TO ASSIST OR NOT TO ASSIST

To Assist or Not Assist, That is the Question?
By N. E. Jack, 2007

Once the mare’s water has broken, it is often tempting to assist the mare during parturition. It should be noted that assistance is almost always unnecessary and sometimes harmful. It is best to err on the side of caution and avoid any kind of assistance at all!

During stage 2 of parturition it is normal for the process to slow considerably as the cervix dilates to allow the wider shoulders to pass. Traction can cause unnecessary bruising of the cervix; therefore it should be avoided as long as progression of the process is occurring. Progression includes regular contractions and incremental expulsion of the foal. Once the water has broken, average time for a normal presentation is from 20 – 30 minutes but may be longer for some mares. For most of us time seems to pass very quickly during the excitement, so be sure to record the time when the water breaks to avoid early intervention.

Normal Presentation of Foal
Image from www.SmallHorse.com

If feet and muzzle are in the correct position and normal progression ceases, gentle traction should be applied to the foal’s feet by pulling downward in the direction of the mare’s hocks. Be sure to pull at the same time contractions occur and relax when they cease.

If gentle traction does not result in progression, your Veterinarian should be notified and summoned immediately and with urgency. Lack of progression when a foal has both front feet and muzzle presented correctly might be caused by 1. the foal’s hind feet being wedged against pelvic rim or it might be 2. uterine inertia (a failure of the uterus to contract at all). If a Veterinarian isn’t available or if you feel competent to attempt assistance the following steps should be followed.

1. If the foal’s feet are wedged against the pelvic rim, a small soft cotton rope should be looped securely around each front foot of the foal and the tail of the ropes should be held so if necessary later, the feet may be repositioned more easily. Then the mare should be encouraged to stand and the foal should be allowed to recede so that repositioning of the hind feet is possible. The mare will usually lie down again within a few minutes and the position of the foal’s hind feet will often correct themselves. The parturition process should be allowed to progress again with gentle traction being applied as described above. If normal progression and complete expulsion of the foal does not occur rapidly, immediate Veterinary or expert intervention is necessary.

2. Uterine inertia is fairly simple to diagnose as the mare ceases to have hard contractions and may cease to have any contractions at all. Should this be the case, sterile lubricant and steady firm traction should be applied to the foal’s feet until the foal is delivered completely. Be sure to extract the foal by pulling toward the mare’s hocks.

Some other useful information will be found in the table below. Posting this in an obvious place in the barn takes the guesswork about what is normal or abnormal.

Table 1. Normal Post Birth Parameters for Newborn Foals
From; Foaling Management and Care of the Nursing Foal, R. Holyoak
and D. Freeman

• Normally all meconium passes in 8 – 12 hours. If an enema is used, caution and liberal lubrication should be taken when inserting it into the rectum.

• Recommendations for assisting newborn foals with nursing vary but most veterinarians suggest avoiding helping unless necessary for the health of mare or foal.

• Placenta should detach and release in under 2 – 3 hours. Greater than 3 hours requires intervention by an experienced person.

HORSE STOLEN JULY 24

Whitney Sharp's Barrel horse named HOTRODS RBI (pictured left) was stolen July 24. At 8AM that morning they went to feed and he was gone, someone HAD CUT THE FENCE and taken him. If anyone sees him contact Whitney at okiecanchaser18@yahoo.com He is 15.2 and 1100lbs., 11 year old bay gelding with a white snip on his nose and a back left white foot. He is kind of faded out right now, and not as dark as usual. He has an alley issue, so you would know if it was him going in. This is Sarah Zaleski's old barrel horse. He is well known. PLEASE help Whitney find her horse!

RAZORBACK ROUNDUP 2007

The Razorback Roundup Horse and Tack Auction is under development for this fall.  The slide show below features a selection of a few of this year's beautiful sale horses:

We are proud to be able to offer a selection of outstanding, athletic weanlings as well as mature horses of excellent bloodlines, gorgeous color; many started under saddle and several which are well seasoned. The online catalog with complete details, pedigrees and photos will be available for viewing in September at:  www.razorbackroundup.org

The sale will be held on November 16 & 17 this year.  This year's auction will feature a Barn Dance with a live band, dinner and the opportunity to preview our sale horses!  More details about this exciting new aspect to this year's fund raising event will be posted soon.  Here is this year's schedule: 

Friday:
7pm Dinner
7:45pm Preview of Horses
Barn Dance & Live Band Follows

Saturday:
1:00 - 2:00 pm Close Inspection and Meet the Trainers
2:00 - 4:00pm Student Presentation of Horses
4:30pm Tack and Horse Auction

TACK SWAP

4th Annual Tack Swap & Pot Luck
August 4, 2007 Saturday @
5:00 p.m. @ Cannon Express
1457 E. Robinson, Springdale

1 Block East of Hwy. 265, on Hwy. 412

Combined NWA Gaited Club & Cowgirl Up = More Food, More Tack, More Deals!

Beef Brisket & chicken will be provided. Bring your tack you want to sell or trade or just make it to visit. Bring drinks, vegetables/salads/ deserts/plastic ware. It gets busy!!

Contact: Jacci Perry, President of NWA Gaited Club, Vice President of Cowgirl Up - 841 1900 cell
 

FREE TRAIL CLINIC

The Buffalo River Backcountry Horsemen
&
Trail Ride Arkansas Trail Team

Invites you to join us for a “Cool Day” at Tyler Bend Visitor Center (auditorium)

August 7, 2007
10:00 until @3:30

We will break for a wonderful lunch journey to Ferguson’s (dutch treat)

Training Sessions will be offered on Leave No Trace Equine Use and Expert Trail-building and Maintenance.  The sessions are open to the Public at no charge. Come learn and enjoy. Tomorrow’s Horse Trails Depend on You.  Contact:  Fred Woehl  fred.woehl@ar.usda.gov