Apr 01 2010
mare foaling signs
If a mare is foaling what’s the worse that can happen if I have my gelding in with her?
My mare and gelding are super buddies. They hate to be apart. But my mare is due for a foal anyday now. She was even showing some signs today. But my question is what is the worse thing that could happen if I keep them together when she is foaling? I could keep him up in a stall but I would just hate for him to be cooped up. Is it possible to keep them together?
When I bought the gelding he was buddies with a mare who had a foal. Then first day she had it he had no problems with her. He would stand by her and if the foal came near him of course the mare would pin her ears back.
Im thinking he know’s to back off.
But I just want to be on the safe side.
Any idea’s? Should I keep them together?
Really…you should separate them for the foaling. Are you saying they are in a field together? If so…that MIGHT work…but I still advise against it. Your boy doesn’t have to stay stalled all the time. The mare should put him in his place. But they are defenseless when they are birthing…so natural instinct tells the mare to be by herself. Then rejoin the herd when the foal can keep up.
I still advise to separate until after birthing and foal is ‘locked’ on to his mom. At least a couple of days, then make sure that there are no aggressive movements toward the foal when they are introduced.
I have a gelding that also ran with breeding mares. They were so mean to him…but they taught him to stay away from their foals, and he knew to keep his distance. Even so…new mom and foal were kept separate for a few days. Gives the foal time to get stronger too, so he can get away if he needs to.
The ‘worst’ that could happen…according to your question…is the foal could be killed. Very easily actually, if the gelding gets aggressive.
Pregnant Horse Care : Handling a Pregnant Horse
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