How to Prepare for the Birth of a Newborn Foal

Whenever a newborn comes into this world, there is excitement , a sense of wonder and a lot of hard work. This is as true with horses as it is with baby humans. Knowing how to care for foals is a crucial part of raising horses. Every horse owner should know what to expect before the baby horse is born.

The first think you will need to do is to care well for the mother during her pregnancy. Always make certain that she is being fed healthy food so that she can maintain her good health and will help her to stay strong. She will need to be able to sustain her health throughout her gestation period and also after the foal is born so she can care adequately for her baby. If you have never had a pregant horse, you will want to be sure and get professional advice from an experienced veterinarian.

When the newborn does arrive, you can for the most part relax and allow the mother to go through the process however there are occasional times when she may need your assistance and this is why it is so critical that you speak to a veterinarian before your horse gives birth. That way you will understand the birth process and will know what may be normal and what may be a red flag or even an emergency situation. You will want to be with your horse during the process but stay back a distance to give her and the baby some space but watch over them in case they need help. If you do end up needing to help, make certain that you are as discreet as possible and that you only do as much as you feel comfortable with. Call your veterinary in the event of an emergency.

It really can be a wonderful process when your horse gives birth. Most of the time she will be able to do this all on her own. It is always best to stand back and watch just in case they need some assistance. The more understanding you have of the process the easier it will be to determine when to step in, how you can help and when it may be necessary to call the vet . Remember that animals have been giving birth to their babies long before us humans roamed the earth. So, prepare yourself with knowledge, watch over them and relax.