What size rug for newborn foal to make 11 hands?

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ticki

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To cut a long story short, I've acquired an infoal 11.2 mare - sire 11hands and she is due to foal anytime in next month. Been told last two foals she had died within 24 hours of birth due to being born outside and cold as she always foals this time of year. I have mare in but as it's still cold I've been recommended to put a rug on foal when it's born to keep it warm. What size rug should I get in preparation as I really don't have any concept of the size the foal will be other than tiny?

Thanks
 
Going by the size of his sister I'm guessing my colt will make about 11.2hh-12hh. When he was born he would have probably fitted in a 1ft9 rug. He got his first rug aged approx 2 1/2 months, it was a 2ft6 and plenty big on him, although now aged 4 months he has outgrown that. If you can't find a rug small enough it is possible to use a dog coat depending on the fastenings. Good luck with your foal :)
 
Good luck with foal when it arrives - as you said it's going to be tiny! I would also look at some of the dog 'rugs' that are around - maybe a better fit while tiny. Our section A is 11 hands and she has 4 foot rugs which are hard to find. I know that doesn't help you now but maybe look for one of around 2 foot?:confused:

I have a fleece for my dogs which may work (the XL size) and they are called equestrian zone - they did stock them on www.horsehealth.co.uk - I hope that is the right website I will check when I am on my main computer for you:)
 
There is a post on the breeding section about a mare going nuts at her foal when it had a rug put on - they overcame this by leaving the rug with the mare so it smelt like her - you might wanna do this!
 
A dog coat is probably your best bet. When my boy was born even though it was May the weather was awful. Hes meant to make about 15.2 & wore a 28"dog coat on day one. Admittedly he was out of a maiden mare so was quite small (which he has gladly made up for & now at 18mth stands at 14.2 & is in 5'9rugs!!)
Good luck with yours!!
 
flamehead said:
There is a post on the breeding section about a mare going nuts at her foal when it had a rug put on - they overcame this by leaving the rug with the mare so it smelt like her - you might wanna do this!
Click to expand...

What flamehead has said...I'd also want to give the mare at least 24 hrs to bond with the foal before rugging, keeping them in for that amount of time wouldn't do them any harm, so to keep the foal warm, while it's unrugged. A good thick straw bed should be adequate and being a native type and inside it should be fine.
I would also rub the rug in the mares placenta once she has passed it before putting it on the foal so it has her smell on it. Better to have a messy rug then a mare that has rejected her foal at an early stage :)

Sorry no advise about size of rug...
 
Stick 'foal rug' into an ebay search and loads should come up - hopefully there'll be something that will fit

Agree with the others, plenty of warm bedding, cosy stable and peace and quiet.

Looking forward to pics :D
 
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