Hey guys,
Last year my neighbors stallion broke through our fence and bred my mare.
She was supposed to foal on 13th, but no foal. I can feel it move and her teats are almost full. I can squeeze some colostrum out. I only did this once.
It’s been super cold here in KY, with the ice and snow storms. I do notice she’s rolling a lot.
Is it normal for mares to be overdue?
And does it have anything to do with the weather being crappy?
Due dates aren’t firm as they are in people. Anything between 320 days and 370 days can be normal for a particular horse.
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Mares don’t have “due dates” like people.
The average duration of gestation is anywhere between 320 and 370 days - so that mare which is at 345 days is not “overdue”, but well within the normal range! The foaling date is picked by the foal who dictates that he or she is sufficiently developed and ready to be born, not by the mare who is watching the calendar on the wall!
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Yep, my mare foaled at 366 days (this was prior to me owning her, but knowing I would own her after the weaning). Many nights spent waiting for that baby, and only when we gave up to get a good night’s sleep somewhere other than a barn aisle…did he make his appearance. Apparently a watched pot never boils when foaling is involved.
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Every single one of my mares went at least 360 days and that was true for those that had multiple foals for me, not just my maidens. I can’t complain though, because all but one waited for me to get home from work and foaled before midnight…lucky, lucky, lucky…can’t say the same for the ones I used to have to monitor for friends or as a part of my job.
My filly was a month late, apparently she WAY overslept past her alarm. She was also small and a bit weak but had a full set of teeth, which thankfully did not bother my mare. She’s 9 now and doing fine.
Oh, I didn’t know they didn’t have an actual due date.
I did use a foaling calculator thing online. Her estimated date was Valentine’s Day o.o
My previous mare, I had no idea was pregnant and one day she just laid down and out came Spirit.
My mom constantly keeps checking her bits for any changes. This is her first foaling. She’s excited.
I mean so am I, I bet he or she will be a cutie pie:)
I’ll definitely share pics if y’all want to see.
Thanks y’all 
Don’t worry. Mares seem to take longer in early spring and then go shorter in summer in my experience. It has to do with hours of daylight. I hope you like the stallion enough to enjoy the foal!
There’s a ton of info in the FAQs pinned at the top of the Sporthorse Breeding section. I followed the body temp/ milk testing protocol for 4 pregnancies and never spent more than the night of the foaling in the barn. YMMV
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The stallion is a sweetie too bad his owners never ever give him attention. He’s always over there whinnying. But they’ve separated him to the far side of the field away from my fence. But when he sees me he comes running and waiting.
Neighbors don’t care if I pet him. I’ve asked.
I’ll have to get some test strips for her then. Nobody is selling them right now. 
Have you given the mare a tetanus vaccine? Should be done a month before expected foaling, but even late is better than not. Will protect both mare and foal from infection due to foaling. Tetanus is the leading cause of human death due to birthing in less developed nations- horses also. Yes, they can go overdue, no problem, and she sounds quite close now, so watch her closely. Also, give the mare some wormer before foaling… the foal will be eating some of her poop to get gut bacteria (this is normal) and best if he doesn’t get a load of worms this early in life.
With expected cold weather, get a newborn foal blanket NOW, before the foal arrives. A miniature horse blanket will do, with insulation. A larger dog blanket will also do well. If you need more warmth, an old wool cardigan can be used under this, front legs through the sleeves, with the blanket belly straps keeping it secure. Get that blanket on him as soon as he’s dry, rub him dry and get him dressed. Also helps to get a “newborn” halter on right away too, before they wake up enough to object. Newborn halters are very adjustable, light, and not for leading, just for wearing for the feel. Not strong, break easily.
Good luck!
