How To Tell When A Horse Is Going To Foal

Introduction

Animals, like humans, have a gestation period when bearing offspring. In horses that is approximately 11 months. The gestation period for horses can vary from about 320 days up to 370 days with an average pregnancy length of 340 days. It is also common for mares to carry a foal a few days past the expected due date, which again mirrors human behavior. Many owners are often eager and excited to observe their horse giving birth, but it is important to understand the process and be able to recognize the signs so you do not put the mare or foal in jeopardy.

The horse seems to have a bigger belly than usual.

This is an obvious one: if you see your horse’s belly appear to be swollen and hard, that’s a sign she might be pregnant. It can take some practice to tell the difference between a normal pregnancy and the end of a cycle (which produces similar symptoms), but you’ll learn quickly.

Another way to tell whether or not your horse might be pregnant is if her tail goes up behind her back when she hears something loud like thunder or fireworks—this is called “tail flagging”. If your horse does this, it means there’s something wrong with her pregnancy.

The horse is acting strangely.

There are a few signs that may indicate that your horse is going to foal soon. Some of these signs are behavioral, and some are physical, but all of them will be different for every horse and mare.

Here’s what to watch for:

Restlessness: If your mare has been acting restless or irritable lately, it could be because her body is preparing itself for labor. You might also notice an increase in energy level as well as vocalization while she moves around more than usual. This can happen up to several days before actual labor begins.
Changes in appetite: The second sign of impending foaling is usually a change in feeding patterns. Your mare may stop eating altogether (similar to how pregnant women sometimes do), or she may switch from her regular diet entirely—for example, if she usually eats hay but suddenly wants only grain or vice versa.* A decrease in appetite may occur up to two weeks before birth; however, this can vary from one mare/foal pair to another.*
Sleep pattern changes: Finally, you’ll want watch out for any changes in your horse’s sleeping habits! Horses sleep standing up on average 14 hours each day; however, if your animal seems restless at night with no apparent reason (like being too hot or cold), this could indicate that something else is going on down below.”

The udder has started to swell.

The udder will start to swell when the foal is around 6 months old. It will be swollen and hard to the touch, and warm to the touch. The teats will be full of milk.

You can also tell if your mare is going to foal within a month by looking at her attitude. Some signs that your mare may soon give birth are:

She’ll seem nervous or restless
She won’t play with her usual toys or treats anymore

There is discharge coming from the sheath or vulva.

The discharge is a clear, sticky fluid that may range in color from white to yellow. It’s not blood and it’s not a sign of infection. If the discharge is green or has an odor, this could be a sign of infection, so you should call your veterinarian immediately.

If your horse’s vulva or sheath looks inflamed or very swollen, this could indicate an infection, but if it’s just wet with clear discharge (such as when a foal gets ready to come out), there is no need for concern. In fact, you should expect some mucus coming from around the vaginal area during labor—it’s all part of doing what needs to happen for birth!

The mare’s teats are swollen.

The mare’s udder will become swollen.

The mare’s teats will become swollen and soft.

The mare’s teats will be warm to the touch.

The mare’s teats will appear to be leaking fluid, but this is just colostrum (mucus from her udder).

There is wax on the mare’s teats.

It is important to be able to tell when a horse is going to foal, as it will allow you more time to prepare for the birth. One of the first signs that your mare may be getting close to giving birth are changes in her teats. When she starts producing milk, her teats become swollen and filled with sweat. This wax-like substance helps keep them clean and provides a protective barrier from outside elements such as dirt or other animals. You should expect this wax coating around her teats to be much thicker than normal, but it should not feel like actual wax (it should be more sticky than anything).

Horses’ behavior changes as they prepare for labor and delivery, which can help you know when the foal will arrive.

As a mare nears labor and delivery, she may become restless or anxious. The horse may be more affectionate and less aggressive than normal. Some mares become more nervous and aggressive when they are nearing their due dates. Mares may also become very protective of their pregnant bellies as they approach the time when they will foal. If you notice that your horse is acting differently than usual, it’s important to keep an eye on her behavior in case this is a sign that she is going into labor soon.

Conclusion

Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for in your mare’s body, it’s time to go out and find her the perfect home. If she looks like she is getting close to foaling, then you should contact your vet right away so that he can provide any necessary care when it is needed most.

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