These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution

Horses Home

Have a question? Try asking one of our Experts

My mare is in labor. She is passing a large bag that looks as if it is filled with blood. She has been like this for about an hour. What should I do?

Last Updated: January 11, 2010

View as web page


Unfortunately, you needed immediate response to this situation, and by the time this question was detected in our system, we are sure that your emergency is over.

In your circumstance, it is advised to contact a veterinarian immediately. The best way to know whether to be alarmed by a situation is to understand what is normal. For future foaling, review our information about equine parturition at:
Horse Behavior at Foaling Time.

We hope the delivery of your foal was successful and that you consult a veterinarian to ensure the mare has passed her afterbirth due to a difficult and maybe abnormal delivery.

Browse related Faqs by tag: horses, reproduction, foaling, parturition


Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts

Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.