In this episode of 'Mad About Horses', equine reproductivephysiologist Dr. Chris Mortensen talks about the exciting and incredible process of horse reproduction and birth.

Using the example of a mare named Tari and her foal, Prairie Rose, he explains various stages of labor, the differences in horse pregnancy compared to other animals, and the importance ofearly bonding and colostrum for the newborn foal.

Dr. Mortensen also discusses some difficulties that canoccur during foaling, such as dystocia and red bag births, emphasizing that while most births proceed normally, vigilance is required to ensure the safety of both mare and foal.

Finally, he highlights the significance of colostrum for the immunity of the newborns and reiterates his admiration for these stoic and awe-inspiring creatures.

Podcast Timeline

00:00 A Night in the Life of a Pregnant Mare

03:23 Introduction to the Host and the Topic

03:35 The Fascinating Process of Equine Reproduction

04:45 The Risks of Giving Birth in the Wild

05:00 The Journey from Pregnancy to Birth

06:01 The Biological Changes Leading to Parturition

10:48 The Role of Hormones in Equine Birth

12:57 The Signs of an Approaching Birth

15:09 The Importance of Monitoring During Birth

26:50 Understanding the Stages of Labor

29:10 Monitoring the Mare Before Labor

29:32 Personal Experiences with Foaling

31:30 The Quickness of Stage Two Labor

32:38 The Joy of Mare and Foal Bonding

33:28 The Importance of Foal Positioning

35:52 Dealing with Dystocia

38:44 The Danger of Red Bag Birth

41:43 Post-Birth Checks and Care

44:19 The Journey of Prairie Rose

45:24 The Importance of Colostrum

49:33 Reflecting on Foaling Experiences

Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.

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