Tom Riddle, DVM, of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., began the in-depth session on "The Foal: Birth to One Month" with a discussion on how to prepare the third-trimester mare for normal foaling. His discussion included his management procedures within his Kentucky veterinary practice, which deals mainly with Thoroughbreds. However, he said many of his points could be applied to any reproductive practice, regardless of breed or region.

Riddle said that most mares are outside all of the time or are only brought up for feeding until they reach one month before their expected foaling date. Whatever is preferred, broodmares thrive on routine. He said that some farms in his area will put their mares under lights in stalls or lighted paddocks beginning Dec. 1. Benefits include a decrease in the length of gestation by seven to 10 days, which allows more time to breed the mare in the breeding season, and a decrease in the chance the mare will stop cycling temporarily.

At 30 days before foaling, Riddle said mares are brought into the foaling barn with turnout for six to eight hours per day. On most of his clients' farms, mares are checked once each hour by farm staff. A veterinarian will examine all of the mares in late November or early December. Any mare which has undergone a Caslick's procedure to partially close the vulva will need to be opened around two weeks before her due date or when she begins to show signs of imminent foaling. Afterward, petroleum jelly will be applied to the vulva daily to prevent adhesions.

Throughout the pregnancy, a manager or groom will check the mare for udder development and unusual vaginal discharge. If abnormalities are noted, a veterinarian is contacted to examine her. Rectal palpation can confirm the pregnancy and help the veterinarian evaluate cervical tightness, fetal position and movement, and uterine distention