent, contact your veterinarian immediately. It usually is best to allow the mare to foal undisturbed and unassisted. Generally, this is the first stage of labor (however, be aware that colic remains a possibility if such behavior is prolonged for more than an hour or two without progress towards foaling, contact your veterinarian). She may frequently raise her tail and urinate. She may kick at her belly, pace, lie down and get up, look or bite at her flanks and sweat. 'Waxing' of the teats occurs (a yellowish, honey-like secretion appears one to four days prior to foaling).The teats become engorged four to six days prior to foaling.The tailhead may become more prominent a few days prior to foaling. The muscles of the vulva and croup relax.The mare's udder begins filling with milk two to four weeks prior to foaling.The following is a general guideline, but be prepared for surprises: Some mares may show all the signs like clockwork, others show practically none.

However, the timetable is far from absolute. Mares provide clues that they will soon give birth. Remove manure and soiled bedding promptly and disinfect the stall between deliveries.

Straw (particularly wheat straw) is preferable to shavings, as it won't cling to the wet newborn or mare the way small wood particles can. Dirt or clay floors make sanitation more difficult. If possible, the stall should have adequate bedding and a floor that can be readily cleaned and disinfected. Should you choose to foal your mare in a stall, provide one that is a minimum of 14' x 14'. However, many owners prefer to confine the mare to observe her progress. You won't have to worry about the mare crowding into a corner or foaling too close to a wall. An open grassy area is likely to be cleaner than a stall and provides a healthy environment with adequate room to foal. Allowing the mare to foal in the pasture even has some advantages. Horses have been giving birth on the open range for eons, and this is still an acceptable choice. What your mare will need, however, is a clean, safe, quiet place to foal. It is advisable to have your veterinarian's telephone number nearby in case of an emergency. Hiring a foaling attendant, installing a video monitor or using a birth alarm system can save the life of the foal if a problem should arise. Mares seem to prefer to foal at night in privacy, and apparently have some control over their delivery. In most cases, you will simply need to be a quiet observer. Every effort should be made to be present during foaling. Labor and delivery, while momentous, are generally uncomplicated. If your mare has made it through 11 months of pregnancy, you're almost home free.

Breaking the quiet horse 3