Imprinting a Foal

There are several objectives we try to accomplish when we foal a mare. Once we have a safe delivery there is still a lot more to do. Everything we do in the next hour or so does a lot for the imprinting of a new foal and for making sure mom and baby are healthy. Once the foal is out she gets towel dried. This keeps her warm and starts the blood flowing. She starts looking a lot better for photos also.

We always milk the mare and make sure the new foal gets a couple bottles of colostrum. This gives her plenty of energy for the next big goal. The foal needs to stand and learn to walk by herself in order to find the real food supply. We don’t like to leave a new foal until they are standing and nursing on their own.

This is also the time we tie the cord into a not to keep the mare from tripping on it and to add a little weight for a quicker delivery of the placenta. The placenta should be examined for tears and then saved for the vet to check.

After just a few attempts the foal is standing on her own. She is very strong and off to a good start.

The imprinting is ongoing during the first hour or so. After a little walking and a few attempts at nursing this foal is ready for a nap. Rachael is usually on hand to keep the foal comfy and continue the imprinting.

Our foals grow up with two, or counting Angel, three moms.