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.
Diet: A pregnant mare needs more food starting in the fifth month of gestation. I recommend a cup of pellets high in fat and carbohydrates with a cup of sweet feed mixed in. If the majority of her pregnancy is during the winter months, a nightly bran mash can be beneficial as well.
Turn-Out: Pregnant mares can and should be turned out as usual. Give her at least five hours outside a day to keep her active and healthy. Keep her away from other pregnant mares so there is no fighting in the paddocks, and be sure that she isn’t anywhere near a stallion.
Vet Checks: The veterinarian should see a pregnant horse at least once a month. This lets the vet keep track of the pregnancy and make sure that nothing is wrong. I would also schedule an ultra sound every three months to be sure that the mare hasn’t absorbed the fetus.
Illness: Keep a watchful eye on your pregnant horse, and note any oddities in her behavior. Looking at her belly, pawing excessively, a runny nose, and dehydration are all signs that something might be wrong with either her or the foal. If you notice any strange behaviors, call the veterinarian just to be sure. Even the common cold can have negative effects on the baby, and result in either still birth or sickness at birth.
