Foal watch 2020

My first mare, Shezagreatgal is at 328 days today. Previous foal, by same sire, she went 344 days. She is progressing, but still likely to go another 10-14 days. Over the past 5 days, she’s gone from “Big” to “HUGE” in width. Udder shows some filling, but not enough…she’ll look like a pendulous holstein milk cow when it’s time. I’d like a keeper filly from her eventually, but will be happy with either.

I am using a new camera system this year-- actually a wireless baby monitor, about $50 on Amazon, and so far I’m pleased with the quality. House is only about 100ft from the barn, which has open walls. Camera does not need WiFi, it runs off its own radio signal. Not able to watch on my phone, but the small provided monitor works just fine with full color in daylight and b/w infrared at night.

How soon do your mares bag up? My mare is at 317 days, and last foal (same sire) was 331 days. She has not bagged up at all. I am sending her out next week to a foaling barn, because I am gone 2 days a week from 10 am - 8 pm, and even though that is not typical mare foaling hours, mares usually pick the most inconvenient times! I was going to look into monitors for the barn anyways, and would love suggestions!

I have 2 maidens and this is my first time breeding…so I’m a nervous wreck. Both mares are 282 days (they very conveniently ovulated together). Mare #1 is long backed and doing great. Mare #2 is super compact and HUGE because she has nowhere for the baby to go. She started bagging up yesterday and is about 1/2 full. I sent photos to vet and discussed, and she’s not overly concerned…should I be worried that we’re going to have a very early arrival?

Half-full would have me worried under 300 days. I know some mares make a little “flab” about 45 days out, but serious bag-building usually isn’t until day 300-320 or later. It might be wise to have a vet check for placentitis if she goes from nothing to Filled in a couple days, well under 300d. I don’t feel “safe” until they make it to 320.

Be sure what you see is really “half full.” It’s easy to get excited and overestimate how big an udder really is…then 3 weeks later when it’s HUGE you realize your idea of “half full” was only about a quarter full.

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My Windfall - Avignon II mare is having her first foal this spring, and I am way too excited! She is in foal to E.H. Herzensdieb! I have had my mare since she was 3 and I was a young rider, so it makes this extra special. We had a lot of firsts together. She has been on a breeding lease with a friend of mine just about 30 mins down the road from me. It has been such a wonderful experience, and I am just so excited for more! Fingers crossed and all the jingles for a smooth and easy birth with a happy, healthy foal.

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Lots of firsts for me this year. I have the first of my 4th generation on the way who is also my first ET foal. Also the first one I didn’t plan to foal out myself in almost 2 decades. Very exciting! Best of luck to you all.

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3 Pyx foals due this year. I can’t wait for March 25 (due date of first foal)! Hopefully, mare wont hold foal hostage for too long :lol:

It’s been very mild lately in VA, but supposed to get down to 17 on Friday. I figure my mare is holding out for the worst weather possible.

No baby last night, but she is really dropped this morning and acting a bit restless. Milk is solid white, but not thick or sticky yet. I have a feeling she may go tonight.

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It’s a filly! Beautiful Valentine’s Day gift. Sheza came in with a teeny bit of milk drip at 5pm; a gentle drip by 11pm. She was restless and mildly uncomfortable all night, and at 2am “the house was on fire.” Sweating, pacing, pawing, the works. Big filly was born at 3:15.

Really nice foal, was up on her feet first try and found the milk bar straight away. I love the smart ones that don’t need any help! She is a little bit contracted in front, down behind, but I think she’ll come around on her own in a few days.

Now time for some sleep! 45 days until mare #2 is due.

Trying to post pics but they are too big, or “invalid file” when I try to resize.

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I saw the pics on facebook!!! Beautiful filly… Congrats - and such a nice birthday to have too :yes:

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Congratulations!

Please post a link to the Facebook pictures. :slight_smile:

Congratulations!! Do you have a name picked out?

YAY!! How cute!!

Thanks for the pics. What a nice looking filly! Well done to you and the mare. :slight_smile:

Thank you! I’m thrilled with her.

One down, one to go!
Nice filly. Congratulations!

Congrats!!

You should be- I love the way she’s put together- she looks like she will be one elegant and powerful mare

So my new filly LOVES my inflatable jumps, they are the best toys ever. She paws at them, rolls on them, and even JUMPS them! Hope the link to this pic works! 3 days old

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