Foaling Seminar

2026 Date To Be Determined

Course Location: Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry campus, Stanley Stout Center, Manhattan, KS

Course Description:

The Department of Animal Sciences (ASI) at Kansas State University will be hosting a 1-day seminar for horse owners interested in learning more about the foaling process and managing their mares and foals. The seminar will include both lecture-based material and some opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a laboratory session. Emphasis will be placed on managing the mare during late gestation and early lactation, navigating the foaling process, recognizing dystocia, and managing the foal during the early post-partum period. This 1-day seminar is targeted towards the horse owner that is new to mare and foal management around the time of parturition. It would also benefit the mare owner who would simply like more information on the foaling process. The material level is not designed for the practicing equine veterinarian or the experienced horse breeder.

Potential topics to be discussed / demonstrated:

Nutritional management of the mare during late gestation and early lactation
Recognizing the signs of impending parturition
Using mare milk to predict foaling
Stages of foaling – what is normal / abnormal
Recognizing and responding to dystocia
Evaluating the mare placenta
Determining colostrum quality and foal immunity status
Mare and foal management during the early post-partum period
Lab sessions will give participants the opportunity to participate in the following: body condition score the mare, collect and evaluate mare milk, evaluate the mare placenta (if available), test mare colostrum, take vitals on the mare and foal, handle the newborn foal, and evaluate foal antibody levels.

Some of the course activities may take place outdoors and/or involve work with horses - please dress accordingly.

Why come to a course on Foaling at KSU?

For over 20 years, the ASI Department at KSU has provided undergraduate and graduate education in the area of equine reproduction, including information and training focused on the pregnant/lactating mare and newborn foal. Our department is complemented by the expertise and training of our faculty and staff at the KSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Along with this expertise, our students are afforded unique hands-on opportunities due to the presence of a large, active equine breeding program located at the KSU Horse Teaching and Research Unit. Knowing that our educational focus should be on more than just KSU students, we are excited to offer this 1-day seminar to the general public that would like to increase their knowledge and comfort level with many of the events and activities that take place around foaling.

Instructors: Taught by equine faculty and staff from the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry and College of Veterinary Medicine, and assisted by ASI equine graduate/undergraduate students.

Registration Fee: $75 per person (limited to 25 people). Lunch will be provided for all participants.

Directions and an itinerary will be sent via email with confirmation of registration.

Registration is on a first-come basis. If the course is full, please email Dr. Kouba (see below) to be placed on a waitlist in the event of a cancellation. Registration substitutions can be made at any time, at no charge, by contacting Dr. Kouba.

Refunds are provided based on the following:

· 100% refund if KSU cancels a course any time prior to the course start date OR if a registered participant cancels by 2 weeks prior to the course start date.

· 50% refund if a registered participant cancels by 1 week prior to a course start date.

Seminar participants are responsible for making their own hotel reservations if needed. Information on hotels in the area will be provided with a registration confirmation notice that will be emailed to all participants.

Kansas State University and its employees are not liable for any lost fees or expenses related to registered participant travel or lodging cancellations.

For more information: Please contact Dr. Joann Kouba by email at: jkouba@ksu.edu. Please leave a contact phone number with your email for a return call if preferred.