| Expecting a foal for the first time horse owner can be | | | | bump into. Screw points, old nails wood splinters, |
| a nerve racking experience. A little preparation will go | | | | anything with a sharp point or edge needs to be |
| along way in making this little miracle go much | | | | removed or covered. A newborn foal is not the picture |
| smoother and lessen the chances of any problems | | | | of grace and co-ordination, so keep this in mind. |
| that could affect the health of the foal or the mare. | | | | Anything that you think MIGHT be a hazard, WILL be, |
| Preparing the horse stall for foaling is in many ways | | | | so take care of it now. |
| simply using your common sense. The mare will need | | | | As with a newborn child, cleanliness is next to |
| as much room as possible, so remove a sidewall and | | | | godliness. This saying goes the same with horses. |
| double the size of the stall she would normally be in. If | | | | Make sure to disinfect the stall completely and cushion |
| this is not possible, move her to the largest horse stall | | | | the floor of the stall. That little foal is going to be falling |
| you have a couple of weeks before the birth. This will | | | | many times until their eyesight and coordination come |
| give her time to become accustomed to her | | | | along, so help it the best you can with a little prevention. |
| surroundings and feel more at ease. The extra large | | | | Keep in mind to have adequate ventilation for the stall, |
| stall will be needed to lessen the chances of the mare | | | | but do not allow direct air drafts which can affect the |
| stepping on the foal. If you have room, leave adjoining | | | | foal. |
| stalls empty, as the mare will not need company from | | | | Using a little common sense will lessen the chance of |
| other horses during the foaling. Examine the stall for | | | | problems and help ensure the health of both the mare |
| any sharp objects or hazards the new foal could | | | | and the foal. |