Expert: Amanda Groff - 11/6/2009

Question
There is a very pregnant mare in the field next to my garden. She has a water supply and a large field to herself but no stable only a few trees to shelter under, I'm not sure if anyone comes to give her extra food-I haven't seen them. I give her carrots and bits of apple but I worry that the weather is getting cold and rainy here in the UK now, will she be allright? Is there anything I can do to help her? Can I give her some rolled oats or barley?  

Answer
hi kathy, that is very kind of you to feed the mare apples and treats. it is a shame the owners do not care for her. yes you should be a little worried about the mare and foal when it is born. with the cold weather it can get sick and with no one there the mare wont get any help if she needs it. the cord needs to be cut and sanitized. a shelter is what they need and supervision as well. a lot of things can go wrong. do not give her oats. it is a hot feed and can make her colic easily. her stomach is not used to it and will effect it to greatly. if you want to help her out get some mare and foal feed. give her one handful for three days then go to two handfuls. gently increase it to about one pound and give it to her once a day. if you can try to find the owners so they know they mare needs attention and extra nutrition. if you cant and you are willing, keep an eye on the mare check her at all hours and if your could even get a blanket for her to help with the chill. i know it is expensive especially for a horse that is not even yours. this is the best thing you can do though for this mare and it will give them both the best chance of survival. horses in the wild manage it on their own because it is more instinctive. domesticated horses often do not fully know what to do and can leave the foal. these are worse case scenarios though. everything could go smoothly and she can be healthy and have a healthy foal. but you always want to be prepared for the worse. my best of luck to you, please keep me updated. when the foal is born i would love to see pictures!!
amanda