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Your Vet
Choose a vet who is interested in
equine reproduction and obstetrics, who is on call
all hours, who is experienced, willing to attend
the foaling, a well equipped mobile unit,
organized, up-to-date in training, AND you must be willing
to pay for all of this...believe me, it will
not be cheap! But, it will be worth it for the
safety of both mare and foal are at stake.
It is a good idea to start saving
up for unexpected emergencies as soon as you
have your mare bred - you have 11 months.
Try to choose your vet well ahead
of the foaling date and make her/him the choice
for routine care so the vet can get to know your
mare and her individual characteristics. Keep your
own detailed records of your mares care, problems,
feed, etc. so you have good information for the
vet if you need to call.
Also, vets are very busy, so be
organized and ready for them when you call or
when the vet comes to call. Be familiar with
terminology, have a first aid kit on hand for your
horse, have the horse CAUGHT and in the stall
waiting for the vet. Call the vet ahead of the
foaling date to remind him/her that the time is
drawing near and that you will be calling on them
to help. Call the vet when signs of
foaling begin to appear...don't wait until
you are in trouble - it may be too late. Most
births are trouble free, but you never know. Be
safe, not sorry!
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