Vets coming out :(

Delicious_D said:
The teats should wax up and closer to foaling drip milk.

A foaling kid is items such as gloves, chlorohexidine solution to sanitise the foals ubilical cord area, a stable rubber to rub the foal down and a phone with credit to call the vet. Once the foal is born you will need to tie the bag up onto itself to prevent the mare standing on the bag and tearing it. The mare should pass the placenta up to 90 mins after foaling. If she retians it the vet will need to inject her otherwise you have the risk of infection.

You will also need to lay the bag out and check its all in tact i.e. no parts missing.
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Bloomin heck now i am worried :D
 
Now you know she's got a bubs in there, take some time to sit quietly and watch her flanks, you may catch it kicking and moving. I managed to catch my mare's foalie having a kickabout one evening whilst she was noshing on her tea and I put my hand on her side and got booted. It reduced me to tears... not because it hurt, just because it made it real. A really special moment.....
 
Spring feather and Equilibrium ireland are fab people to ask questions of. They are very knowledgable and i am sure, have the patience of saints. :)

Just read up as much as you can, maybe call the stud and ask their opinion on what you need for foaling etc. Is she out or in at the moment? A 12 x 12 stable is too small for your mare to foal in, she might get stuck in the corner. You need enough room in the stable for the mare to lay flat out and push a foal out so it doesnt hit the wall. You need to be able to get to the foal if needs be.

Also, leave a headcollar on the mare (leather) just in case.
 
FfionWinnie said:
In your shoes I'd be furious and really disappointed. However, despite losing the summers riding, you will have a foal to work with, which is perhaps a once in a lifetime experience so once you get over the shock, I'm sure it will be fine.

I've bought three mares since July last year and if any if them turned out in foal I would be the same as you.
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Thank you Ffion the fact is if we knew she was in foal we would not have bought her :o a foal is the last thing we want but perhaps it was luck Tess found us and i think we need to do justice to mini T when born.

Im over the shock now, just planning ahead to make sure everything is easy for her
 
Oh how upsetting and exciting all at the same time. I know absolutely zilch about foaling, so can only wish you luck. It's going to be a busy summer for you! I'll be checking for your posts over the next couple of weeks!!
 
Delicious_D said:
The teats should wax up and closer to foaling drip milk.

A foaling kid is items such as gloves, chlorohexidine solution to sanitise the foals ubilical cord area, a stable rubber to rub the foal down and a phone with credit to call the vet. Once the foal is born you will need to tie the bag up onto itself to prevent the mare standing on the bag and tearing it. The mare should pass the placenta up to 90 mins after foaling. If she retians it the vet will need to inject her otherwise you have the risk of infection.

You will also need to lay the bag out and check its all in tact i.e. no parts missing.
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Fantastic tip for tying off the umbilical cord is dental floss (non menthol!) its completely sterile and easy to use.
 
it may be a good idea to get your mare swapped onto straw if she isnt yet on it? it will give her time to be completly comfortable in her stable and she could possibly drop her foal at any time!
make sure its reasonably deep and keep it clean for the birth
after it may be easier to deep litter for a while than have to negotiate for a full muckout round a foal! - they do like to help :D

it sounds like tess will be a fantastic mother - and your dad will come round ;)

edit! - very glad that you also have something to ride over summer!
 
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Equilibrium Ireland said:
Tessy, this will be testing and having another horse around, even though a baby, is still trying.

You will have much support here and no doubt a home for the baby once that time comes.

But, don't be surprised if you're bursting into tears of joy when the baby is born. And relief that both are ok. I know the first thing I do is hug my mare and cry like an idiot telling her how wonderful she is. But then you'll get to know the little one. And then little one tests you. Sometimes that little one will make you think you have no business being around horses at all. The first month is tough making sure all is ok. Then summer comes and all is usually pretty wonderful. Come weaning time you might think, thank goodness it's all over. But that baby will be in your heart. You will have given them a good start.

My last foal was born 3 years ago. I loved each and every moment, but I do not miss it. I can't stand selling because of the above. I worry about when they leave. So between Tessy and next year's Dee baby, I have plenty to look forward too.

We're all behind you!

Terri (((FF)))
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What a lovely post . . . made me grin from ear to ear . . . and I second Terri's sentiments.

