Here's some great tips on preparing for a foal.
Flashlight & Batteries Many mares foal at night or early in the morning, so keep these on hand to provide light. Plastic Bag To put placenta in. Placenta should be examined to make sure that there are no holes, tears, or pieces missing (which would mean that a piece could still be in the mare and could lead to infection) String To tie off umbilical cord if it doesn’t break. Or tie up placenta if mare does not drop it right away (tie it to itself to prevent the mare from stepping on and pulling it out) Scissors To cut string, or tough sac around foal, or to cut string or suture material to tie off cord. Iodine 7% and film canister To dip foal’s umbilical stump - pour iodine in clean film canister & dip foal's umbilical stup in it. This will help prevent infection. Betadine can also be used. Mild soap & warm water or BetadineTo wash mare (vulva, udders) prior to foaling. This will help prevent infection. Dry washclothes and towels .To grasp foal to pull if needed, clean foal and mare if needed.Frozen colostrum To give foal if mare does not produce colostrum. Plastic Gloves To keep hands clean Vetrap To wrap mare's tail prior to foaling.Notepad & pencils To record time, mare’s behavior, how foaling goes Two Enemas In case foal does not pass meconium (first poop). Consult a vet before administering, as it is easy to cause a perforation of the bowel which can kill a foal. Vaseline To lubricate hands if necessary to reposition foal Twitch If mare rejects or attacks foalHalter & lead ropes (including stud chain)To move, tie, or restrain mare if necessary. Clean bucket To rinse hands, foal, mare Watch To keep track of time Paper towels To clean yourself, mare, foal, etc.
Cordless or Cell phone To call your vet in case of a problem without having to leave your mare.
When the foal is born: Make sure the foal's nostrils are clear so it can breathe. If needed, you can dry the foal with a towel (most mares will clean their foals). Treat foal's umbilical stump with iodine for the first several days to prevent infection.
Normal Foals will:
Get up within an hour
Nurse within 2-4 hours (they must nurse within 24)
Pass meconium (first poop) by 6 hours
Mare care:
Clean mare/wrap tail before foaling
After foaling, she should stand within 30 minutes
Placenta should be dropped within about 3 hours
Tie up placenta if it is not dropped right away so it is not stepped on and pulled out (tie it to itself)
Do not pull placenta out, as it can rip and remain in mare (causing infection)
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