In this episode of 'Mad About Horses', equine reproductive physiologist Dr. Chris Mortensen talks about the exciting and incredible process of horse reproduction and birth. Using the example of a mare named Tari and her foal, Prairie Rose, he explains various stages of labor, the differences in horse pregnancy compared to other animals, and the importance of early bonding and colostrum for the newborn foal. Dr. Mortensen also discusses some difficulties that can occur during foaling, such as dystocia and red bag births, emphasizing that while most births proceed normally, vigilance is required to ensure the safety of both mare and foal. Finally, he highlights the significance of colostrum for the immunity of the newborns and reiterates his admiration for these stoic and awe-inspiring creatures. Podcast Timeline 00:00 A Night in the Life of a Pregnant Mare 03:23 Introduction to the Host and the Topic 03:35 The Fascinating Process of Equine Reproduction 04:45 The Risks of Giving Birth in the Wild 05:00 The Journey from Pregnancy to Birth 06:01 The Biological Changes Leading to Parturition 10:48 The Role of Hormones in Equine Birth 12:57 The Signs of an Approaching Birth 15:09 The Importance of Monitoring During Birth 26:50 Understanding the Stages of Labor 29:10 Monitoring the Mare Before Labor 29:32 Personal Experiences with Foaling 31:30 The Quickness of Stage Two Labor 32:38 The Joy of Mare and Foal Bonding 33:28 The Importance of Foal Positioning 35:52 Dealing with Dystocia 38:44 The Danger of Red Bag Birth 41:43 Post-Birth Checks and Care 44:19 The Journey of Prairie Rose 45:24 The Importance of Colostrum 49:33 Reflecting on Foaling Experiences Visit https://madbarn.com/mad-about-horses/ to learn more about the Mad About Horses podcast.  --------------------------------- Mad Barn Academy is dedicated to supporting horse owners, handlers and practitioners through research, training and education. Visit us to learn more at ⁠⁠https://madbarn.com ⁠⁠ You can also find Mad Barn at: ⁠ Instagram ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠ TikTok ⁠⁠@madbarnequine⁠⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠⁠ @madbarn ⁠⁠ X/Twitter: @madbarnequine We would love to hear from you! Please send any questions or comments to ⁠[email protected]