Foal Watch

The Arabian Horse Center typically breeds 15 to 20 mares each year. Through the foal watch program, each pregnant mare is assigned to one or more student volunteers. Students learn how to care for the mares both during pregnancy and foaling. During the last month before the mare's due date, students check their mare daily to monitor any changes in the mare or signs of foaling.

The foaling season is generally from February through June. For many students on foal watch, it is their first time to see a mare give birth. Watching the foal take its first steps is an exciting and rewarding experience. Being involved with the foal watch program also requires a lot of responsibilities from students which include:

• Getting "their" mare out at least two times a week to groom and walk
• Keep daily log of activities and any changes that are observed in the mare
• Weigh once a week
• Hold for trims
• Help with vaccinations
• Get foaling stall ready
• Spend nights at the horse center waiting for mare to foal
• One month prior to foaling, students must come down in the morning and evening to check for any changes on their mare (waxing, bagging up, or even a foal).
  Record all in a log at the Horse Center
• After mare has foaled, help with palpations and foal handling

If you would like to be a part of the foal watch program, please contact Kate Smith at the Arabian Horse Center to have a mare assigned to you.