Foaling Season Roadmap 

Your step-by-step foaling guide from Elston Hay & Grain

Foaling season typically arrives in late winter through early spring, and around here, it’s one of the most anticipated times of the year. Whether you’re welcoming your first foal or adding another youngster to the herd, preparation makes all the difference in keeping both mare and foal healthy.

This timeline-based foaling guide walks you through what to do before foaling season begins, as the due date approaches, and after your foal arrives, all in simple, practical steps you can trust.

1. Before Foaling Season (Early Winter)

Start With the Basics: A Healthy Mare & a Solid Plan

Before adjusting feed or setting up foaling stalls, take a step back and assess your mare’s overall condition. Healthy expectations early help prevent last-minute stress and complications later.

How to Know Your Mare Is Healthy (Body Condition, Diet & General Well-Being)

A pregnant mare should ideally maintain a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 5–6.

Signs she’s in a good BCS range:

• You can feel her ribs, but they’re not sticking out
• Muscling along the topline looks steady
• She’s neither overly round nor ribby
• Energy levels appear normal

Mares that are too thin may struggle to support foal growth and milk production, while mares that are too heavy may face foaling complications. Early winter is the time to make adjustments—not the final month.

Quick Health Check Before Changing Feed

Before increasing or switching feeds, make sure these basics are covered:

✔️ Teeth floated recently and chewing comfortably

✔️ Healthy coat, bright eyes, and good hydration

✔️ Hooves trimmed with no lameness issues

✔️ Parasite control up to date

✔️ Normal appetite and behavior

If anything seems off, consult your veterinarian before making major nutritional changes.

When to Start Feeding Differently During Pregnancy

One common misconception is that pregnant mares need extra grain for the full 11 months. In reality, most mares don’t—until late gestation.

Months 1–8 (Early & Mid-Gestation): Keep It Simple

During early pregnancy, your goal is maintenance—not growth.

Most mares only need:

• Good-quality forage
  A salt block or mineral
• Clean, fresh water
• A balanced maintenance diet

This keeps your mare steady without unnecessary weight gain.

Months 9–11 (Final Trimester): This Is When Nutrition Really Matters

The foal does most of its growing in the last 90 days. This is when you increase nutrients, especially protein and minerals, to support both the mare and the baby.

Elston’s recommended feed is Integrity Mare & Foal Feed. Formulated specifically for late gestation and lactation to support strong foal development and proper body condition in the mare.

Before you switch feeds, consider:

• Is her body condition where it needs to be?
• Is your hay high or low quality?
• Does she have a quiet place to eat?
• Does she handle feed changes well?

Transition new feed slowly over 7–10 days.

Early Winter “Before Foaling” Checklist

✔️ Assess mare’s body condition
✔️ Review forage quality
✔️ Update dental care and hoof trims
✔️ Confirm parasite control
✔️ Connect with your vet about timing
✔️ Begin gathering foaling supplies
✔️ Plan where your mare will foal

Once these pieces are in place, you’re set up for a smoother season ahead.

2. The Final Trimester (Late Winter)

Nutrition increases, and preparation gets more focused.

This is where your mare’s nutritional needs rise.

What to focus on now:

• Gradually increase feed in the final 90 days
• Offer high-quality forage around the clock
• Make sure she has clean water at all times
• Begin prepping your foaling stall or safe pasture space

Pre-Foaling Vaccines (4–6 weeks before due date):

✔️ Tetanus
✔️ EEE/WEE
✔️ West Nile
✔️ Influenza

These vaccines help load the mare’s colostrum with antibodies, giving the newborn foal critical early immune protection.

3. One Month Out: Foaling Prep (Late Winter / Early Spring)

Time to get your space, supplies, and systems ready.

