How to Prepare: Pre-Foaling Checklist

By Kayla Dykstra, DVM, cVA

Foaling can happen fast. Being well prepared helps keep your mare, foal, and care-givers safe and stress-free.

Preparation = Peace of Mind

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When you ascertain that your mare has become pregnant, download, print, and implement this Pre-Foaling Checklist.

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Take Care of Maternity Health Care

• Pre-foaling vet-check appointment  

• Vaccinations up to date 

• Deworming plan followed

  
  

Prepare Foaling Area

• Clean, disinfected stall

• Deep, clean bedding (straw preferred)

• Good lighting and ventilation

• No sharp edges or hazards

• Veterinarian contact info posted

Assemble Foaling Kit Supplies

• Clean towels

• Gloves

• Tail wrap

• Antiseptic solution

• Thermometer

• Flashlight

• Notebook and pen

Be Ready for an Emergency

• Veterinarian contact saved in phone

• Phone charged

• Emergency transport plan in place

Before Foaling: Monitor Your Mare

Perform daily checks as the due date nears, progressing to every few hours overnight:

• Watch for udder changes and relaxation

• Note behavioral changes

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Most mares foal without issues but knowing what’s normal — and when to call the vet — can make all the difference.

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After Foaling: Follow the “1-2-3” Rule

If any of these three time-markers are not met, contact a veterinarian immediately!

• Foal should stand within 1 hour.

• Foal should nurse within 2 hours.

• Mare should pass placenta within 3 hours.

Steinbeck Peninsula Equine offers foaling out services, so if having your mare foal out under the experienced care of our veterinarians makes your life more stress-free, contact us any time.