Most mares have an uneventful birth, and are known to want privacy during labor and delivery. Whether or not you witness the birth, check on your mare frequently and keep your veterinarian’s contact information within reach.

Provide a clean, safe area for your mare to give birth. Many mares prefer an open pasture. If you decide to keep your mare stalled, the stall should be as large as possible with plenty of straw bedding, preferably on a floor that can be sanitized. Wash your mares’ udder, vulva, and hindquarters with a mild soap and rinse thoroughly immediately after. Wrap your mare’s tail in a clean wrap during the first stage of labor. Do not wrap it too tightly or leave it on for an extended period of time. Manure and other soiled materials should be promptly removed.