
03/21/2025
Foal’s First 24 Hours: What Every Owner Should Know! 🍼🐴
Bringing a new foal into the world is one of the most exciting moments for any breeder or horse owner, but those first 24 hours are critical for ensuring a healthy start to life. Knowing what’s normal and when to call the vet can make all the difference in your foal’s long-term health and development!
Key Milestones in the First 24 Hours:
✔ Standing within 1-2 hours – A strong, healthy foal should make multiple attempts to stand soon after birth.
✔ Nursing within 2-3 hours – Colostrum is crucial for building immunity and providing essential nutrients.
✔ Passing first manure (meconium) within 12 hours – Delayed passage can lead to discomfort and serious complications.
✔ Bright, alert, and responsive – The foal should be active, aware of its surroundings, and bonding with the mare.
Warning Signs – When to Call the Vet:
🔹 Struggling to stand or delayed nursing – Failure to nurse quickly can lead to a weakened immune system.
🔹 No manure passed or signs of discomfort – Meconium impaction can cause colic-like symptoms and needs immediate attention.
🔹 Weakness, lethargy, or trouble breathing – Could indicate infection, oxygen deprivation, or a congenital issue.
🔹 The mare rejecting the foal – Lack of bonding or aggression towards the foal requires intervention.
Why a Newborn Foal Exam is Essential
Even if everything seems perfect, a newborn wellness exam is highly recommended. Your vet will check for:
🔹 Normal heart and lung function
🔹 Signs of congenital defects
🔹 Proper nursing and digestion
🔹 The mare’s postpartum recovery
🔹 A blood draw to check IgG and CBC -the IgG levels confirm that the foal has consumed adequate amounts of colostrum, which is cruical for the foals immune system
The first few hours set the foundation for your foal’s future health and performance. A thorough veterinary check ensures they get the best possible start in life!