These pictures are for educational purposes only
for those who want to see a truly newborn foal.
These pics are right as she was being born at 2:10 AM.


A Wizards Spell Worthingtons Windermere
Filly Born 5-18-09 2:10 AM
Daughter of Torrie and Worthington




A foal arrives presenting two front hooves and then the nose.
One hoof is slightly ahead of the other so that when the shoulders present they are on a
slight angle so as not to create such a large section all at once.
These are typically still in the sack which you can see below is an opaque "balloon" looking sack.
There can be a birthing slowdown at the forehead and again as the shoulders present.   These are "wider" areas.
If the mare seems like she is having a bad time getting past these wider spots, you can help a bit.
But, she WILL do it herself most of the time.  It's just hard for us to be patient and watch without "helping".
To help, you can apply consistent pressure ( don't break the legs, just pressure )
when the mare is having a contraction.  I use a towel so my hands don't slip on the slippery sack.
You can pull slightly in a downward motion in the direction of the mare's hooves,
not out towards the wall.
As soon as the shoulders are out, the rest will follow.
But please see the photos below as far as the back legs still in the mare.
This is normal and now leave them alone while they both rest.  This can last for a while.
They are still exchanging fluids through the umbilical cord, so leave them alone.
You can remove the sack form the baby, but no rush.  It is helping keep the baby warm.
When I remove the sack I often cover the baby with a towel just to stay warm during this transition time.
I put a towel under the baby's head just to keep shavings and "stuff" out of their mouth.  (See photos ).

Eventually the foal or the mare will get up and break the umbilical cord.   Spray or soak this with iodine.
If for any reason the cord doesn't break, tie it off about two inches from the baby's body with some thread,
dental floss, or whatever and cut the cord with a sharp and clean pair of scissors.  Spray the end well with iodine.

Dry the baby.  Take pictures.  Go away and let them bond.

See the other pictures of this filly to watch the "getting up" part which is next in the process.

See more pictures for the "bonding and nursing moments".

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