Foaling Season at Oakhurst: Supporting Mares and Foals from Birth Forward
Foaling season is an exciting and important time for horse owners, breeders, and veterinarians alike. At Oakhurst Equine Veterinary Services, we understand that while many mares foal normally, every birth deserves careful planning, experienced support, and immediate access to veterinary care when needed.
Whether this is your first foal or one of many, choosing the right environment can make a significant difference in the health and success of both mare and foal.
The Importance of Prepared Foaling Care
Foaling is a natural process—but it is also unpredictable. Complications such as dystocia, red bag delivery, retained placenta, neonatal weakness, or failure of passive transfer can develop rapidly and require prompt intervention.
At Oakhurst, our foaling season services are designed to provide mares with close monitoring and owners with peace of mind during this critical time.
Why Foal at Oakhurst?
Many owners choose to have their mares foal at Oakhurst’s foaling facility rather than at home. Benefits include:
24/7 Broodmare Monitoring
Mares nearing their due date are closely observed by experienced staff who recognize early signs of labor and potential complications.
Experienced Foaling Support
Our team has attended hundreds of foalings and understands the difference between normal progression and situations that require assistance.
Veterinary Care
Because Oakhurst is an experienced equine breeding farm and veterinary clinic, veterinary care is available if intervention is needed—eliminating the delays that can occur when emergencies happen off-site.
Foaling Stalls
Our foaling stalls are designed with space, safety, and cleanliness in mind for mare and foal.
Post-Foaling Evaluation and Monitoring
Care doesn’t stop at delivery. We monitor nursing behavior, evaluate the placenta, perform IgG testing, and assess the foal’s strength, limb conformation, and overall health during those critical first hours.
Comprehensive Foal and Broodmare Care
Oakhurst offers comprehensive broodmare and neonatal care, including:
- Foaling attendance and monitoring
- Newborn foal exams
- IgG testing and plasma administration (recommended)
- Umbilical care and infection prevention
- Post-foaling mare exams
- Early identification and treatment of neonatal issues
Our goal is to give each foal the healthiest possible start while supporting the mare through recovery.
Peace of Mind During Foaling Season
Foaling often happens late at night, early in the morning, or when least expected. Knowing your mare is being monitored around the clock by a skilled team provides invaluable peace of mind—especially for owners who are new to breeding or managing high-risk pregnancies.
Planning Ahead with Oakhurst
If you are expecting a foal this season, now is the time to plan. Our veterinarians are happy to discuss:
** Pre-foaling health evaluations ** Nutritional support for broodmares ** Foaling at Oakhurst vs. foaling at home
Foaling season is the beginning of a new journey. At Oakhurst Equine Veterinary Services, we are honored to be part of that first chapter—providing expert care, preparation, and support when it matters most.