Tea 2009 Pregnancy

Mare Gestation and Progression

A mares gestation is on average 340 days but it can go well over 360 days or as early as 315 days. There is no such thing as a "Due Date" for mares unfortunately. But most mares give signs of approaching labor to help us out in this area. Some of these signs.

Some mares may display all of these signs, and some may not display any of these signs. Within a few days of foaling you will notice a change in the low part of the mares belly as it will look pointed. This is an indication foal is repositioning to repare for foaling.

Starlight Ranch basis on 346 days for approximate foaling date.

A mares hind end starts to relax before foaling, her vulva will lengthen and inside color will change. Muscles on her rear relax where they look like jello before foaling. The amount of relaxing can depend on number of foals mare has had.

1. Appetite may change
2. Filling of the udders
3. Relaxing of the pelvis and vulva
4. Drop in mares abdomen
5. Attitude may change
6. Texture of udders
7. No resistance in the tail
8. Waxing