P
 
Queenbee said:
Fantastic tip for tying off the umbilical cord is dental floss (non menthol!) its completely sterile and easy to use.
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Ooo thank you that's gone into the foal kit :D

TandD said:
it may be a good idea to get your mare swapped onto straw if she isnt yet on it? it will give her time to be completly comfortable in her stable and she could possibly drop her foal at any time!
make sure its reasonably deep and keep it clean for the birth
after it may be easier to deep litter for a while than have to negotiate for a full muckout round a foal! - they do like to help :D

it sounds like tess will be a fantastic mother - and your dad will come round ;)
edit! - very glad that you also have something to ride over summer!
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Yup we are already on straw but will be washing out stable tomorrow ! and re-doing bedding :D oh im sure she will be :) Dad called me an animal perv for putting pictures of her boobies on here and also said he is looking forwards to see s wobbly foal tearing round the field... perhaps not as angry as made out ;)

OldNag said:
I am sure she will be fine. Must be a heck of a shock for you! shall look forward to updates :-)
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I'm sure she will be has had many a foal before so should be quite able :) , oh it is the short time is a lot to get your head around, i promise i will keep everyone up to date
 
Having been in your position I know the shock you must be in. Found out my mare was pregnant and 2 weeks later foaly was born. My bogof is now 4 and amazing!
It's a steep learning curve having a foal but I'm so pleased I've done it.
 
Don't tie off ubi cord!! Should not be necessary. I actually like to keep the connection as long as possible. As in mins. Then clean cotton and pressure is all that's needed. Don't panic. It will stop. Some don't bleed much at all. Once bleeding stopped, use the clorhexidrine. You'll need to do that 3 times a day for the first 3 days.

Terri
 
When I was much younger I worked at a small stud farm in return for cheap livery - so very little real experience.

Commonly wax will form on the teats - litterally they will look like candles when she gets really close, you may even see some milk (your local stud could well help by having a look if you think she is 'waxed up')

If you intend to try and see her foaling you'll need several people to do a rota, you won't be able to check on her 24/7 for 2 weeks ! Sitting up through the night will be a great time for studying tho as a plus side!

They often look uncomfy, box walking, laying down then getting up - almost colic symptoms before hand to give you some idea - but if she's had lots before she might not be so bothered.

They don't always foal at night! One mare had hers a lunchtime.

They are sneaky and will wait for you to not be there to drop it! One had hers while we were all up and the vet was there dealing with another horse which had colic. Vet just left having settled the colic and I put my head over the door to see two happy faces looking at me!!

Maybe look into hiring CCTV so you can wake up in the night and flick on the TV but not disturb your sleep too much.

Perhaps ask your friendly stud if they would lend you useful stuff for a 'kit' - they will have everything to hand and be able to give you advice on what is helpful to have on hand.

TBH tho either s/he will pop out nicely 5 mins after you've checked on her (90% of the time) or in any other situation just call the vet, not much time to guess or have a go in foalings.
 
Equilibrium Ireland said:
Don't tie off ubi cord!! Should not be necessary. I actually like to keep the connection as long as possible. As in mins. Then clean cotton and pressure is all that's needed. Don't panic. It will stop. Some don't bleed much at all. Once bleeding stopped, use the clorhexidrine. You'll need to do that 3 times a day for the first 3 days.

Terri
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Oh okay :) rightyo will be popping out tomorrow to stock up on foaly stuff :D
 
Polos Mum said:
When I was much younger I worked at a small stud farm in return for cheap livery - so very little real experience.

Commonly wax will form on the teats - litterally they will look like candles when she gets really close, you may even see some milk (your local stud could well help by having a look if you think she is 'waxed up')

If you intend to try and see her foaling you'll need several people to do a rota, you won't be able to check on her 24/7 for 2 weeks ! Sitting up through the night will be a great time for studying tho as a plus side!

They often look uncomfy, box walking, laying down then getting up - almost colic symptoms before hand to give you some idea - but if she's had lots before she might not be so bothered.

They don't always foal at night! One mare had hers a lunchtime.

They are sneaky and will wait for you to not be there to drop it! One had hers while we were all up and the vet was there dealing with another horse which had colic. Vet just left having settled the colic and I put my head over the door to see two happy faces looking at me!!

Maybe look into hiring CCTV so you can wake up in the night and flick on the TV but not disturb your sleep too much.

Perhaps ask your friendly stud if they would lend you useful stuff for a 'kit' - they will have everything to hand and be able to give you advice on what is helpful to have on hand.

TBH tho either s/he will pop out nicely 5 mins after you've checked on her (90% of the time) or in any other situation just call the vet, not much time to guess or have a go in foalings.
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Fantastic advice thank you so much :) so shall we start doing night checks from now then?
 
Equilibrium Ireland said:
Tessy, this will be testing and having another horse around, even though a baby, is still trying.

You will have much support here and no doubt a home for the baby once that time comes.

