I Need Help with Owning a Pregnant Mare

Pretty Pony · 11-01-2009, 10:24 PM

Okay, for those that have followed along, you know my issues with Lily's rapidly expanding stomach. **How do I link to the other thread?**

Well, I still don't know for sure, but at this point I'm getting pretty certain that I need to start preparing and educating myself. I figure even if it works out that she isn't pregnant, there is no harm done in learning. Either I'll be able to use it at some point in life or someone else will.

If she is indeed pregnant, the earliest foaling date would be the end of January/start February we think and I'm not sure what the latest would be. Bear in mind, I'm talking Alberta winters.

So I need to know everything I can about owning a pregnant mare, about foaling, and about what to do after. If anyone wants to toss in some tips, some advice, lessons they have learned, recommended books, threads I should read/search for, anything, please feel free to add to the thread! They don't happen to have a "What to Expect When Your Expecting" for horses, do they?

As always, thank you so much for all the help!

ThorArb · 11-02-2009, 07:58 AM

Best books ever- Blessed Are The Broodmares, Blessed Are The Foals!

http://www.amazon.com/Blessed-Brood-.../dp/0876058489

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/087...1F23VNQ7TGP4Y1

Also seems like a good reference is The Complete Guide to Foaling:
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-..._bxgy_b_text_c

Please consult with your vet and have her palpated to see if you indeed do have a foal (or foals!) on the way. Better to know ahead of time than sit around guessing. Safer for both your peace of mind and the mare's health.

In any case if your mare is indeed pregnant she'll need to be getting good feed and hay. I keep my mares in foal on a 14-16% Mare and Foal feed during the last part of gestation and up to weaning. They are given Alfalfa hay 2x a day and free choice coastal (as I have no grass). Pnuemabort K shots are given at 5, 7, and 9 months. Their normal vaccinations are given regularly (spring, fall) and I update their Tetanus booster a month prior to foaling.

You'll also need to get your foal kit together. It should include but not limited to:
1. Flashlight w/ batteries!
2. Towels
3. Foal blanket (seeing how you're in Alberta)
4. Betadine/Iodine (for umbilical stump)
5. Vet Wrap (can be used on mom's tail to keep clean, among others!)
6. Scissors
7. Ties/Twine
8. Gloves
9. Enemas
10. Halter/leads (for mom and baby)
11. Buckets
12. PHONE W/ YOUR VET'S EMERGENCY CONTACT READY!

Oh yeah and a large trash bag for the placenta. Duh!

Thats all off the top of my head, if I can think of something else I'll get back with you.

Brittany

Gramma Sassy · 11-02-2009, 08:24 AM

There is a relatively inexpensive blood test to let you know if she is indeed pregnant. Definitely check with your vet before you make any assumptions. I have been fooled twice by a "hay belly" Once with a mare who I KNEW had been exposed to a stallion, and another time when I was only taking the word of the seller.

Pretty Pony · 11-02-2009, 02:19 PM

I am definitly going to have her checked, just in the process of waiting right now. The vet is on mat leave until the middle of November and I'm three hours away at school and depending on the lady I board with to load Lily up with two of her mares to take in. So she will be checked, I promise. Like I said before, I just figure it's not going to hurt me to learn anything right now and I need to do something to keep my mind busy in the mean time.

So I'm not going to go out and buy anything yet until I know for sure, but just out of curiosity, do foal blankets come in different sizes and weights? This might be a dumb question. How would I know what size to get? And where would I go to look for a foal blanket? I only ever see the horse/pony sizes.

ThorArb, thanks for the book suggestions! I will see if I can find those!

Terry · 11-02-2009, 02:27 PM

I have been following your thread in the health & nutrition section, and since I don't want to miss any news, no matter where you post it, I thought I'd better get myself subscribed to this thread too.

Pretty Pony · 11-02-2009, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry

I have been following your thread in the health & nutrition section, and since I don't want to miss any news, no matter where you post it, I thought I'd better get myself subscribed to this thread too.

