Hello there, well I will start by saying we purchased our just turned 3, APHA at the end of May this year...we were told there was a chance she may be bred...which was fine for us...we have a small family farm and would welcome a new foal! last month, my daughters coach was over coaching our daughter on her pony, and after the lesson was commenting on Annie and how she looked much farther along than the 4 months she would be if she was bred. So the vet came out the week after and did a preg check...saying she was defineately bred...but further along than the 4 months we had thought....more like 7 or 8 months...so my question is...if she is farther along...it would put her at feb to be due...advice for winter babies??? thanks
we spoke to her previous owners...who seem to think there is no way she couldve been bred before april....she saw the stallion covering her in may....who knows...lol
Pretty simple really. Make sure they have access to at least 3 sided shelter. I would put up a heat lamp if the stall isn't enormous. It wont heat much but it will help a little.
My recipe for bedding is a fine layer of shavings (your choice of shavings) and a really thick layer of straw. I will put anywhere from 1-2 bales down.
You don't want the shavings on top so the mare wont get them in her woohoo after foaling and the baby wont inhale them.
You might want to invest in a stable blanket for the baby for added warmth. Have lots of towels close by to dry him/her off. Snuggie Quilted Foal Adjustable Stable Blanket - Horse.com
Thanks...its been a while since Ive foaled a mare...my horses are outside 24/7...with access to a large runin within the barn....we have two separate paddocks which we plan to put the other 3 into when she is close....and straw bedding already there...Ive just heard so many negative comments about winter foaling,,,and with her being a maiden mare and not knowing the exact due date...I would feel awful if she had the foal outside....but dont want to be bringing her in at night for months either...she has never been indoors during the night.
You unfortunately might have to bring her in at night. I would just give her plenty of hay to keep her calm. Is it a barn? Could she be stalled next to another horse for a few months?
Its a big drive barn...we are planning on having to large stalls built over the next month...right now there is a large 20 by 20 stall they can come in and out of at will. when she is closer to the time...I can always keep her in there....the other three horses will be put in a separate paddock...is just frustrating not knowing exactly when she is due...and being a maiden mare...the signs are not always there...her previous owners had the yearling stallion in with the herd...they are saying he showed no interest in her until april of this year....he just turned 2...we are keeping a close eye on her...
As the time gets nearer I would work closely with vet to try to further pinpoint an estimated due date - we have lots of horses around here running around with half ears because their tips froze off when they were born, unattended, in winter. Careful attention can prevent that and many other unfortunate consequences of a winter birth...
Good luck and congrats on your new addition and upcoming baby
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