Foal and horse safety often coincide, however it is important to note that foals are far smaller, more delicate and more accident-prone than full-grown horses.

The mare should have access to a safe shelter in which to give birth, be this a foaling stable, a shelter in a paddock or covered yard.

Look over the shelter and remove or repair any loose boards, splinters, gaps between boards or doors, where foals can get caught. Protruding nails, buckets, hooks and latches should also be removed.

If there is an aisle, all rakes, pitchforks, wheelbarrows and other barn equipment should be removed and kept in a secure place outside of where the foal can get access.

The feeders and waterers in the stable and paddock should be smooth with rounded edges and the troughs and feed bins should be made so that the foals can’t get trapped inside should they climb or fall in.

If you normally use shavings, the stable bedding should be changed to foaling straw, as shavings can get stuck to the newly born foal and get into their nostrils and airways. If you prefer shavings, you can change them back after a couple days but it is important to check the foal regularly as some foals will eat them should they be given the chance.

If you decide to use a foaling stable, it should be cleaned and disinfected before the mare is due to give birth in order to reduce the risk of infection and disease in the new foal. Ideally the stable should be kept empty until around when the foal is due to be born in order to reduce contact with other horses until the immune system of the foal is stronger.

Other options include sending the mare to a foaling specific stables, where there will be experienced staff on hand and high quality facilities.

Summary

• Check the shelter for nails, splinters, gaps in the boards or doors and other hazards
• Clear the aisle outside the stable of hazards such as pitchforks, rakes and wheelbarrows
• Feeding buckets and waterers should have rounded edges
• Shelter should be cleaned and disinfected before birth
• Shavings should be changed to foaling straw
• Consider the option of sending your mare to a specific birthing facility or stud

Genetic Testing: Practical Horse Genetics

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