• The length of time a mare carries the foal inside her body is usually 11 to 12 months.
• The legs of a newborn foal are almost as long (about 90%) as those of the mare. It will grow slightly over a lifetime.
• A foal is able to stand just one hour after birth and can walk, trot, and run just two hours after birth!
• The first milk the mare makes is called colostrum. This is a rich milk and it is very important for the foal, because it helps protect it against disease.

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Stalls: Your pregnant horse’s stall should be larger than her usual one. I recommend 24X24 stalls, though 20X20 is usually sufficient. She won’t need the larger area until the foal is born, but you don’t want to transfer her just before the birth. The mare should be comfortable in her surroundings to make the birth less stressful.

Vital Signs: Keep a daily record of her vital signs, including her respiration, heart rate, and temperature. These records will help you monitor her progress, and stay on top of her health.