The 'will she?', 'won't she?' mare

Wagtail

Wagtail

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All you seasoned breeders will be well used to this, I'm sure. Mare waxed up over 2 weeks ago for 6 days and then nothing for the last week. This morning she was waxed up again and vulva really loose etc. Turned her out and by mid day I was sure she was in labour. Lip curling rapid breathing, fast pulse, tail swishing etc. I thought she should be left in the field and watched carefully but owner said she had to come in. Maybe it was for the best as weather was unpredictable. But anyway, she continued for about 20 minutes with her labour type behaviour and then just stopped! I guess this is absolutely typical? :confused:
 
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Sounds llike she has started the lets see how many nights I can keep them awake game! Lets hope she foals quickly for you and the nights can be for sleeping again
 
crabbymare said:
Sounds llike she has started the lets see how many nights I can keep them awake game! Lets hope she foals quickly for you and the nights can be for sleeping again
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Yes! Poor owner has been getting up three times a night for two weeks now. I am lucky in that I am on day duty and 'on call' should the waters burst in the night. Now I understand why people book them into the stud. :)
 
Wagtail said:
All you seasoned breeders will be well used to this, I'm sure. Mare waxed up over 2 weeks ago for 6 days and then nothing for the last week. This morning she was waxed up again and vulva really loose etc.
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They do this :rolleyes: I believe pregnant mares have the best sense of humour of any living animal.

Turned her out and by mid day I was sure she was in labour. Lip curling rapid breathing, fast pulse, tail swishing etc.
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Some start to do this and within a couple of hours they have foaled. Some do this and 5 days later they still haven't foaled. Sense of humour I tell you ;)

I thought she should be left in the field and watched carefully but owner said she had to come in. Maybe it was for the best as weather was unpredictable. But anyway, she continued for about 20 minutes with her labour type behaviour and then just stopped! I guess this is absolutely typical? :confused:
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It could be something and nothing tbh. She could be in first stage labour but decided to stop that when the humans came along and interrupted her. I never bother a mare who appears to be in first stage labour unless absolutely necessary. However, saying that, if you don't know the mare and you're unfamiliar with her foaling behaviours then you could find that this is just her. Some mares will show behaviour like this for days and nothing come of it.

The only sure thing about pregnant mares is that the foal has to come out but when is another matter :) Are you able to milk test her? That will help you out tremendously with whether she is going to foal tonight (or any day/night) or not.
 
This should help you conundrum The Mares Code Of Conduct -

No foal shall be born until total chaos has been reached by all involved. Your house must be a wreck, your family hungry and desperate for clean clothes, and your social life nonexistent.
Midwives must reach the babbling fool status before you foal out. Bloodshot eyes, tangled hair and the inability to form a sentence mean you're getting close.
For every bell, beeper, camera or whistle they attach to you, foaling must be delayed by at least one day for each item.
Vet check, add a day, internal add three. If you hear the words, "She's nowhere near ready. You'll be fine while I'm away for the weekend," Wait 12 to 16 hours and pop that baby out!
Owner stress must be at an all time high! If you are in the care of someone else, ten to fifteen phone calls a day is a sign you're getting close. When you hear the words "I can't take it anymore!" wait three days and produce a foal.
You must keep this waiting game interesting. False alarms are necessary! Little teasers such as looking at your stomach, pushing your food around in the bucket and then walking away from it are always good for a rise. Be creative and find new things to do to keep the adrenaline pumping in those who wait.
The honor of all horses is now in your hands. Use this time to avenge all of your stable mates. Think about your friend who had to wear that silly costume in front of those people. Hang onto that baby for another day. OH, they made him do tricks too! Three more days seems fair. Late feedings, the dreaded diet, bad haircuts, those awful worming's can also be avenged at this time.
If you have fulfilled all of the above and are still not sure when to have this foal, listen to the weather forecast on the radio that has been so generously provided by those who wait. Severe storm warning is what you're waiting for. In the heart of the storm jump into action! The power could go out and you could have the last laugh. You have a good chance of those who wait missing the whole thing while searching for a flashlight that works!
Make the most of your interrupted nights. Beg for food each time someone comes into the stable to check you. Your stable mates will love you as the extra goodies fall their way too.
Remember, this code of honor was designed to remind man of how truly special horses are. Do your best to reward those who wait with a beautiful filly to carry on the mare code of conduct for the next generation of those who wait.

;)
 
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