Foaling season is in full swing! Equestrians’ social media pages are full of adorable new baby pictures, and spring pastures will soon be full of playful foals. As adorable as they are, taking care of foals and their mamas can be a lot of work. It is important to be fully prepared before your new arrival. We talked to some of our foaling experts at FarmVet, and these are the top products they recommend having on hand.
During Pregnancy
Nutrition can heavily impact the health of your foal and mare both during and after pregnancy. Pregnancy and nursing can be stressful on your mare’s body as the growing foal requires many extra nutrients. Feeding supplements throughout the pregnancy can help your mare maintain good health, as well as ensure a strong and healthy foal.
Calphormin from TRM is a veterinary and breeder-trusted supplement that provides essential micronutrients for optimal bone development. Feeding Calphormin to pregnant mares will help them pass these essential nutrients to their newborn. This will help the foal get a jump start on bone health, resulting in greater bone density that is less prone to injury as they grow up.
Another supplement option is Steadfast Equine Growth from Arenus. Feed it during late-term pregnancy to help with healthy foal development. Then, continue feeding it after birth for bone and soft tissue support and even later on during training to help prevent injury and promote recovery.
After Birth
So, your rockstar mare delivered a beautiful, strong foal; now what? One of your top concerns in the first few weeks after birth will be a healthy digestive system for your foal. This ensures that they absorb the nutrients needed for growth. It will also reduce the risk of more serious complications such as colic.
FullBucket Foal Kit is essential to have on hand for a newly born foal. This kit of nutrient-packed pastes contains everything you need to ensure your foal’s digestive and immune system gets a proper start. It includes a tube of Foal Kick Start to boost the foal’s immune system on day one. And it has six tubes of Foal Probiotic to promote optimal gut and immune health for their first week of life in the outside world. Additionally, the kit contains a set of Foaling Indicator Strips to help determine how close your mare is to foaling and Foal Information Cards for record keeping.
Probios Equine Paste is another great choice for post-birth nutrition or a dose of probiotics at any age. This paste aids in digestion as well as increases appetite. It can be used during any time of stress, such as birth, weaning, or other diet changes.
As They Grow
One of the most rewarding parts of breeding is seeing your foal grow up and thrive as a youngster! Get them started on the right hoof with the Walsh Grow with Me Foal Halter. This halter is a must-have for any breeding operation. It has an adjustable crown and removable catch strap to fit your growing foal throughout its early years.
You’ll also need to be prepared with extra layers, especially if your mare foals out in the early months of the year. The Baker 200g Expand-O-Blanket Foal Turnout by 5/A Baker has velcro belly and chest bands for easy adjustments as your foal grows.
If we learn anything as equestrians, it is to always be prepared. As much as we hope for easy, healthy horses, chances are, at some point, they will require extra attention or medication. And the same can be true for your foal. The FlexiNeb E3 Equine Nebulizer will help you be prepared to treat any respiratory conditions that may occur in their early life stages. The contoured mask ensures direct delivery of aerosolized medications or treatments. It is silent, cordless, and lightweight, providing a less stressful treatment session, and is conveniently available in a foal size.
Shop Now
Shop more products for foaling season here. Or, you can shop all our products at FarmVet.com 24/7. You can also call one of our friendly Sales Associates at 1-888-837-3626 or email your order to [email protected].
Learn More
Pregnant or not, owning a mare can pose challenges as hormones come into play. Learn some tips for managing moody mares here.
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