Foaling Down
Foaling down a broodmare is a critical part of the journey and the stakes are very high - things can go wrong very quickly and if not prepared, breeders can face losing a foal or mare - or both. Even if both survive, their ongoing health, soundness and fertility can be affected.
For this reason, HBV strongly encourage the use of dedicated breeding agistment farms or studs. If this is not possible though, breeders should form a strong relationship with the closest veterinary practice very early in the breeding process.
Breeders should also make sure - well in advance of the big day - that they are familiar with some of the interventions available if something goes wrong, and when to perform them. The use of foaling alarms is also vital - you can’t support the process if you don’t know it’s happening! There are various suppliers of foaling alarms, for purchase or hire, including 2022 Stallion Guide advertiser, Magic Breed Plus - you can visit them HERE.
While nothing compares to experience and having the right resources at hand, HBV hope that this library can support your breeding journey. Click on the images, videos or links to access the content.
Video: Importance of Foaling Down
Dr Sarah Gray (Haras des Trotteurs) discusses the importance of foaling down, the timelines involved, some of the equipment needed, and when to get a vet involved.
Article: U-Vet Foaling Season Tips
The University of Melbourne’s Werribee U-Vet Animal Hospital gives a simple printed overview of the process of foaling down, including what to do when things go wrong and when to call your veterinarian. View HERE.
Video: Emergency Foal CPR
The Dundalk Institute of Technology’s Veterinary Nursing department has produced this video on how to perform CPR on a foal, what equipment is needed & how to apply it.
Video: The Madigan Foal Technique
Dr Kath McIntosh (Northern Rivers Equine) explores a technique applied in the event of a foal not suckling and appearing dull (neonatal maladjustment syndrome or dummy foal).
Article: Performing Foal CPR
A more technical article from the Colorado State University’s Equine Reproduction Laboratory on performing CPR on a newborn foal. Download HERE.
Article: Red Bag Deliveries
Colorado State University’s Equine Reproduction Laboratory explains what a red bag delivery means and what to do if this emergency situation occurs. Download HERE.
Video: Placentitis in the broodmare
Dr Kath McIntosh (Northern Rivers Equine) talks about identifying and treating placentitis at and after birth and avoid ongoing fertility issues with your broodmare.
Article: The foaling down kit
Breeding experts Equilume, have produced this comprehensive list of items that are essential if you are planning to foal down your mare. View HERE.
Video: Broodmare nutrition
Rebecca Ham (KER) & Andrew Soper (Barastoc) discuss how to ensure your broodmare’s nutritional needs are met for the best foaling down outcome when the time comes.
RED BAG DELIVERIES
IMPORTANT NOTE: This graphic (right) is not a substitute for veterinary care or dedicated study of and preparation for the processes referenced such as CPR and safe delivery interventions. It is intended only for use as a support and prompt in the case of an emergency.
Red bag deliveries are particularly time sensitive if a vet is not immediately on hand. To support breeders in this situation, HBV have also developed this graphic which is designed to be downloaded to the images folder on a smart phone. This way, regardless of range or reception, breeders can have quick access simple prompts that can help managing a red bag delivery until a vet arrives. This graphic is a prompt ONLY - breeders should read up on red bag deliveries, birthing kits and foal CPR well before a mare is due if they are planning to foal down themselves.
1. Open this page on a smart phone
2. Take a screen shot of this part of the page
3. Crop the screen shot to show only the graphic below (it should fit to most screens and still be legible)
4. Save the image to Photos or Gallery or other image folder on your phone (ideally, a sub-folder should be set up so it's easy to find without scrolling back through a whole album)
