Most foals arrive without drama. But when things go wrong, they can go wrong fast.
That’s why breeders don’t leave anything to chance.
From dystocia to hemorrhage, here’s a straight-talking look at the most common risks during foaling, how often mares actually die, and what breeders do to prevent it.
The biggest risk: dystocia
Dystocia – a difficult or obstructed birth, is the most common foaling complication.
It’s a broad term, but often caused by:
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Poor positioning (e.g. breech, leg tucked back)
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Foal too big for the mare
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Weak or uncoordinated contractions (uterine inertia)
It can turn into an emergency fast. If a foal isn’t born within 30 minutes of active labour starting, the clock is ticking – and a vet is usually already on the way.
Other common complications
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Retained placenta: If it’s not passed within 3 hours, infection, laminitis or toxic shock can follow. Happens in 2–10% of mares.
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Uterine tears or prolapse: Rare but serious. These require surgery quickly.
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Postpartum hemorrhage: One of the leading causes of mare death. Often occurs in older mares when a uterine artery ruptures.
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Colic: Not just a digestive issue, postpartum mares can colic due to uterine pain, infections, or lingering placenta.
How often do mares die during foaling?
It’s rare, but not unheard of.
Studies suggest 1–2% of mares die as a result of foaling complications. That’s about one in every hundred births. Most high-volume farms will deal with a mare death every season or few seasons.
Risk factors include:
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Older age (especially 15+)
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Previous foaling issues
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Tight pelvis or oversized foals
In the wild, foaling is unassisted.
Mares rely entirely on instinct. Complications like dystocia, hemorrhage, and retained placenta still occur, but there’s no veterinary intervention to help. As a result, mortality rates are higher. Survival hinges on the mare’s physical condition, the foal’s position, and external factors like predators or access to food and shelter. It’s nature at its most unforgiving, and a stark reminder of how much human management improves outcomes.
What breeders do to prevent problems
Foaling isn’t left to luck. Here’s what most professional breeders do to reduce the risk:
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24/7 monitoring: Almost every thoroughbred breeding farm in Australia and New Zealand have human monitoring all day and all night. Video surveillance, foaling alarms, and wearable sensors (like tail alarms or vulva magnets) also help staff act fast when labour starts.
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Foaling staff on-site: Farms will have a vet or experienced foaling team on call, often within minutes. They often have extensive equipment on hand to assist, when required.
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Controlled conditions: Mares foal in open space designed to protect both them and the foal from injury.
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Health prep: Regular check-ups, tailored nutrition, and body condition monitoring throughout pregnancy improve the odds.
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Rapid response: If something’s wrong – be it a retained placenta or a poorly positioned foal, it’s identified and dealt with early.
The takeaway
Foaling is natural, but not always straightforward. Things can go wrong quickly. But for most Thoroughbred breeders, it’s a well-drilled routine backed by experience, surveillance, and serious attention to detail.
A live, healthy foal, and a safe, calm mare, is the goal every time. And for the vast majority, that’s exactly what happens.
