When will she foal?

Question
I have a 10 year old Arabian mare who is due to foal sometime in late October to late November. She was pastured the stallion from Thanksgiving day until early March. When I picked her up in March she was already showing. But my aunt never saw witnessed a mount or anything. What are some things I should do or look for as Punkin gets closer to foaling. When will she get her milk? Do horses string like cows do? I have heard that I should put her in a dry lot, but when should I do it? The vet checked her out but couldn't tell me how far along she was. He didn't do an internal exam. I haven't had an experience like this before. It has always been a witnessed event. I need help.

Answer
Since the mare was pasture bred, you cannot be certain when she will foal.  Things to look for are:  softening around the tailhead.  Feel the muscles beside her tail now so you can tell when they relax.  When relaxed they will feel like a rotten cantelope.  Look at her from the side and see what the shape of her belly looks like.  When it appears slightly pointed or pear shaped, she is getting closer.  Some mares develop a bag a month before foaling while others not until they are closer to foaling.  Now...the last trimester is when the foal does the most growing so the mare's feed needs to be gradually increased until she is getting twice her normal rations.  To prevent foal heat scours in the foal, worm your mare with Ivermectin the day she foals. You may want to move the mare into a pasture by herself  but she should have pasture to graze. I don't know anything about cows so can't help you regarding stringing.  Sorry.  Some mares will "wax" up shortly before foaling, that is they will get a waxy looking discharge that hangs from the teats.  This may not last long and unless you are watching closely, you could just miss it altogether.  Good luck with your upcoming foal.