Facilities:
* Seperate shed row type barn with turn out seperate from main barn.
* 3 10' x 10' stalls with solid walls and slotted doors. 2 entry points for turn out and emergencies
* 24/7 LIVE Video Internet monitoring via MareStare during foaling season Foaling Cam
* Attendant is a Registered Veterinary Technician with over 12 years experience
Our recommendations:
It is ideal for mares to be transported 30 days before their due date to the facility to become accustom to their new surroundings and so that we may learn their normal behaviors. A previous foaling history is welcomed but not necessary. We highly recommend boostering all non-live vaccinations 30 days before the due date for the most antibodies available to the new foal. Coggins and Rhino/Flu are a requirement before coming on to the property.
Foal Watch:
We start a spreadsheet on each mare when they arrive at Pondering Oaks. Each day we note any changes in: behavior, appetite, stools, physical changes, and pH (if able to test). Once they are officially on cam, each mare has their own thread started on MareStare for observers to make notes as well. All of this information is saved and given to the mare owner for future foalings. If possible, we also try to get a recording of the foaling as well. Stalls are bedded with stall pellets before and after foaling. Large chip shavings are used when foaling is within 24 hours. Mares' tails are braided and vet wrapped for visibility and cleanliness.
Our foaling policies:
Each mare is attended when ever possible. We have found that the best indicator of immediate foaling is a combination of foaling history, clinical and behavior indicators, and pH testing of available colostrum or milk. At the presentation of the sac, we do manually check to make sure that the foal is in the correct position by checking for front legs and the nose. At this point, we may keep a hand on a presented foot, but we do not pull. In a normally delivery, the only interference from us is traction and manipulation of the forelegs and head to prevent as much trauma as possible (this is especially helpful in maidens). Again, we do not pull our foals unless necessary for their health and the mares. We have found that this system works well for a safe delivery and the mares who've been directly attended had less vaginal and vulvar trauma compared to mares that foaled unassisted. Less trauma equals less pain during the critical bonding period between mare and foal.
Each foal is foaled out on to a bed sheet to prevent contaimination of the umbilicus. They are dried, umbilicus treated, and given probios to help stimulate normal gut flora (which helps prevent foal heat scours). Each mare is given banamine orally immediately after foaling and ivermectin orally within 8-12 hours of foaling (this also helps prevent foal heat scours). Placentas are tied and mares are attended until they drop the placenta. Each placenta is inspected inside and out and then discarded off the farm. Only in rare cases of unhealthy mares or foals who were slow to nurse, do we perform IgG tests but will gladly do so at the request of any mare owner.
Foals are handled daily during feed times for socialization as well as to inspect navels and check for loose stools. We pay special attention to handling the feet, face, and ears of foals to make future handling easier on foal and handler. Mares are checked as well for vaginal drainage and lack of milk production. We recommend that mare and foal stay at least a week before transport, especially during excessively cold or hot times of the year.
Foaling Videos of Pondering Oaks:
2011 Crystal - normal foaling
2011 Design - elbow dystocia, no complications
2011 Ballerina - foal in the sac (not a red bag), very sneaky mare
2012 Rosie - normal foaling
Foal Heat:
We highly recommend that maiden mares are not rebred on their foal heat. We also recommend that mares who have suffered a difficult foaling or may have some trauma, also do not rebreed on their foal heat.
Healthy mares with no trauma can be rebred on their foal heat. ASPC stallion services are available or outside stallions may be brought in as long as they meet health requirements and can be hand bred safely.
Service Fees: Availability is limited, so book mares now. $50 deposit holds dates (applied to Foaling fee)
Foaling $250.00/30 days (not prorated) - umbilicus care, probios, banamine, ivermectin included
Extended days: $5/day if mare goes over 30 days
Vet: actual cost if needed (IgG, etc)
Mare/Foal care:
normal: $6/day
critical: $10.00/day
Farrier: $18.00/horse