But, don't be surprised if you're bursting into tears of joy when the baby is born. And relief that both are ok. I know the first thing I do is hug my mare and cry like an idiot telling her how wonderful she is. But then you'll get to know the little one. And then little one tests you. Sometimes that little one will make you think you have no business being around horses at all. The first month is tough making sure all is ok. Then summer comes and all is usually pretty wonderful. Come weaning time you might think, thank goodness it's all over. But that baby will be in your heart. You will have given them a good start.

My last foal was born 3 years ago. I loved each and every moment, but I do not miss it. I can't stand selling because of the above. I worry about when they leave. So between Tessy and next year's Dee baby, I have plenty to look forward too.

We're all behind you!

Terri (((FF)))
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:D thank you :D

Queenbee said:
Fantastic tip for tying off the umbilical cord is dental floss (non menthol!) its completely sterile and easy to use.
Click to expand...

Dont tie the cord off!!!

PolarSkye said:
What a lovely post . . . made me grin from ear to ear . . . and I second Terri's sentiments.

P
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agreed :)

Equilibrium Ireland said:
Don't tie off ubi cord!! Should not be necessary. I actually like to keep the connection as long as possible. As in mins. Then clean cotton and pressure is all that's needed. Don't panic. It will stop. Some don't bleed much at all. Once bleeding stopped, use the clorhexidrine. You'll need to do that 3 times a day for the first 3 days.

Terri
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^^ agreed :) Dont use purple spray/iodine , its too strong and a lot of foals react to it.
 
Abbey (I think that's your name, ??) - DO NOT PANIC !!!

Take a few days to take in what's happened, and let things sink in. Please remember that millions of horses foal safely on their own, often very late into the night (this is when predators are least likely to be around), with no help, and in not so good conditions.

Do get the gear in, and speak to your vet and get day to day advice. I hope your mum is able to help you prepare. And obviously you are getting lots of advice from here.

I am sure it will all go well - she's got this far without a hitch. Have trust in Tess . But give yourself a few days to let this settle on your family. It may even be that a local HHO'er can be with you to help - if I was near, I'd be with you like a shot, but would be crying buckets....I have NEVER seen a foalie born. x
 
I had heard they dont like to foal in front of people so best not to sit permanently in the box might put her off and cause problems, just keep peeking on her every 30mins, she will be able to do it all herself and the umbilical cord doesnt need our help otherwise what would happen to those born in fields during the night only to be found the next morning by us.

Ensure she delivers the placenta and it is in one piece, and the breeding experts will know doesnt the foal have to be injected with something within the first 24hrs like tetanus or something. So exciting.
 
Can just add... it will probably be best if you can get her into livery at the stud to foal down, because if csomething goes wrong, it can occur very quickly and you need a lot of hands who are experienced in foaling to help. Or maybe you have a local riding instructor with experience you can ask advise from.

Absolutely no offence to the OP but you need as much experience as possible about you if you have never foaled down before.

P.s. our mare foaled whilst we turned her out to muck out (was on box rest)

Turned out, went to check 20 mins later a colt on the ground
 
Guys, I think Abbey needs time to absorb things and get her head round things before taking advice on the cord and stuff - would scare me !! ;)
 
Shysmum said:
Abbey (I think that's your name, ??) - DO NOT PANIC !!!

Take a few days to take in what's happened, and let things sink in. Please remember that millions of horses foal safely on their own, often very late into the night (this is when predators are least likely to be around), with no help, and in not so good conditions.

Do get the gear in, and speak to your vet and get day to day advice. I hope your mum is able to help you prepare. And obviously you are getting lots of advice from here.

I am sure it will all go well - she's got this far without a hitch. Have trust in Tess . But give yourself a few days to let this settle on your family. It may even be that a local HHO'er can be with you to help - if I was near, I'd be with you like a shot, but would be crying buckets....I have NEVER seen a foalie born. x
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Well that is what mum said what would she do in the wild :D, mum is fab calm and cool while i run round like a headless chicken :p

You would be more than welcome to :) i'm sure it will be an event to remember x

putasocinit said:
I had heard they dont like to foal in front of people so best not to sit permanently in the box might put her off and cause problems, just keep peeking on her every 30mins, she will be able to do it all herself and the umbilical cord doesnt need our help otherwise what would happen to those born in fields during the night only to be found the next morning by us.

Ensure she delivers the placenta and it is in one piece, and the breeding experts will know doesnt the foal have to be injected with something within the first 24hrs like tetanus or something. So exciting.
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Vet will com next day to inject she said :) and we have to put placenta in bag in one piece for vet to inspect she said :)

Delicious_D said:
Can just add... it will probably be best if you can get her into livery at the stud to foal down, because if csomething goes wrong, it can occur very quickly and you need a lot of hands who are experienced in foaling to help. Or maybe you have a local riding instructor with experience you can ask advise from.

