Signs a Mare Is About to Foal (and the False Alarms)
Waxed four days ago and nothing? The published windows for every foaling sign, the one clock that really counts, and when to call the vet now.
Waxed four days ago and nothing? The published windows for every foaling sign, the one clock that really counts, and when to call the vet now.
A vet-school-sourced foaling kit checklist, sorted by what you use every time, what the vet uses, and what you should never touch yourself.
Stud fee is only the first line. Cited per-cycle vet, shipping and foal costs, plus the multiplier that decides your real total by weaning.
She'd throw a lovely foal" isn't a plan. The real cost, timeline, and questions to answer honestly before breeding a mare.
Mortality premiums run 2.5-4% of insured value; major medical $150-$1,500/year. Here's what horse insurance actually covers, and what it excludes.
Breed lists say Quarter Horse or Morgan. What actually predicts a safe first horse is age, training, and mileage, not the breed on the papers.
A pre-purchase exam runs roughly $250-$500 for the basics. Here's what should never be skipped, what's optional, and how to scope it to the horse.
A horse that seems too calm, or a seller who resists a pre-purchase exam, are two different warning signs. Here's what each one means for a buyer.
Bombproof," "serviceably sound," "needs an experienced rider." Here's what horse sale ad phrases actually mean, and the question each one should trigger.
A boarding barn tour can look fine and still hide a billing, feeding, or safety gap. Here's what to ask before you sign, grouped by what it protects.