What Should I have in my Foaling Kit?
If you are preparing for the birth of a foal, it is important to have a well stocked foaling kit on hand.
A foaling kit is a collection of items that you may need when your mare is about to give birth or after she has birthed her foal. Here are some items that you should consider having in your foaling kit (please note some of these items come in bulk quantities so you might want to connect with other people locally that are foaling to share one order):
- Clean towels or rags: You will need plenty of clean towels or rags to dry off the foal after it is born, as well as clean off the mare as best as possible if she will let you. Having small and large ones both will come in handy.
50qty 11.5″ x 11.5″ rags: https://amzn.to/3Zzo5QJ
6qty 16″ x 27″ towels: https://amzn.to/3J6IG7X - Liquid Ivory Soap: (Clear/Unscented) You can use this to wash the mare’s vulva and udders prior to foaling to ensure they are clean for the foal. You can also use it to help wash any afterbirth of the mare as needed.
- Vet Wrap: This can come in handy to wrap the mare’s tail to keep it out of the way of the birthing process. Be sure you don’t wrap it too tight as that can cutoff circulation and permanently damage the tail. https://amzn.to/3JslHV4
- Disposable Gloves: You will want to wear gloves as the birthing process is not a clean one. If you have to assist in delivery you will want to protect the mare and foal from any germs you may have on your hands/arms as well.
Veterinary full-arm disposable gloves: https://amzn.to/3yqro0D
Disposable exam gloves: https://amzn.to/3mIfDjw - Sterile lubricant: This can be used to help ease the foal out of the mare during delivery.
We like the KY Jelly Water Based Gentle Forumla: https://amzn.to/3L7yRJL - Scissors: You may need to cut the umbilical cord, so make sure you have a pair of sterile scissors on hand. If you have wrapped your mare’s tail you may also need to cut the wrap/bandage off.
Trauma Shears: https://amzn.to/3mFy7Bs - Umbilical Clamp: In the rare chance the umbilical cord does not break off naturally, or close enough to the foal’s belly, you may need to clamp and cut the cord. These will come in handy to stop any bleeding that would otherwise occur. https://amzn.to/3FtEheo
- Clean bucket: You will need a clean bucket to collect the placenta after the foal is born.
These 5 gallon buckets work great and are easier to carry with the rope handle: https://amzn.to/3n3k9tr - Chlorhexidine, or other disinfectant: This can be used to clean the mare’s udder and vulva before delivery. It can also be used to clean the foal’s umbilical stump.
Chlorhexidine: https://amzn.to/3JLwpaK - Dip Cups: These come in handy for dipping the umbilical stump. You should treat the umbilical stump twice daily for 3 days. We like these ones because they are stainless and reusable. https://amzn.to/3JLTxFY
- Eye Wash: Eye wash comes in handy if your foal has birthing debris or barn/stall debris in their eye. https://amzn.to/3JOsw4Q
- Enema: If your foal doesn’t pass the meconium in a proper amount of time, you will want to utilize an enema to help it pass. On occasion you might have to use an enema for a day or two after foaling as well. (Be sure to consult with your veterinarian if it is needed more than after the initial use). These ones are great and have a soft tip to make using on a squirmy foal easier and safer. https://amzn.to/3n02qmD
- Thermometer: You will want to temp check your foal after birth as well as multiple times in the first week to ensure there are no concerns or infections brewing. We like this one because it has large numbers, is water resistant, and has quick results. https://amzn.to/3Jn7Orr
- Foal resuscitation equipment: In case the foal is born with any breathing difficulties, it’s essential to have foal resuscitation equipment on hand, a suction bulb, and a stethoscope are critical, but if you can also have oxygen on hand that is an added bonus.
3 size suction bulb kit: https://amzn.to/3yS5SlC
Stethoscope: https://amzn.to/3LvT5gi - Flashlight: If the birth occurs at night or in a dimly lit area, a flashlight will be useful.
We like these headlamps, to keep your hands free: https://amzn.to/40ibKAm - Foaling halter and lead rope: You may need to assist the mare during delivery, and a foaling halter and lead rope will help you control her.
This foaling halter from Weaver is adjustable, affordable, and leather: https://amzn.to/3FtB3HO - Foal blanket: A foal blanket can help keep the newborn foal warm in the first few hours after birth.
One like this with an adjustable velcro front and belly will make sure you can use the blanket for a longer period since foals grow fast: https://amzn.to/3Tm4voZ - Milk replacer: In case the mare is unable to nurse or produce enough milk, you may need to have milk replacer on hand to feed the foal. Having a good relationship with your vet in an instance like this can be critical to ensure your foal gets adequate colostrum into their system.
Foal milk replacer: https://amzn.to/3FwZdBs - Twine or String: This can come in handy for a variety of reasons. We always have it around and it’s cheap and easy to throw into a foaling kit!
- Pen and Paper or White Board: You will use this to document important information like the water breaking time, when you first see nose/feet of foal, foaling time, standing time, nursing time, passing of the meconium, passing of placenta, etc. You can also document the info in your phone, but sometimes it is easier to have the info staring you in the face.
- Contact information for a veterinarian: While you may be able to handle a normal foaling on your own, it is important to have the contact information for a veterinarian in case there are any complications.
Remember to keep your foaling kit in a convenient, easily accessible location so that you can quickly grab it if needed.
Are there any must-haves you use we didn’t include in our list? Drop a comment below!
