FOALING KIT IDEAS - helping you to be best prepared for your
exciting new arrivals this spring!
Written by SHNZ
So, you've decided to foal your mare down at home yourself. This is a very exciting time after such a long wait, and being as prepared as you can from reading books, talking to your vet/friends, and having helpful items on hand will help you feel much more relaxed and confident about the imminent arrival, especially if it is your first time foaling.
While foaling alarms
are great and can save alot of lost sleep, they are not completely fool-proof
and we suggest doing some regular nightly foal watch when your mare is
very close to foaling. Of course many mares foal without any assistance
necesasary at all, but after 11 months of time and expense we feel it
is well worth some missed sleep to ensure it all goes smoothly!
(And remember many "Live Foal Guarantees" are only valid if
your foaling is supervised - check your Service Contract.)
It is wise to collect your foaling kit items several weeks in advance of your mares' due date, and keep them in a place you can quickly access when required. Read up on the foaling process beforehand and make yourself familiar with the proceedure so you will notice if something isnt quite right. Always keep your vet's phone number on hand as a precaution.
Basic Foaling Kit Requirements
(1) Large Container. Firstly, obtain a large container to keep your foaling items in. Many people choose a big bucket which can double for carrying warm water for washing down, and one with a lid is excellent to keep your foaling items sterile. Some people prefer using a plastic tool box which is easy to carry and can neatly store many items in a dust free environment.
(2) Plastic surgical gloves - another useful inclusion in your foaling kit to help keep hygienic at anytime during foaling.
(3) Torch - make sure it works and has fresh batteries!
(4) String / Baling Twine - use this to tie up the afterbirth so that the mare doesnt stand on it, and it can then come out in its own time. Dont tie it onto the tail but instead bundle it up onto itself - some mares are quite concerned about this unusual wet object dangling around their hind legs!
(5) Iodine - excellent for applying to your new foals umbilical cord stump as soon as it breaks away to guard against infection.
(6) Antibiotic/wound powder - also for applying to the naval.
(7) Cotton Wool - general use including to apply iodine/powder to naval.
(8) Your Cell Phone and Vets telephone numbers - both clinic and emergency/after hours numbers, in case you need some prompt advice or assistance.
Useful Additional Foaling Items
(9) Tail bandage - put this on your mare before she foals.
(10) Overalls - can be a good idea to keep you clean!
(11) Spare Buckets - for carrying warm water, collecting afterbirth etc
(12) Clean Towels - to help dry off and stimulate your foal, especially if the weather is cold and your mare is foaling outside, and to wash down your mare.
(13) Lubrication - a very good idea if you need to wear your plastic gloves and assist the foal in any way during the birth.
(14) Scissors - useful to have on hand
(15) Access to hot water - for sterilising, washing down etc.
(16) Feed for your mare - giving birth is a big effort for your mare and providing her with plenty of nice grain and lucerne hay will help keep her energy and protein levels up to look after her new foal.
Once expelled, remember to check the afterbirth for any missing pieces (or, if doing this isnt quite your cup of tea, place the whole placenta in a bucket for your vet to check as soon as possible) as it is very important none of it remains inside your mare because it will likely cause an infection in her uterus which can delay her becoming pregnant again.
This list contains
some of the basic foaling requirements, but there are certainly other
items you might like to add which can come in handy (eg, tetanus injection
and enema - only if you know how to correctly use them!, spare torch batteries,
some soft rope, scalpel, some people like to give their mare some natural
remedies after foaling to assist with shock etc).
Why not email us some photos of your new foals and we'll place them
on our website in a special "Foal Gallery" for all to see! Email
now to: Diana@SportHorsesNewZealand.com
All the best and happy foaling!