Horse Gestation

• 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.
• Most foals will start to nurse less than two hours after being born.
• A female foal is called a filly.
• A male foal is called a colt.
• More foals are born between April 15- May 15, than any other time.
• Mares usually foal at night.
• Mares don’t like to be watched when they foal. If someone is watching, they might stop foaling and wait till the person goes away.
• A mare may give birth in as little as 15 to 30 minutes, but no longer than an hour. If she is still straining after an hour has passed, something is seriously wrong.
• Normally a foal is born with its front feet first. One leg is extended; the other leg is slightly bent; and the head is thrust between the two legs. The newborn foal rests quietly for about 10 or 15 minutes, then tries to get up and is soon able to stand.
• If you have to help pull a foal out, NEVER pull up! Always pull down, toward the horse’s feet.

Leave a Reply