Foaling the Mare Programme: Post Birth

This course is a must for anyone involved in Thoroughbred breeding, providing foundational knowledge on post foaling observations, spotting areas of concern and the safe handling of the mare and her newborn foal.

With an emphasis on the health and well-being of both mare and foal, and the early detection of potential areas of concern, Post Birth empowers learners to create a safe and supportive environment for foaling.

Through three in-depth modules, the course will cover the checks you should be undertaking on both mare and foal, spotting areas of medical and behavioural concern, and why safe and sympathetic handling is so important – a bonus podcast is also available that covers the foaling process and there's also a free downloadable chart on the first 24 hours milestone checks for mare and foal.

There's a short quiz at the end of the course, and a downloadable certificate is available upon successful completion of both course and quiz.

Module One: Post Foaling Observations

This module explores the importance of the early detection of any problems by ensuring the post foaling observations and checks are completed and recorded correctly.

Learners will understand why these checks are important, including why the placenta plays such a crucial role in the equine pregnancy and why it's vital that it's examined post birth.

This module also contains a free downloadable PDF guide to the “First 24 Hours” which details the checks you should be completing and when to call for veterinary advice.

Module Two: Spotting Areas of Concern

This module focuses on how to identify the most common problems likely to be experienced by the mare or foal in the first 24 hours.

Learners will consider what health checks should be completed, including membrane colour and capillary refill checks, along with temperature, pulse and breathing rates of mares and foals.

The module also examines the most commonly encountered post-birth mare and foal related medical complications (where veterinary assistance should be sought), and also included behavioural challenges such as foal-proud and agitation in the mare.

Module Three: Safe Handling of the Foal

The final module explores the sympathetic handling of the newborn foal, and the balance that is needed within those first early hours of the foal’s life.

Learners will understand how a foal slip should be correctly used, how to safely handle the newborn and how to safely lead the mare and her newborn.

The module also consideration of the importance of the balance to be given so as to not disrupt the invaluable bonding time between the mare and her newborn.