Stage one

• Contractions will last up to two hours
• Restlessness is normal
• The foal moves into the birth canal
• Fetal membranes may be visible at the mare’s vulva
• Mare’s water will break

Stage two

• The foal is usually birthed within 30 minutes of the mare’s water breaking
• If the process has not progressed within 10 minutes of the mare’s water breaking, call your veterinarian right away
• The foal should be birthed front legs first, hooves down
• If the hooves are facing up or other body parts are presented first, call your veterinarian immediately
• In some cases, the placenta may separate before the foal is delivered. If a thick, red membrane is seen at the vulva, call your veterinarian immediately.

Stage three

• The placenta is expelled from the mare within three hours of the foal being delivered
• If the placenta is not expelled within three hours, call your veterinarian immediately