Horse Pregnancy Calculator β Mare Foaling Due Date (340 Days)
When will your mare foal? This calculator estimates foaling date from breeding day using the standard 340-day equine gestation(normal range 320-370 days β colts often gestate slightly longer than fillies), and lays out trimester milestones, vet exam windows for ultrasound and Caslickβs, and a foaling-prep countdown. See the AAEP foaling and newborn-foal guidance for the around-the-clock pre-foaling watch protocol.
Calculator
Gestation: 320β370 days (avg 340).
d1β1132nd trimester
d114β2263rd trimester
d227β340
Upcoming milestones
- Early ultrasoundConfirm pregnancy and check for twins.Day 14May 30, 2026
- Heartbeat checkUltrasound detects fetal heartbeat.Day 25June 10, 2026
- Sex determination window beginsUltrasound can start assessing sex.Day 45June 30, 2026
- Second trimester beginsMajority of fetal growth occurs now.Day 150October 13, 2026
- Third trimester nutritionIncrease feed quality; fetus grows rapidly.Day 240January 11, 2027
- Begin foaling prepMove mare to foaling area, observe udder.Day 300March 12, 2027
- Earliest viable foalingFoals born before this are premature.Day 320April 1, 2027
- Expected foalingTypical foaling window.Day 340April 21, 2027
Mare pregnancy trimester milestones
| Trimester / day | Milestone | Veterinary action |
|---|---|---|
| Day 14-16 | Embryo detectable via ultrasound | Confirm pregnancy + check for twins |
| Day 25-30 | Fetal heartbeat visible | Second ultrasound |
| Day 60-90 | Fetal sex can be determined | Optional gender ultrasound |
| Day 150 | Pregnancy clearly visible externally | Rhinopneumonitis vaccine #1 |
| Day 240 | Third-trimester nutrition ramp | Increase feed 15-20% |
| Day 300-320 | Pre-foaling preparation | Caslick's removal if applicable |
| Day 330+ | Foaling watch begins | 24-hour monitoring; foaling stall ready |
| Day 340 (avg) | Foaling | Vet on call |
Mare pregnancy terminology
- Foaling
- Equine term for parturition (giving birth).
- Caslickβs operation
- Suturing of the vulva to prevent contamination; opened (βremovedβ) before foaling.
- Waxing
- Wax-like teat secretion 1-4 days before foaling; classic pre-labor signal.
- Red bag delivery
- Premature placental separation β visible red membrane; veterinary emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a horse pregnancy?
Average mare gestation is 340 days (~11 months), with a normal range of 320β370 days. Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods tend toward 335β342; Drafts toward 345β352; ponies toward 330β340.
When can I confirm pregnancy in a mare?
Ultrasound can confirm pregnancy from day 14β16 and check for twins β critical because twin pregnancies are high-risk and one twin is usually manually 'pinched' for single-pregnancy outcome.
When is the fetal heartbeat detectable?
Fetal heartbeat is visible on ultrasound from day 25. Sex can be determined from day 60β70 with fetal imaging.
How do I know when my mare is close to foaling?
Udder development starts 4β6 weeks before. 'Waxing' of teats (dried colostrum) appears 24β48 hours before foaling. Relaxation of pelvic ligaments, vulvar lengthening, restlessness and sweating all signal imminent labor.
What if my mare is overdue?
Mares often carry 2β4 weeks past the 340-day average β a pregnancy up to 365 days is normal. Consult a vet if past day 370 or if there are other concerning signs.
When can a foal be weaned?
Natural weaning happens around 6β8 months. Managed weaning is typically at 4β6 months for foals in breeding operations. Abrupt weaning is stressful; gradual separation is preferred.
Should I ride a pregnant mare?
Light riding is safe for the first 7β8 months in a healthy mare. Avoid strenuous work, jumping and tight saddles. Stop riding by month 9 (day 270).
Sources & References
- [1]Mare Gestation Length β Kentucky Equine Research
- [2]Equine Reproductive Management β Merck Veterinary Manual
- [3]
Related Calculators
- Horse Weight CalculatorEstimate horse weight using the heart-girth Γ body-length formula. Covers adults, foals, yearlings, ponies and draft horses.
- Horse Feed CalculatorCalculate daily hay and grain for your horse based on weight, activity level and feed type. 2 % rule plus workload adjustments.
- Horse Dewormer Dosage CalculatorCalculate the correct dewormer dose for horses by bodyweight. Supports ivermectin, moxidectin, fenbendazole and combination tube wormers.
- Horse Blanket Size CalculatorCalculate your horse's blanket size. Standard US sizing = center of chest to point of buttock (inches), in 3-inch increments.
- Horse Bit Size CalculatorFind the correct bit size by measuring mouth width. Covers snaffles, Western bits, pony bits β standard US bit sizes in 1/4 inch increments.
- Horse Age by TeethEstimate a horse's age by teeth β Galvayne's groove, cup wear, slope of incisors. Based on equine dental aging literature.