Has your mare become a mother? Congratulations! Now comes the tricky thing though: taking care of the foal is not a simple thing or to be taken lightly! Investing time and effort to make sure the foal grows well and adapts to its breeder and environment is worth every second you spend with it.
Steps
Step 1. As soon as possible, immediately after birth, place the umbilical cord in a betadine solution for a couple of minutes
This will prevent bacteria from entering the foal's abdomen.
Step 2. Touch the foal
Start by stroking him, touching his mouth, nose, ears, etc. This will kickstart the bond between you, building trust, which will be good in the long run.
Step 3. Cure
The most important thing about a foal is to make sure it is suckled as soon as it can stand on its legs (which can happen from ten minutes to several hours after birth).
- The first feed contains colostrum, which is rich in antibodies needed by the foal to develop a strong immune system against disease, this only if the mare has been vaccinated before getting pregnant.
- Colostrum should be taken within the first 24 hours of the foal's life, the only time his stomach will be able to absorb and digest antibodies. Without colostrum, the baby would be susceptible to many diseases, especially respiratory ones (flu, rhinitis, etc.).
- Most foals have no problem figuring out how to breastfeed if the mother shows no signs of intolerance to her baby! If you have any doubts about your foal's proper nutrition, it's best to call your vet.
Step 4. Have your vet examine him
The foal should be examined a day or two after birth, together with the mother. The doctor will also determine if the baby has the right antibodies with a simple blood test that is normally done on site.
If the foal is weak or has not received colostrum, it is imperative to transfuse it with antibody-rich plasma to pass it on. Once the vet is sure of the presence of the antibodies, he will confirm the good health of the baby
Step 5. Find a good spot for the pony and mum
An open pasture with shelter would be ideal. In this way both will have space to run and move, which is essential especially for the development of muscles and body in the baby.
- The pasture should be well protected (an impassable fence is better) to prevent escape by jumping, which would cause serious injuries.
- The foal will also start grazing on grass, etc. which will help him develop the digestive system before entering weaning (normally at 5-6 months).
Step 6. Plan your vaccinations
If the mare is up to date with her vaccines, the foal will not be vaccinated until 3-4 months. The most common vaccines are the quadrivalent (Eastern / Western encephalitis, tetanus and influenza) and depending on the environment in which it is raised, Rhinovirus, West Nile virus, distemper. It is extremely important that the vaccines are repeated (boosters) 3-4 weeks after the first.
Step 7. Deworm the foal
Deworming is usually started 3-4 weeks after birth, depending on the environmental conditions (stable, clean pasture and proper management). Your vet can also perform a fecal analysis to see if and what internal parasites are present.
Step 8. Continue interacting with your foal as it grows
The more time you spend with him (getting him used to lifting his hooves, being touched in general and everywhere), the better your experience will be over time. Obviously there are millions of books about foal care, but that's another story.
Step 9. Have fun with him
Enjoy the relationship and trust that will build as you get to know each other and you will lay the foundation for a long-term friendship.
