Equine Pregnancy Care: Monitoring Mares for a Safe Foaling


 

Caring for a pregnant mare is a long-term commitment that requires careful planning and regular veterinary support. With expert guidance, you can give both mare and foal the best possible chance of a healthy pregnancy, birth, and beyond. At Lingfield Equine Vets, we support owners through every step of the process.

Confirming Pregnancy

The first stage of equine pregnancy care begins with confirming conception. We use ultrasound scans from as early as 14–16 days post-covering, which can also detect twin pregnancies—one of the most common high-risk scenarios. Blood tests may be used to confirm pregnancy later if needed.

Monitoring Health and Preventing Complications

Routine check-ups throughout the 11-month gestation period are essential. These appointments help monitor the mare’s general health, identify any complications early (such as placentitis), and ensure the pregnancy is progressing normally.

Important elements of pregnancy care include:

· Balanced nutrition: Adjust feed as pregnancy advances, particularly in the final trimester.

· Vaccinations: Maintain an up-to-date vaccination schedule, including equine herpesvirus (EHV-1 and 4) and tetanus.

· Parasite control: Continue worming under veterinary guidance to protect both mare and foal.

· Dental checks and hoof care: A healthy mouth and sound feet support the mare throughout pregnancy.

Preparing for Foaling

Around 4–6 weeks before the due date, it’s time to prepare the foaling environment. This should be a clean, quiet, and well-bedded area—ideally a dedicated foaling stable or small paddock with good lighting and safe fencing.

When to Call for Help

Know the signs of trouble: red-bag delivery, prolonged labour, or failure of the foal to stand and nurse within two hours. In these moments, quick action can save lives.

At Lingfield Equine Vets, we offer 24/7 support during the foaling season to ensure our clients feel confident and prepared.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Eyes on the Prize: Why Equine Vision Exams Matter More Than You Think

Image
When we think of routine vet care, eyesight isn’t always top of the list – but it should be. Equine vision exams  play a crucial role in maintaining your horse’s safety, performance, and wellbeing. Why Vision Matters in Horses Horses rely heavily on their eyesight to feel secure in their surroundings. Clear, functional vision helps them navigate terrain, stay confident in new environments, and perform at their best. Early signs of vision trouble are easy to miss. Does your horse spook at shadows? Hesitate on familiar trails? Bump into stable walls? These subtle changes can all be indicators of underlying eye conditions. Common Equine Eye Problems Some of the most frequently diagnosed eye conditions include: ·   Corneal ulcers ·   Conjunctivitis ·   Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) ·   Cataracts and age-related changes Left untreated, even minor issues can quickly worsen and threaten your horse’s sight. The Role of Regular Eye Exams At Lingfield Equine Vets , we us...
Read more

Parasite Control in Horses: Strategic Deworming for Long-Term Health

Parasite control is a cornerstone of responsible horse management — but the old approach of routine blanket deworming is no longer effective or sustainable. With growing resistance to worming drugs, a targeted strategy guided by faecal worm egg counts (FECs), saliva tests and veterinary advice  is essential for protecting your horse’s health and reducing parasite burdens long term. Why Parasite Control Matters Internal parasites — including small and large redworms, roundworms, and tapeworms — can cause serious health issues in horses, such as: ·   Weight loss and poor condition ·   Diarrhoea or colic ·   Lethargy and poor performance ·   Irreversible gut damage ·   In severe cases, death Foals, young horses, and those with compromised immunity are especially vulnerable. From Routine to Strategic Deworming In the past, horses were routinely wormed every 6–12 weeks with rotating products. However, this approach has led to increasing resistance  to key a...
Read more