YOUR foal has arrived safely, so congratulations as that is not always the case. What happens now? If you have had your own children then think back to how you felt about everything just after they were born. For my unfortunate daughter, I tried to think back to how my mares had coped as she, a helpless newborn baby, was depending on me! It worked well, so the opposite should also apply.

Foals are babies and they need lots of time to sleep, drink quietly from their mother without distraction, and learn about the world around them. The mare needs time to become familiar with her new foal, to care for it in her own way and to recover her strength after foaling.

It is a good idea to have the vet check over your newborn and mother, so call your vet once the foal is born and he (she) will call in on their rounds. Vets love foals. He (she) will check that the mare has cleansed completely and that all systems are functioning. You should observe the foal so that you are able to tell the vet that the foal is up on its feet and has suckled successfully. You will also be able to evaluate how fully the mare has accepted her new responsibility. Save the placenta for the vet to examine. Place it away from any dogs as they will eat it.

Normal behaviour by the mare after foaling includes nuzzling the foal, licking it dry and generally bond with the new arrival. She will also allow the foal to drink. If she will not allow the foal to drink, you can encourage the mare to accept this by holding the mare and allowing the foal to do the rest. If the mare wants to actually stop the foal drinking then you must seek the advice of someone who is experienced with dealing with this type of situation and tell your vet. Some foals take a little time to find the milk bar, other find it straight away.

Once the foal is suckling, up on its feet and possibly doing circuits and bumps around the stable, the time is near to turn it and the mare out in the field for the first time. Obviously, if the foaling took place outside then you are ahead of this stage. The foal will follow tight to the mare at this time. You will need several people to help you turnout the mare and foal for the first couple of times. The field must be prepared, no other horses if possible and those that are out in the field must be sympathetic to the mare as we require no accidents that can be avoided. Do not try to put a headcollar on the foal, it's not necessary, but you do need one on the mare and one that can be left on while out in the field. Lead the mare, open all doors and gates wide and allow the foal to follow the mare. Do not allow anyone or anything to come between the mare and foal. Shut up the dogs and make sure any children are under control. Do it all very quietly and without fuss. Ensure that the gate to the field is closed after the mare and foal are through and before you allow the mare to go free. Leave the headcollar on as it maybe that the mare will not want to be caught again, this is known as being 'foal proud'.

At what point you decide to teach the foal to lead is up to you and your expert. Do not expect it to know how to lead, it has to be taught carefully. Some like to get a headcollar on the foal within the first few days, other will leave it until after weaning. Both situations have merit and it really will depend on your particular situation and those around you. The worst that you can do is start and not complete the process or do it badly. Do seek expert advice and help.

About ten days after foaling the mare will come back into season. It is quite possible that the foal's system will become upset at this time and begin to scour. This is normal and natural but even so you must make sure that the foal does not become dehydrated or its skin become sore and uncomfortable. If you feel that you need to, wash the area around the foal's tail with warm water to which some really gentle cleanser has been added. Baby bath will do well. After cleaning and the area is dry it can be protected with a very light dressing of baby oil in the area. This doesn't always happen, but if it does don't panic.

The mare at this time can be sent back to the stallion, if that is the plan. If it is, then the people on the stud may well handle the foal for you and get it accustomed to wearing a headcollar and being lead. Travelling the foal requires common sense. In the trailer put down a huge bed of straw or shavings, remove the breast bar or fill in the area under it so that the foal is safe and cannot injure its self. The mare should be tied as normal in the trailer with a short rope and no haynet for a tiny foal foot to get caught in. If the foal panics it will leap towards any light so the rear doors to the trailer must also be closed. Another area of danger is the grooms door - ensure that there is no way for the foal to accidentally open the door from the inside. If you are to use a lorry, similar precautions must be made to keep the foal safe and within sight and feel of the mare. If the journey is a long one do not embark during the heat of the day, travel early or late so that the vehicle doesn't get hot and take some water with you. Stop at intervals, offer the mare water and give the foal time to drink from the mare before you continue.

It is impossible in a series of articles like this to cover everything before, during and after foaling. Experience and common sense are required. To have a mare in your care foal down and present you with a live foal is a real privilege. It is one life's fantastic experiences, not to be missed. Enjoy your mare and foal, try at all times to put yourself in the place of the mare and then you are unlikely to get it very wrong. When in doubt, swallow your pride and ask someone experienced. I can almost guarantee that the stallion owners will provide some of that advice and will want to help. Good luck.

If you think that you would like to 'have a foal' then read through all three of these articles, think twice, think again and then if you still think that you would like to embark on this journey - start visiting studs to look at the stallions!