There is not a sight more beautiful than the birth of a newborn miniature foal. So if as a new Miniature horse or pony person, you want to breed your own, as opposed to buying one ready made, here are a few important tips.

Gestation-( pregnancy)

Gestation is the period from fertilization of the egg until the foal is born. The gestation period in horses is 320-360 days, although some Miniature Horse/pony breeders have reported gestation lenghts as short as 310 days.

Feeding the Broadmare
During the first seven months of pregnancy, the mare does not have significantly elevated nutrient requirments above maintenance. At this time, the developing foetus is small and adds only slightly to the nutrient requirments of the mare. In early pregnancy, therefore, mares can be fed much like mature horses at maintenance.

During the last trimester 110 days of pregnancy, the nutrient requirments of the mare and foetus increase drastically. Requirements for energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin A increase. This situation is often solved by feeding the mare more concentrated sources of nutrients. Feeding premium hay and well-fortified concentrates intended for the broodmare will satisfy nutrient requirements. The diet for pregnant mares should contain a minimum of 50% forage. Grain concentrates can be fed at a rate of 0.5-1.0% of the body weight.

The lactating mare has the hightest nutrient requirments of any adult horse. Nutrients are being utilized for milk production and repair of tissues damaged during pregnancy. During the first three months of lactation, mares can easily consume 3% of their body weight per day in feed. A typical diet for a lactating mare would consist of free-choice hay and grain at a rate 0.5-1.5% of the body weight per day. The amount of grain should be adjusted depending on the body conditon of the mare .

Being Prepared.
It is very helpful to put together a foaling kit ahead of time.

Things to be included are, Vets phone number, latex gloves, wash cloth, towels, measuring bowl (for collecting milk),scissors, heavy thread, syringes, baby bottle, and a camera etc. Put what is needed in , because when you need it , you need it. Also, always carry your mobile phone. A waterproof container would make a good storage place for all your foaling kit items, and will keep them dry and dust free.

Stages of foaling.
Filling of the udder and teats, (a wax like dropplet form on the teat), relaxation of the buttocks, vulva and muscles in the tail area. Once it is found that the mare is near foaling she should be monitored around the clock.

Stage 1) Labor includes restlessness, pacing around, tail switching, the mare looks at her side, sweating, and frequent passing of small amounts of faeces and urine.

Stage 2) Labor begins: with the rupture of placenta and the breaking of water. The mare may change position several times and multiple contractions occur. The feet and nose of the foal are forced into the pelvis and then you should see the amniotic sac and encased feet protruding from the vulva. Once the foal's ribcage is exposed, you should make sure the amniotic sac is cleared away from the foal's head and that it is breathing. If the mare is delivering in cold weather, a vigourous rubdown of the foal with dry towels will not only make the dry foal quicker, but will also be the begining of the foal getting use to your touch early. However too much human presence and commotion in the stables has the potential to upset the mare. This is especially true of maiden mares. The more alone time they have together at first, the better.

Stage 3) The afterbirth (placenta) should be passed within 3 to 4 hrs of the birth of the foal and should be examined to be sure that none of it has been retained in the uterus. Retention of all or part of the placenta can lead to uterine infection, toxemia of the mare, and laminitis.

Now that your gorgeous foal has arrived, has stood up, is nursing, mum has delivered the afterbirth, and is eating and drinking, and loving her new arrival, you've taken the all important photo. Now kiss the baby and get some sleep.