Aww, thanks so much for sticking this out with me. I'm going to have to tell Lily about all her supporters. I promise I'll be updating the health thread first and then this one as soon as I know!

evelynwolfe · 11-02-2009, 02:49 PM

Yes please keep us updated!

ThorArb · 11-02-2009, 03:37 PM

Yes I have seen foal blankets come in different sizes, usually listed as being small, medium or large (sometimes XL). They also make them adjustable and with or without belly bands. You'll find rugs, sheets, turn outs and stable varieties too. Depends on what you want. Im not familiar with Alberta winters so you'll have to figure out what would work best.

I dont know what breed your mare is but most stock horse foals will use a blanket fitting between 30 and 36 inches. TB/WB foals will use larger, probably something between 38-45 inches. Round a bout anyways.

Pretty Pony · 11-02-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThorArb

Yes I have seen foal blankets come in different sizes, usually listed as being small, medium or large (sometimes XL). They also make them adjustable and with or without belly bands. You'll find rugs, sheets, turn outs and stable varieties too. Depends on what you want. Im not familiar with Alberta winters so you'll have to figure out what would work best.

I dont know what breed your mare is but most stock horse foals will use a blanket fitting between 30 and 36 inches. TB/WB foals will use larger, probably something between 38-45 inches. Round a bout anyways.

Oh wow, thanks so much for all the info! Especially the inches part! The mare is a 15.1 hh thoroughbred, and the daddy would either be a warmblood or if she was bred before I bought her, then more than likely QH or TB.

Okay, onoe more blanket question: would belly bands be good or bad for a foal? I know I would prefer them on a blanker my mare, but not sure about on a baby.

Oh, so many questions I have! lol!

ThorArb · 11-03-2009, 09:20 AM

Personally Id go witht the belly band myself. Seems like it'd keep the foal warmer, especially if its going to be really cold up there. Just make sure that the blanket is well fitted as you dont want it to snag or the foal to get caught up in it when getting up and down.

My last foal born here was born when it was colder (ok so FL doesnt have real cold winters but still!). She was dainty and when I found her, shivering. I never bought a foal blanket as I didnt figure it got cold enough here to have one. I ended up getting an older sweater and putting it on her. It worked out pretty well, she loved her sweater.

Pretty Pony · 11-03-2009, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThorArb

Personally Id go witht the belly band myself. Seems like it'd keep the foal warmer, especially if its going to be really cold up there. Just make sure that the blanket is well fitted as you dont want it to snag or the foal to get caught up in it when getting up and down.

My last foal born here was born when it was colder (ok so FL doesnt have real cold winters but still!). She was dainty and when I found her, shivering. I never bought a foal blanket as I didnt figure it got cold enough here to have one. I ended up getting an older sweater and putting it on her. It worked out pretty well, she loved her sweater.

Okay, thanks for the help! I was thinking I want belly bands anyway, just worried about the baby getting caught up in it, like you said. The sweater is a neat idea! Very creative thinking on your part!!!

Just for an update, Lily may be going in sometime this week to be checked. A colt has a swollen leg and may need to visit the vet, so if that's the case, Lily will go in with him instead of waiting until the other mares get in. So fingers crossed that she gets to go in this week!

ThorArb · 11-03-2009, 04:11 PM

Just to share here's the filly I was talking about with her sweater.

lady dumpling · 11-03-2009, 04:31 PM

I have seen the pics you posted in your other thread and in my opinion(not that it means much lol)she definately looks pregnant.I bought a mare in a spring auction as a broke mare (not bred) we were riding her and started noticing that the saddle wasn't fitting well and she started to get uncomfortable,so I took her in to our vet and had her palpated and low and behold she was pregnant.Vet couldn't give me a good guess on her due date,turned out he was a month early with his guess.Long story short I got an AMAZING foal that my daughter and I have enjoyed very much.We missed Kannen's birth by maybe an hour max he was still wet and Mom and baby are both doing awesome.I did like you and read as much as I could to get ready and be prepared for his birth.I look forward to reading the official results when you get her back from her check up.

