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Question
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN MY HORSE GOES IN TO LABOR HOW WHILE I KNOW WHEN IT GETS TIME


Answer
Hi Mary,
The first stage of labor is not far off when your mare begins acting a little "off."  Some mares will go off food the day they are going to foal.  She may eat her breakfast, but just kind of pick at her dinner and not seem too interested.  First stage labor can last for hours or just minutes, each mare is different.  You will notice her beginning to pace a lot or even go stand in a different corner of the pasture or stall than normal. If you have other horses, she will probably separate herself from them and keep her distance.  She will paw the ground ocassionally and just act uncomfortable, pretty much looking like she's a little colicky.  Second stage labor begins when she starts to lay down, roll and get back up and this usually only lasts a very short time before third stage or actual delivery begins.  When you notice her pacing, lying down, getting up, pawing the ground, that's when you want to make your way to the barn/pasture and get prepared, as delivery is imminent at that time.