02/09/2026
🐴 MY MUST-HAVES FOR FOALING DOWN 🐴
We regularly get asked what is in my must-haves for foaling down. We are very fortunate to be set up with foal alarms and cameras, so I can stay inside and observe, and our foaling area is undercover as well.
Here is my list, and I invite healthy, non-judgemental conversations. We all do things a little differently, and this is simply what works for us.
E***a – I give every foal one before it even gets up, as I believe it helps get the meconium moving. I do it this early because they are relatively still.
Clean towels – LOTS of them! Drying the foal, stimulating respiration and cleaning up.
Iodine/Chlorhexidine – for the umbilicus. Having something ready for umbilical dipping immediately after birth is a must for me.
Colostrometer – I test the mare's colostrum as the foal is having its first drink, as this gives us an indication of the quality of the colostrum. This does not mean the foal will necessarily absorb enough antibodies, so we always follow up with an IgG and a full foal check.
Medical scissors – the ones with one blade having a sharp point. An absolutely irreplaceable tool in a red-bag birth. We have had two red-bag births, both with non-compromised outcomes, and these have been invaluable.
Bale twine – wonderful for tying up a placenta while waiting for it to pass. It also means you can keep it clean and contained.
Oxytocin injection – something we have on hand and use under veterinary direction if the placenta isn't progressing appropriately.
Pain relief & sedation – I always allow a maiden mare the opportunity to become a good mum before intervention. However, there have been occasions when both pain relief and sedation have been needed.
Bucket – to keep the afterbirth safe so it can be properly inspected in good light, without time pressure, when we get a chance.
Thermometer & stethoscope – simple things, but useful for monitoring both mare and foal and giving your vet accurate information if something isn't quite right.
Gloves & plenty of lubricant – hopefully never needed, but something I absolutely want available if an examination or assistance becomes necessary.
Amazing vets ❤️ – despite everything we do to prepare, sometimes emergencies happen. We have successfully resuscitated foals before, but we will always call in the professionals to cover all bases.
Seymour Equine Clinic is our go-to and we are incredibly grateful to have good veterinary support when we need it.
⏰ Lastly — RECORD YOUR TIMEFRAMES!
When you're tired and it's 2am, it is very easy to lose track of time. Write down the important milestones:
🕐 1 hour – foal should be standing
🕑 2 hours – foal should be nursing successfully
🕒 3 hours – placenta should generally have passed
These are guidelines rather than hard-and-fast rules, and if something doesn't look right, don't wait for the clock — if in doubt call your vet.
Picture for attention on the most loyal staff member.