Terry · 11-03-2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pretty Pony

Just for an update, Lily may be going in sometime this week to be checked. A colt has a swollen leg and may need to visit the vet, so if that's the case, Lily will go in with him instead of waiting until the other mares get in. So fingers crossed that she gets to go in this week!

Oh, I hope I hope I hope she gets to go get checked this week! I don't think I can stand waiting another week to find out!

ThorArb, I love the picture of your foal in the sweater. Too cute!!

Pretty Pony · 11-03-2009, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lady dumpling

I have seen the pics you posted in your other thread and in my opinion(not that it means much lol)she definately looks pregnant.I bought a mare in a spring auction as a broke mare (not bred) we were riding her and started noticing that the saddle wasn't fitting well and she started to get uncomfortable,so I took her in to our vet and had her palpated and low and behold she was pregnant.Vet couldn't give me a good guess on her due date,turned out he was a month early with his guess.Long story short I got an AMAZING foal that my daughter and I have enjoyed very much.We missed Kannen's birth by maybe an hour max he was still wet and Mom and baby are both doing awesome.I did like you and read as much as I could to get ready and be prepared for his birth.I look forward to reading the official results when you get her back from her check up.

Lady Dumpling, everyone's opinions mean something to me right now. I am so happy to hear your story! And I just love your baby's name! As far as being uncomfortable, I definitly know what you mean there. Lily's not in any hurry to move and she just walks like she's not very comfortable. Not in pain, just not comfortable. I will keep you posted on the situation!

Terry, did you read my "oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh" when I posted on the other thread about hopefully getting Lily in this week? Your response made me laugh. I can't stand another week, either. Hopefully only 3 more days max. Just gotta hang in there.

ThorArb, that picture is wonderful and definitly made my day! Wayyyy too cute!!!

Horselady44 · 11-03-2009, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terry

I have been following your thread in the health & nutrition section, and since I don't want to miss any news, no matter where you post it, I thought I'd better get myself subscribed to this thread too.

DITTO!

Im watching all your threads very closely

Im so looking forward to the vet update

pagcam · 11-03-2009, 05:34 PM

I found the cheapest option for foal blankets was - a dog blanket! Most of the tack stores around me sell them for less than a foal blanket, in fact I picked up mine in Calgary when Greenhawk was clearing them out for only $20. Plus the bellyband was nicer; our dainty arabian foal wore a XXL, and I'm kicking myself for not getting an XXXL for her to grow into!

Pretty Pony · 11-03-2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horselady44

DITTO!

Im watching all your threads very closely

Im so looking forward to the vet update

Ahh, Lily and I are being stalked!!!

lol, really, I do appreciate having supporters!

Pretty Pony · 11-03-2009, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pagcam

I found the cheapest option for foal blankets was - a dog blanket! Most of the tack stores around me sell them for less than a foal blanket, in fact I picked up mine in Calgary when Greenhawk was clearing them out for only $20. Plus the bellyband was nicer; our dainty arabian foal wore a XXL, and I'm kicking myself for not getting an XXXL for her to grow into!

Oh, I never even thought of that! How big can you get dog blankets? I'm going to wait until I hear from the vet to see how big this baby is, but I'm thinking it's gonna be a good size!

horsecrazygal · 11-03-2009, 06:53 PM

If you want to actually get to watch her during foaling, I would suggest you get a milk test kit such as:
http://www.foalingwatch.com/ProductD...-1700&CartID=1

By testing the mares milk, you can get an estimate of approx when she will foal. This way you know which night to foal watch during.

I would also suggest you watch this video on foal care:
http://www.thehorse.com/Videos.aspx?tab=webinar

you have to log in to watch it...

I'm excited for you and Lily.

I want to breed my retired jumper, but I don't have the funding at this time to plan on another horse. At least not without selling one of the ones I have...