Absolutely no offence to the OP but you need as much experience as possible about you if you have never foaled down before.

P.s. our mare foaled whilst we turned her out to muck out (was on box rest)

Turned out, went to check 20 mins later a colt on the ground
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Vet advised keeping her at home to avoid the stress of being round strange horses and surroundings, but the two women have give us their mobile numbers to ring durin birth they are like 5 mins up the road :)

No offence taken lovely to have comments and advice will think about stud though :)
 
The mare has foaled before. I doubt very much the previous owner was on hand with hot towels, smelling salts and boiling water. It will be fine. As I said before pm AMW for some advice op, no need to get excited, mares have been popping out foals for years. You already have two local breeders to give advice and a hand. It would be utterly stupid to move her anywhere at this stage of the game.
 
FfionWinnie said:
The mare has foaled before. I doubt very much the previous owner was on hand with hot towels, smelling salts and boiling water. It will be fine. As I said before pm AMW for some advice op, no need to get excited, mares have been popping out foals for years. You already have two local breeders to give advice and a hand. It would be utterly stupid to move her anywhere at this stage of the game.
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Vet advised to keep her here and at the moment that is fine and dandy :)
Well that's it she has been a gypsy horse a largr amount of her life and doubt they had the vet out etc :D
 
I haven't any useful advice for you OP, as I've never been in your shoes and realise it was intially a bit of a downer for you, but you must be chuffed to think your 'baby' already has a huuuuuge fan club! I think Tess has made lots of surrogate 'mummies' very happy. I know I've got quite emotional reading this thread and some of the lovely sentiments & support you've had (I'm blaming my middle age/childless/gelding owning hormones for making me feel this way!!!) Good luck & please please keep us updated (whilst not neglecting your studies of course!)
 
Shysmum said:
Abbey (I think that's your name, ??) - DO NOT PANIC !!!

Take a few days to take in what's happened, and let things sink in. Please remember that millions of horses foal safely on their own, often very late into the night (this is when predators are least likely to be around), with no help, and in not so good conditions.

Do get the gear in, and speak to your vet and get day to day advice. I hope your mum is able to help you prepare. And obviously you are getting lots of advice from here.

I am sure it will all go well - she's got this far without a hitch. Have trust in Tess . But give yourself a few days to let this settle on your family. It may even be that a local HHO'er can be with you to help - if I was near, I'd be with you like a shot, but would be crying buckets....I have NEVER seen a foalie born. x
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Oh OP I have only just found this thread! But I would echo Shysmum - Don't panic! Tess has done this before - she knows what to do :)

Glad you have a ponio to ride in the meantime, but like many others I suspect you will be smitten with Mini T when he/she arrives :D

I have no practical advice to offer as no foaling experience. Perhaps make sure you have an equine vets on hand for call out? Also I bought my Pa a black and white CCTV thingy a few years ago for £35 odd, so quite affordable.

Good luck with it all, don't forget your exams etc, and pleeeasee keep us all updated :p x
 
Hope all goes well, :D lots of good advise given already, so not much to add...( Ive been midwife to 8 now, and only missed one birth, the first one) the thing that shocked me was the amount of fluid then the waters break!.. and how fast it the birth can be... mine have took about 10-15 mins..

but its a wonderful thing watching one being born (mine have been between 10pm and 5am) and Ive been in the stable with mine... just before birth mine have done lots of little poos, started to get hot (but not sweat, just feel clammy) waxed up or dripped milk, and been really restless, pawing the ground,

good luck

Cant wait to see photos.... :D
 
freckles22uk said:
Hope all goes well, :D lots of good advise given already, so not much to add...( Ive been midwife to 8 now, and only missed one birth, the first one) the thing that shocked me was the amount of fluid then the waters break!.. and how fast it the birth can be... mine have took about 10-15 mins..

but its a wonderful thing watching one being born (mine have been between 10pm and 5am) and Ive been in the stable with mine... just before birth mine have done lots of little poos, started to get hot (but not sweat, just feel clammy) waxed up or dripped milk, and been really restless, pawing the ground,

good luck

Cant wait to see photos.... :D
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Thank you :) Oh we have been warned and asked if squemish by the vet... we own a horse how can we be squemish :D

Thank you for the added advice lovely :)
Photo overload and a naming thread will be put up :D

I like albert/bertie for a colt :)
 
I think that's a fab name for a colt.

What about Rissa for a filly? Close to Tessys name.

I always say to my sister give any new thing in life a month to sink in and get into the right routine and you will be fine.
Xx
 
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