Let's talk about something that is not glamorous but is absolutely critical during foaling season. If you are involved in horse breeding, understanding placenta care after your mare gives birth is just as important as preparing for the arrival of your foal.
While every farm should develop protocols with their own veterinarian, knowing what is normal, what is not, and when to act can make all the difference in protecting your mare's health. Proper postpartum horse care does not end when the foal is standing and nursing. In many ways, that is when the real monitoring begins.
Why the Placenta Matters in Horse Breeding
During pregnancy, the foal develops inside the placenta, which provides oxygen and nutrients. When the foal is born, typically front feet first followed by the nose, it breaks free from the placental membrane. However, the placenta itself does not immediately leave the mare's body.
It is completely normal for the mare to have the placenta hanging from her vulva for a period of time after birth. This stage is called the "afterbirth," and how it is handled can significantly impact your mare's recovery.
One of the biggest risks in horse breeding is retained placenta. If the placenta does not pass properly, it can lead to infection, laminitis, or even sepsis. This is why attentive postpartum horse care is essential in the hours following delivery.
Why I Tie Knots in the Placenta
One of the most common questions I get during foaling season is why I tie knots in the placenta or occasionally tie a towel into it.
Here is why.
When the placenta is left hanging freely, one of two things can happen:
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It can pool on the ground, losing natural weight at the bottom.
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The mare can step on it and accidentally tear it.
What we absolutely do not want is the placenta being tugged or yanked out prematurely. Pulling on the placenta can cause serious internal damage. Instead, we want gravity to do its job and allow the placenta to detach naturally.
By tying a knot in the placenta while it is still intact, I create gentle weight at the bottom. That weight helps encourage natural release without force. It also keeps the placenta up and out of the way so the mare does not step on it and tear it.
One thing I have changed over time is when I tie the knot. I used to wait. Now, if the mare is still lying down, relaxed, and focused on her foal, I go ahead and tie it right away. It is much easier to handle at that moment. Once she is fully alert and protective, getting near her hind end can be more challenging.
That small adjustment has been a game changer in my foaling routine.
What Happens If the Placenta Tears?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a mare will step on the placenta before you can intervene. If it tears and there is not enough tissue hanging down, gravity may not be able to help it pass.
In those cases, I will tie a clean towel into the remaining portion to add weight. This can often be enough to encourage the uterus to expel the rest naturally.
However, even when everything seems perfect with the foal, a retained placenta can quickly turn into a stressful situation. There is nothing more frustrating than a smooth delivery followed by hours of concern because the placenta has not passed.
The Timeline: When to Intervene
In proper horse care, timing matters.
Ideally, the placenta should pass within two to four hours after foaling.
If I do not see progress by the two hour mark, and I have already tied a knot or added weight, I may administer oxytocin under veterinary guidance. Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions and can help expel the placenta.
However, I do not give oxytocin unless necessary. It can make the mare uncomfortable and temporarily less focused on her foal. Additionally, pain medications cannot be given until after the placenta passes because they may interfere with uterine contractions.
If the placenta has not passed by three and a half to four hours, I call the veterinarian. Even if it is not yet a full emergency, I want professional guidance and a plan in place. Sometimes the vet will come to the farm. In more serious cases, the mare and foal may need to be transported to a hospital.
Always Inspect the Placenta
Even when the placenta passes within the expected timeframe, the job is not done.
In responsible horse breeding programs, the placenta should always be examined carefully. A veterinarian should inspect it to ensure it is complete and that no pieces remain inside the mare.
Retained fragments can cause severe infection. A mare that retains part of her placenta can become septic, which can be catastrophic if not treated quickly. This is why postpartum monitoring is just as important as preparing for the foal's arrival.
The Bottom Line on Placenta Care
If you are new to horse breeding or preparing for your first foal, placenta care might not be something you initially think about. But it should be.
Understanding:
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How long the placenta should remain
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Why you should never pull it
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When to add weight
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When to involve your veterinarian
These are all critical components of safe and responsible horse care.
Every farm will have slightly different protocols based on their veterinarian's recommendations. My approach works for me, but it should never replace professional veterinary advice for your own program.
Foaling season is exciting. Watching a healthy foal stand and nurse for the first time never gets old. But protecting the mare in those first few hours is just as important as celebrating the new life she brought into the world.
If you are planning to breed your mare this season, take the time now to speak with your vet and establish a clear placenta protocol. It may not be the most glamorous part of horse breeding, but it is one of the most important.
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