What signs will a mare give when its about to give birth?

Answer 1

From the book Storey's Guide to Raising Horses by Heather Smith Thomas (Part III, Chapter 2, p. 377-78):

"About a month before the mare is to foal her udder begins to look fuller and larger, especially at night when she is at rest. Initially, this enlargement may recede during the daytime. About 2 weeks before foaling the udder will remain larger, filled with milk, and look shiny. A few days before foaling the muscles on each side of the tail around the pelvic bones become relaxed and droop away from the root of the tail. The mare's vulva may appear relaxed and swollen. There may also be a secretion from the teats.

"Secretion from the teats is one of the most common signals that foaling is imminent. The "wax" is formed by the congealing of secretions forced out of the end of the teat. Most mares wax within 24 to 36 hours of labor, but there are always exceptions. Some don't wax at all. Others wax for as long as 10 days before foaling. Still others may make up a large udder and leak streams of milk before they foal, with the milk dripping down their hind legs. The mare may leak milk foe just a few hours before foaling or for several days. A few mares foal without waxing of making much udder at all. Some have no milk when they foal; they come to their milk within a few hours after delivery. A mare may bag up, wax up, then stop waxing. The most predictable thing about mares is that they are unpredictable. If you're worried about a mare that is not 'going by the book,' have your veterinarian check her."
She will become restless, spins circles or lay down, breathe heavily and grunt
Every mare is different but a good resource is your vet . This website is also a good resource http://www.extension.org/pages/Horse_Behavior_at_Foaling_Time

Answer 2

Generally more crankiness, towards people and horses... squealing... some extra urinating and holding their tails up for a while at a time afterwards... and something called 'winking,' which is when they open and close part of their outer sexual anatomy.

Answer 3

You mare should be getting a soft butt( I.e jigglie) Her utter should fill up with milk, if you milk her is should be turning white. She will also get wax plugs on her nipples. Which will come off on their own, its colusturm. Her tets may leak. She will get up and down and be very uncomfortable. Good Luck.

*sorry for my horrible spelling haha*

Answer 4

When a mare is in heat it is very obvious, however all horses are different. Usually they will be constantly whinnying when separated from others. Some have diarrhea. They will get more energetic and happy and be more willing to kick and misbehave.

Answer 5

The mare will no longer go back into season or be interested in any male horses, she will start putting on weight, towards the end she will start lactating and getting swollen.