11-01-2009, 10:24 PM
Pretty Pony Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: currently in Calgary, AB Posts: 665	I Need Help with Owning a Pregnant Mare Okay, for those that have followed along, you know my issues with Lily's rapidly expanding stomach. How do I link to the other thread? Well, I still don't know for sure, but at this point I'm getting pretty certain that I need to start preparing and educating myself. I figure even if it works out that she isn't pregnant, there is no harm done in learning. Either I'll be able to use it at some point in life or someone else will. If she is indeed pregnant, the earliest foaling date would be the end of January/start February we think and I'm not sure what the latest would be. Bear in mind, I'm talking Alberta winters. So I need to know everything I can about owning a pregnant mare, about foaling, and about what to do after. If anyone wants to toss in some tips, some advice, lessons they have learned, recommended books, threads I should read/search for, anything, please feel free to add to the thread! They don't happen to have a "What to Expect When Your Expecting" for horses, do they? As always, thank you so much for all the help! __________________ My heart is with my Lily Last edited by Pretty Pony : 11-03-2009 at 07:10 PM.

11-02-2009, 07:58 AM
ThorArb Kid Safe Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Conyers, GA Posts: 5,965	Best books ever- Blessed Are The Broodmares, Blessed Are The Foals! http://www.amazon.com/Blessed-Brood-.../dp/0876058489 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/087...1F23VNQ7TGP4Y1 Also seems like a good reference is The Complete Guide to Foaling: http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-..._bxgy_b_text_c Please consult with your vet and have her palpated to see if you indeed do have a foal (or foals!) on the way. Better to know ahead of time than sit around guessing. Safer for both your peace of mind and the mare's health. In any case if your mare is indeed pregnant she'll need to be getting good feed and hay. I keep my mares in foal on a 14-16% Mare and Foal feed during the last part of gestation and up to weaning. They are given Alfalfa hay 2x a day and free choice coastal (as I have no grass). Pnuemabort K shots are given at 5, 7, and 9 months. Their normal vaccinations are given regularly (spring, fall) and I update their Tetanus booster a month prior to foaling. You'll also need to get your foal kit together. It should include but not limited to: 1. Flashlight w/ batteries! 2. Towels 3. Foal blanket (seeing how you're in Alberta) 4. Betadine/Iodine (for umbilical stump) 5. Vet Wrap (can be used on mom's tail to keep clean, among others!) 6. Scissors 7. Ties/Twine 8. Gloves 9. Enemas 10. Halter/leads (for mom and baby) 11. Buckets 12. PHONE W/ YOUR VET'S EMERGENCY CONTACT READY! Oh yeah and a large trash bag for the placenta. Duh! Thats all off the top of my head, if I can think of something else I'll get back with you. Brittany __________________ Proud owner of Dixie (04 QH mare), Dezi (06 App filly), Togan (88 QH gelding) Last edited by ThorArb : 11-02-2009 at 08:03 AM.

11-02-2009, 08:24 AM
Gramma Sassy Long Yearling Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: North Dakota Posts: 1,296	There is a relatively inexpensive blood test to let you know if she is indeed pregnant. Definitely check with your vet before you make any assumptions. I have been fooled twice by a "hay belly" Once with a mare who I KNEW had been exposed to a stallion, and another time when I was only taking the word of the seller. __________________ ~God is good, but tiz best not to dance in a small boat~ VOTE FOR "DUSTY TRAILS HORSE RESCUE" DAILY IN THE PETFINDER SHELTER CHALLENGE! http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/c...faces?siteId=3

11-02-2009, 02:19 PM
Pretty Pony Yearling Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: currently in Calgary, AB Posts: 665	I am definitly going to have her checked, just in the process of waiting right now. The vet is on mat leave until the middle of November and I'm three hours away at school and depending on the lady I board with to load Lily up with two of her mares to take in. So she will be checked, I promise. Like I said before, I just figure it's not going to hurt me to learn anything right now and I need to do something to keep my mind busy in the mean time. So I'm not going to go out and buy anything yet until I know for sure, but just out of curiosity, do foal blankets come in different sizes and weights? This might be a dumb question. How would I know what size to get? And where would I go to look for a foal blanket? I only ever see the horse/pony sizes. ThorArb, thanks for the book suggestions! I will see if I can find those! __________________ My heart is with my Lily

11-02-2009, 02:27 PM
Terry Yearling Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Central Illinois Posts: 977	I have been following your thread in the health & nutrition section, and since I don't want to miss any news, no matter where you post it, I thought I'd better get myself subscribed to this thread too. __________________ In loving memory of Roxy - 00-08. RIP my sweet girl. Proud Army Mom.

