Assisting with Labor

• 1). Hold the foal's feet in the pastern area above the hooves and below the fetlocks or ankles.
  
  
• 2). Pull only when the mare is having a contraction. Maintain firm, steady, downward pressure on the foal's legs toward the mare's hocks. The pressure should be out and down.
  
  
• 3). Maintain just enough pressure on the foal's legs to keep them from slipping back in between contractions. You are simply trying to shift the foal so he does not get his shoulders or hips caught in the birth canal.
  
  
• 4). Analyze the situation. Is the foal making progress? If yes, continue doing step 2 and 3. If not, call your veterinarian.
  
  
• 5). Allow the mare to rest after getting the foal's front feet, head and neck out of the birth canal.
  
  
• 6). Make sure that the amniotic sac does not cover the foal's face and that his airway is clear of fluid so that he can breathe.
  
  
• 7). Stimulate the foal's circulation and respiration by vigorously rubbing his whole body with a thick terry cloth towel.
  
  
• 8
  A pasture is an acceptable place for your mare to foal.mare image by martini from Fotolia.com
  
  Use a towel to clear any mucus from the foal's ears, eyes, and nose.
  
  
• 9). Use bailing twine to tie the placenta up and out of the way if it is hanging down around the mare's feet. If she steps on it and it tears, it will cause internal bleeding for the mare. Use bailing twine and tie a loop around the lower section of the placenta. Connect it to a knot tied up higher on the placenta.
  
  
• 10
  
  Immediately after the cord is broken, either by movement from the foal or when the mare stands up, apply iodine or Nolvasan on the foal's stump.
  
  
• 11
  Have the vet check your foal and administer all vaccinations.a foal image by Pavel Bernshtam from Fotolia.com
  
  Examine the afterbirth; there should only be one large tear where the foal broke through. The rest of the placenta should be virtually intact. If there are pieces missing, call your veterinarian immediately. The mare will need to be treated to prevent infection.