As time grows closer to a new foal entering the world, I refresh my previous research of what to do in case of an emergency
One thing I know: more harm comes from intervention, overfeeding, overdoing and getting in the way of what Mother Nature perfected.
One thing I know: more harm comes from intervention, overfeeding, overdoing and getting in the way of what Mother Nature perfected. You really do not need to feed a lot more while baby is growing—but watch out … As soon as that baby hits the ground and is nursing, she will start eating “like a horse” so she has everything she needs to feed that 100-pound baby that will be putting on a pound a day.
Normal gestation is 11 months (345 to 355 days). Several weeks before, the mare starts developing volume in her udders, with the time growing closer. This is when your “baby brain” starts to go a bit nuts—frantic even. Am I prepared enough? My god, I’ve been waiting patiently for 100 years and now I feel like I have so much to do. Boy? Girl? Names! Ohhh, the names and the colours … the what-ifs.
So many variables rolling around in your head: images of what this beautiful offspring could look like, the stress about mom and baby being healthy, making sure you have everything done for the summer as, once baby is born, sorry “Alice,” you ain’t getting Jack done. Way too much cuteness—enough to stop a tank in its tracks. You might as well give in and enjoy it as they grow so fast, up and running within hours. Next thing, you’ll be dodging deadly baby kicks and smacking that bad butt. (Yes, you need to school them, as mom would, very early.) If you give them an inch, they will give you a whole four-foot leg, which can break bones, so do not let their cuteness get the best of you. Take in the good moments, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but know their future depends on training.
As time grows closer to a new foal entering the world, carrying historic bloodlines from a few-hundred years ago, I refresh my previous research of what to do in case of an emergency. My next significant sign is watching for waxy-type droplets at the teats, a sure sign that foaling is imminent (usually within a day or two). Once the water breaks, that foal has about a half-hour window to get out of there before there are major problems. The main problem in birthing is dystocia, where the foal is not coming out in the proper position, and once the mare starts hard contractions, it is almost impossible to push them back and get things straight.
The average cow moose gives birth to a 30-pound calf (why you see many with twins). The average 2,000-pound horse gives birth to a 100-pound foal (why twins are almost sure to be lost, with the tangle of many legs to get out in a narrow passage). Once the foal is in proper position, they must be presented with the amniotic sack first, and there is risk of what is called “red bag” (placenta coming out first), and intervention is needed immediately so the foal does not suffocate.
There is a risk of the foal coming out and being dropped, stepped on or being at risk from predators waiting just feet away. The amniotic sack and umbilical cord break away at this point and mom starts cleaning and drying her newborn baby. The placenta must pass out of the mare within approximately three hours, or infection will set in (pieces of it cannot be left behind). The foal will try to clear fluid from its nasal cavity, will take in its new surroundings and will try to get to its feet within the hour. This is survival in its greatest moments.
If the process happens as it should, the foal will gather its balance, and the natural instinct to nurse begins. If this doesn’t occur, the natural process of the neurological system getting kickstarted through the birth canal did not happen and the foal will have Dummy Foal Syndrome and will walk around aimlessly, not knowing what to do. There is a very successful procedure called the Madigan Squeeze (which you do with a series of loops of rope around the foal’s torso) that will reset the system. Sterilizing the umbilical stump and making sure the foal passes its first feces are just some of the other steps that must be taken to ensure good health.
Needless to say, you either let Mother Nature take its course (what will be will be) or you can beat your mind and body up (obsess about it)—or make sure you are there for the big moment and intervene if need be.
For me, it’s all about whether you can live with regret. This is my reward for 10 years of hard work and dedication—my final-exam marks. As the time is coming closer, I have made all appropriate preparations and will do my absolute best to welcome this beautiful new life into the world.
Welcome to the wonderful world of breeding horses.
To be continued in Part 3
