How a wild mare gives birth to a foal
I have rarely observed clear physical signs when a wild mare gives birth to a foal. The slight lowering of the pelvis seems to be the only minimal indication. Changes in a mares’ behavior can, however, indicate the upcoming birth of a foal.
The black mare usually has a very sociable and active character. But lately she behaves way calmer and does even stand apart from her herd more often. Normally, at times when the herd is moving, her position is very often in the front and during the resting periods, she usually places herself in the middle of the herd.
The foal has already drunk the beestings before returning to the herd.
It’s the end of April. The weather is quite pleasant for this time of year and the moon will be in full glance in a few days. Perfect conditions for giving birth to her foal. And besides that, there are already a few foals born into the herd.
A new faol in the middle of the herd
Another mare of the same herd already gave birth to her foal one week ago - during a hike. The herds were moving to a new grazing area at this time. They were in the middle of their hike, when the mare lay down for a short period of time, gave birth to her foal, surrounded by other mares of the same herd, and kept on walking, with her newborn foal, only a few minutes later. It’s obvious, the process of giving birth to a foal can be a very quick one.
WHEN DOES THE FOAL ARRIVE ?
Most of the foals are born in the early mornings. This also counts for the black mares’ foal. It was just after midnight when she separated herself from her herd. Not with the idea to hide in a bush or forest miles away. No, she just took a spot a little apart from the group. Just as far as necessary to get a little rest, the way she did the days before, but still without losing contact to her herd.
A
clear signal shown by the mare. She wanted not to be disturbed while her foal was born. This sign was as understandable for me, as it was for the rest of the herd. Right after her foal saw the light of day, the two of them moved a little bit closer to the herd again.
Newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date!
WELCOME NEW FOAL
Only a few minutes after, the mare already moves closer to the herd. The two of them are now surrounded by mares with their foals and yearlings, but there is no sign of putting pressure on them. And suddenly the black mare is back in the center of the herd. Just like she was in wintertime. The only difference is that a small, still wobbly foal is now standing beside her.
Just one member of the herd is not visible at the moment: the senior stallion. He keeps his distance, because giving birth implies that the mares are taking over the
leadership of the herd. It takes time for the father to get in contact with his offspring, but being back he actively participates in the process of upbringing.
THIS MIGHT ALSO INTEREST YOU
FELL FREE TO SHARE THE ARTICLE