Welcoming a new foal into your barn is an exciting milestone, but it comes with significant responsibilities. Whether you are a first-time breeder or an experienced horse owner, knowing exactly how to manage a pregnant mare is the key to ensuring both the mother’s health and the successful delivery of a strong, healthy foal.
A gestation period typically lasts between 320 and 370 days. During this time, your mare isn’t just carrying a foal—she is undergoing physiological changes that require adjustments to her daily routine, diet, and living environment. By following a structured approach to care, you can minimize risks and enjoy a smoother transition to foaling season.
Understanding the Stages of Gestation
Managing a pregnant mare begins with understanding that her needs evolve as the pregnancy progresses. While the first few months are relatively standard, the final trimester is when the most significant fetal growth occurs.
- Early Gestation (Months 1-4): Nutritional requirements are similar to a non-pregnant horse. Focus on maintaining a healthy body condition score (BCS).
- Mid-Gestation (Months 5-8): Growth remains steady. Continue providing high-quality forage and consistent care.
- Late Gestation (Months 9-11): This is the critical window. The foal gains the majority of its weight during this phase, requiring increased protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Nutritional Requirements for the Expectant Mare
The most common mistake owners make is "over-feeding" too early or "under-feeding" during the final trimester. A mare in good condition (a BCS of 5 or 6 on the Henneke scale) is an ideal candidate for a healthy pregnancy.
Supplementing the Diet
As you learn how to manage a pregnant mare, remember that she needs higher levels of minerals—specifically copper, zinc, and manganese—to support the foal’s skeletal development.
- Forage First: High-quality grass or hay should always be the foundation of her diet.
- Balancing Minerals: If your local soil or hay is deficient, consult a vet regarding a balancer pellet designed for broodmares.
- Water Access: Pregnant mares require increased hydration to support amniotic fluid production and metabolic demand. Ensure clean, fresh water is available 24/7.
Health Care and Veterinary Oversight
Routine veterinary care is non-negotiable. Regular check-ups are the most important factor in how to manage a pregnant mare safely.
Vaccinations and De-worming
Work with your veterinarian to create a vaccination schedule tailored to your region. Common vaccines for pregnant mares include EHV-1 (Equine Herpesvirus), which helps prevent virus-induced abortion.
Regarding de-worming, do not administer any medication without veterinary approval. Some common de-wormers are not recommended during early pregnancy. A clean, parasite-managed environment reduces the stress on the mare’s immune system.
Moderate Exercise
Unless your veterinarian advises stall rest for medical reasons, keep your mare moving. Light exercise helps maintain muscle tone and helps the mare handle the physical strain of labor. However, avoid intense work or high-impact training as she enters her final months.
Preparing Your Facility: Creating the Perfect Foaling Space
Your home improvement efforts should focus on safety and cleanliness. When prepping your barn for a new arrival, consider these essential adjustments:
- The Foaling Stall: This needs to be significantly larger than a standard box stall—ideally 14’ x 14’ or larger. Ensure there are no sharp protrusions or narrow gaps where a foal could become trapped.
- Flooring and Bedding: Use clean, dust-free straw. Wood shavings can sometimes be problematic if they cling to the newborn foal’s nose.
- Lighting and Ventilation: Proper airflow is vital to prevent respiratory issues. Install soft, dimmable lighting so you can monitor the mare at night without causing excessive stress.
- Security Measures: If you have security cameras, now is the time to install them. Monitoring the mare from your home allows you to intervene only when necessary, keeping the environment calm.
Signs of Imminent Foaling
As you approach the 11-month mark, observation becomes your full-time job. Knowing the physical cues of labor is essential:
- Waxing: The appearance of small, waxy beads of colostrum on the teats.
- Udder Development: A significant increase in size and firmness.
- Relaxation of the Pelvic Ligaments: The tail head may look "sunken" or loose as the body prepares for birth.
- Behavioral Changes: Restlessness, pawing at the ground, or looking back at the flanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra food does a pregnant mare need?
During the first two trimesters, she needs very little extra energy. In the final three months, her protein and mineral requirements increase significantly. Always prioritize high-quality forage and consult an equine nutritionist to avoid obesity, which can cause dystocia (difficult birth).
Can I ride my horse while she is pregnant?
Yes, you can usually ride a mare for the first few months of her pregnancy. However, as the foal grows and her center of gravity shifts, you should switch to light trail riding or ground work, eventually stopping completely during the final few months to prevent injury to either the mare or the foal.
What should I do if the mare shows signs of colic?
Always treat colic as an emergency. Because the pregnant mare is carrying a foal, you must be extremely cautious with medications like Banamine or NSAIDs. Call your vet immediately—never wait to see if the symptoms pass.
When should I move the mare to the foaling stall?
It is best to move the mare into her foaling environment 2–4 weeks before her due date. This allows her to develop antibodies to the specific bacteria in that environment, which she will then pass to the foal through her colostrum.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes. Always consult with your local equine veterinarian to create a management plan specifically tailored to your mare’s health history and your facility's environment.