Foaling Stall Safety Checklist:

✔️ 12’ x 12’ or larger space
✔️ Fresh straw bedding (doesn’t cling to foals)
✔️ Good ventilation with minimal drafts
✔️ No sharp edges or gaps in paneling
✔️ Clean water bucket
✔️ Towels, gloves, tail wrap (optional)
✔️ Iodine or chlorhexidine for umbilical care
✔️ Thermometer
✔️ Vet’s number posted somewhere easy to find

Check in with Your Vet

Confirm availability around the due date and ask about:

• Deworming before or after foaling
• What’s considered an emergency
• When to call if labor slows or looks abnormal

.4. The Foaling Window: What to Expect

Most mares foal quickly and quietly — your job is to observe.

Signs your mare is close:

• Udder filling and “waxing”
• Softening around tailhead
• Restlessness or nesting behavior
• Milk dripping

During labor, call your vet if:

• No progress 10–15 minutes after water breaks
• Foal presentation doesn’t look normal
• Labor stops or mare seems distressed

5. First 48 Hours After Birth

Key Foal Milestones:

✔️ Standing within 1–2 hours

✔️ Nursing within 2–3 hours

✔️ Passing meconium

✔️ Bright, alert, and active

Mare Care:

✔️ Pass placenta within 3 hours

✔️ Monitor for discomfort or bleeding

✔️ Offer small hay meals and plenty of water

If anything seems off, don’t wait — early intervention is key.

6. First Weeks: Nursing, Growth & Introducing Feed

Foals often begin exploring feed earlier than expected—even while nursing.

What Is Creep Feeding (and Why It Helps)?

Creep feeding allows foals access to a protected feeding area where only they can eat nutrient-rich starter feed.

Benefits of creep feeding:

• Supports steady bone and muscle development
• Encourages independent eating habits
• Makes weaning smoother and less stressful

Setting up your creep feeder:

✔️ Safe, foal-sized entry
✔️ Fresh creep feed or mare & foal starter
✔️ Small servings at first
✔️ Clean, dry feeding area

7. Months 2–6: Vaccinations, Deworming & Weaning

Foal vaccinations at 4–6 months:

• Tetanus
• EEE/WEE
• West Nile
• Influenza

Deworming

Start a fecal-based deworming plan around 2–3 months, guided by your vet.

Preparing for weaning (typically 4–6 months):

• Continue creep feed
• Gradually introduce more forage
• Keep routine calm and predictable

Foals that are already eating independently tend to handle weaning best.

8. Helpful Products Elston’s Carries for Foaling Season

Available at Poway, Ramona, and online.

Feeds & Nutrition

• Integrity Mare & Foal Feed
• Milk replacer
• Mineral supplements
• Salt blocks & mineral tubs

Foaling Supplies

• Creep feeders
• Foal halters & leads
• Thermometers
• Stall disinfectant
• Straw bedding

Mare Care

• High-quality alfalfa & grass hay
• Electrolytes & probiotics
• Grooming tools
• Clean buckets, wraps & towels

If you’re unsure what your mare or foal needs at any stage, our team is always happy to help.

Final Thoughts

Foaling season brings anticipation, nerves, and a whole lot of joy. With thoughtful preparation, proper nutrition, and a clear timeline, you’ll give your mare and foal the best possible start.

If you have questions about feeding programs, foaling supplies, or getting ready for the season, stop by Elston Hay & Grain or give us a call. We’re here to help every step of the way.

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Elston Hay & Grain

For over 55 years, Elston’s has been San Diego’s go-to for animal care and rural living. We proudly support generations of horse lovers, livestock caretakers, pet owners, and home growers with top-notch hay, feed, and supplies. Rooted in ranching and built on friendly know-how, we’re here to help you care for your animals with confidence. Whether you’re raising chickens, feeding a stable, or spoiling your pup, here at Elston’s we’ve got what you need.

Shop online or visit us at our locations in Ramona and Poway. We proudly deliver to all of San Diego County, including Escondido, Lakeside, Warner Springs, Julian, Ranchita, and South County. https://shop.elstonhayandgrain.com/