11-02-2009, 02:49 PM
evelynwolfe Halter broke Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Southern IN Posts: 184	Yes please keep us updated! __________________ Sell the cow, buy the sheep, but never be without the horse. ~ Irish Proverb

11-02-2009, 03:37 PM
ThorArb Kid Safe Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Conyers, GA Posts: 5,965	Yes I have seen foal blankets come in different sizes, usually listed as being small, medium or large (sometimes XL). They also make them adjustable and with or without belly bands. You'll find rugs, sheets, turn outs and stable varieties too. Depends on what you want. Im not familiar with Alberta winters so you'll have to figure out what would work best. I dont know what breed your mare is but most stock horse foals will use a blanket fitting between 30 and 36 inches. TB/WB foals will use larger, probably something between 38-45 inches. Round a bout anyways. __________________ Proud owner of Dixie (04 QH mare), Dezi (06 App filly), Togan (88 QH gelding)

11-03-2009, 09:20 AM
ThorArb Kid Safe Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Conyers, GA Posts: 5,965	Personally Id go witht the belly band myself. Seems like it'd keep the foal warmer, especially if its going to be really cold up there. Just make sure that the blanket is well fitted as you dont want it to snag or the foal to get caught up in it when getting up and down. My last foal born here was born when it was colder (ok so FL doesnt have real cold winters but still!). She was dainty and when I found her, shivering. I never bought a foal blanket as I didnt figure it got cold enough here to have one. I ended up getting an older sweater and putting it on her. It worked out pretty well, she loved her sweater. __________________ Proud owner of Dixie (04 QH mare), Dezi (06 App filly), Togan (88 QH gelding)

11-03-2009, 04:11 PM
ThorArb Kid Safe Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Conyers, GA Posts: 5,965	Just to share here's the filly I was talking about with her sweater. __________________ Proud owner of Dixie (04 QH mare), Dezi (06 App filly), Togan (88 QH gelding)

11-03-2009, 04:31 PM
lady dumpling Long Yearling Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: alberta Posts: 1,314	I have seen the pics you posted in your other thread and in my opinion(not that it means much lol)she definately looks pregnant.I bought a mare in a spring auction as a broke mare (not bred) we were riding her and started noticing that the saddle wasn't fitting well and she started to get uncomfortable,so I took her in to our vet and had her palpated and low and behold she was pregnant.Vet couldn't give me a good guess on her due date,turned out he was a month early with his guess.Long story short I got an AMAZING foal that my daughter and I have enjoyed very much.We missed Kannen's birth by maybe an hour max he was still wet and Mom and baby are both doing awesome.I did like you and read as much as I could to get ready and be prepared for his birth.I look forward to reading the official results when you get her back from her check up. __________________ Good thing my horses can't post about MY vices!

11-03-2009, 05:34 PM
pagcam Newborn Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 19	I found the cheapest option for foal blankets was - a dog blanket! Most of the tack stores around me sell them for less than a foal blanket, in fact I picked up mine in Calgary when Greenhawk was clearing them out for only $20. Plus the bellyband was nicer; our dainty arabian foal wore a XXL, and I'm kicking myself for not getting an XXXL for her to grow into!

11-03-2009, 06:53 PM
horsecrazygal Newborn Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: FL Posts: 33	If you want to actually get to watch her during foaling, I would suggest you get a milk test kit such as: http://www.foalingwatch.com/ProductD...-1700&CartID=1 By testing the mares milk, you can get an estimate of approx when she will foal. This way you know which night to foal watch during. I would also suggest you watch this video on foal care: http://www.thehorse.com/Videos.aspx?tab=webinar you have to log in to watch it... I'm excited for you and Lily. I want to breed my retired jumper, but I don't have the funding at this time to plan on another horse. At least not without selling one of the ones I have...