small ponies/shetlands - foaling outside

J

justjb

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hello everyone I'm looking to pick everyones brains for advice and experiences with foalin small ponies and shetlands outside.
do they feel safe enough and happy enough to foal outside?
do maidens mares cope with being out or safer to keep them in under a closer eye?
what about foxes and badgers with the smaller foals are they likely to attack a pony/Shetland foal?

sorry for all the questions just after some advice as I have two maiden mares living out but thinking they
should come in closer to foaling time.
any opinions and advice would be greatly appreciated :)
 
Many people do foal inside, however many foal outside too!

We have a little shetland mare who is due to drop her foal in a few weeks, she will foal down outside, she has her field shelter if she wishes to use it. Previous to this she produced her 1st foal who was also born outside!
 
I've not foaled down shetlands but someone in our village breeds them, and she has had 2 mares two years running get in to difficulty foaling outside at night resulting in one still birth. If it were me i would have them in or close to the house especially a maiden.
 
As MM says, I'd have them in or close by in a pen with lighting available.

It doesn't matter whether it is a shire or a shetland or anything in between they can all get into a shedload of trouble, and personally I'd rather have them where I, and the Vet, can get to them, and deal with any problems. In my case that is inside, in a nice warm barn thankyou very much ;) Forget wading around in mud or rain, or snow with a torch, not my idea of fun.

As for foxes etc, I shouldn't think the mare would let them near her foal unless she was incapable of doing anything, they might also carry off a dead foal.

I would be more concerned about dogs harrassing them than foxes or badgers.

That's another reason I don't foal mine outside, we have coyotes, wolves and black bear that would take a foal if they had a mind to.
 
I agree with MM and Enfys, it is much safer to foal inside or in a pen near by where you have light and is easily reached by you and vet. If the stable or pen is close enough to the house you can put in a cam or a baby monitor and keep an eye on her without upsetting her or getting cold. I am sure all will be fine but if it isn't her being out in a field could be a disaster for her and foal. JMHO
 
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