As foaling season approaches, horse owners who are expecting foals this year should know how to recognize the signs of labor in a foaling mare. The normal gestation length for a mare can range from 320 to 360 days, with the average being around 340 days.

Stage One

The first stage of labor is generally the longest and might take from one to four hours. The mare may act restless, circling her stall or paddock. She might get up and down frequently, pass small amounts of manure or urine, and act nervous. The mare might also show some colic-like symptoms such as looking at her sides, sweating along her neck and flanks, and showing signs of abdominal discomfort. Mares might not exhibit all of these symptoms but usually have a distinct change of behavior during Stage One labor