16/06/2024
The first three hours of your foals life are crucial to its success, and timing is everything. We encourage you to be familiar with the 1-2-3 Rule.
The clock starts ticking the moment the foal arrives into the world. The first milestone under the 1-2-3 rule is that the foal should stand within one hour of birth. This first step is crucial as it's a sign of vitality and health. Standing helps the foal stabilize its body temperature and circulation, which are vital for survival. The act of standing also prepares the foal for the all-important first feed—nursing.
Having witnessed the foal's first steps, the next hour brings us to another critical milestone: the foal should nurse within two hours of birth. Nursing is not just a feeding act; it's the foal's first immunological defence through the mare's colostrum. This early milk is rich in antibodies and essential nutrients, setting the stage for a healthy immune system.
As we approach the third and final crucial hour in the foaling process, our focus shifts to the mare. Within three hours of giving birth, the mare should pass the fetal membranes. Successful expulsion of the placenta is vital for the mare’s health and her ability to recover and care for her newborn foal.
If there are any delays, a call to your veterinarian is crucial, as this is a critical time for the mare and foal. If the foal does not consume colostrum (the first milk) within 8 hours of birth, he is susceptible to illness.
