NOT all new beginnings go to plan and, as with humans, horses born prematurely may need extra care. By knowing what is normal behaviour for a newborn foal, those responsible for them can identify what is abnormal and when veterinary intervention should be sought.
A NORMAL NEWBORN
A HEALTHY newborn foal should be able to stand one hour after birth and be nursing from the mare by two to four hours after birth.
The milk the mare produces in the first hours of a foal’s life is called colostrum. Colostrum is yellow in colour, thicker and stickier than milk and contains antibodies essential to support immunity in the newborn.
Foals’ immune systems are not fully developed at birth, so it is important that they ingest this colostrum within the first six hours of life, so that these antibodies can be passed from mare to foal. This is called the passive transfer of immunity.
A normal foal will nurse at least five times an hour, and will spend a large amount of the time asleep.
Foals should urinate and defecate within six to 12 hours after foaling. The first faeces is called meconium, which is sticky and dark in colour. If a newborn foal is not following this normal timeline, do not hesitate to contact a vet.
BEYOND THE NORM
OCCASIONALLY a mare can foal too early. Normal gestation in the mare is 320 days to 360 days. Broadly speaking, a foal is classed as premature when it is born with a gestational age of less than 320 days.
This story is from the May 16, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 16, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
