Stage 1

The mare was previous washed in the vulva region and the the tail wraped to keep it out of the way of the foal during birth. Waxing was noticed about 12 hr before this movie. The mare appears nervous and walks around the stall. This mare lifts her tail and paws when contractions are occuring. As the contractions become more intense, she lifts her back legs in response to the contractions. The contractions are being caused at this point by prostaglandin (PGF_2a). The prostaglandin also causes the sweating that may be observed.

Stage 2

This stage begins with the breaking of the water 10 minutes before birth. You can see the release of the fluid as the mare strains. She lays down soon after the water breaks and there are contractions. The contractions become more intense. and the amnion (grey sack) protudes from the mare with a single foot visible. One minute before birth the mare rolls and resumes pushing. The foal is quickly delivered.

Stage 3

This stage begins after the foal is delivered. Note the mare has been laying down and we have not disturbed them except to remove the placenta from the foals head. The mare continues to have contractions for 13 minutes after birth. When the mare stands up, the placenta falls out onto the floor. She then spends time licking the foal to both stimulate his respiration, encourage the foal to get up and nurse, and to enhance the maternal-foal bonding.