Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for foaling
- Calculate and document foaling due dates for all mares confirmed pregnant
- Assess and monitor condition and health status of pregnant mare prior to foaling, including arranging for Caslick to be opened for relevant mares
- Identify hazards and assess and control risks in assisting with birthing, and follow safe work and safe horse handling practices
- Check and prepare birthing equipment, resources and materials, and environment, including personal protective equipment for safety and infection control purposes
- Move mares to an area where intervention can be carried out with minimal disruption and where biosecurity and quarantine procedures can be implemented
- Prepare a foaling plan according to workplace practices
- Monitor the foaling process
- Make regular observations to detect the signs of imminent parturition
- Prepare a pregnant mare for foaling
- Check regularly for signs of problems that may occur during foaling, and seek professional advice if required
- Make regular observations of mare and foal during foaling
- Ensure the foaling environment, facilities and equipment are maintained in a safe, hygienic and operational state
- Update and maintain records of foaling and foaling outcomes
- Carry out monitoring after foal has been born
- Allow mare to lie and rest for as long as possible
- Allow the foal to stand to break the umbilical cord, and treat stump with iodine
- Assist with tying the placenta after the mare stands and checking for expulsion
- Examine the placenta to ensure no part of it has been retained
- Monitor the mare and foal for nursing and general health
- Maintain foaling environment, facilities and equipment in a safe, hygienic and operational state, and report or fix faults
- Update foaling records accurately according to workplace practices
- Monitor and report on newborn foals
- Monitor and report on the health of newborn foal
- Record the markings and other identifying features of newly born foals
- Report conditions or signs of ill health requiring veterinary assistance
- Calculate and document foaling due dates for all mares confirmed pregnant
- Assess and monitor condition and health status of pregnant mare prior to foaling, including arranging for Caslick to be opened for relevant mares
- Identify hazards and assess and control risks in assisting with birthing, and follow safe work and safe horse handling practices
- Check and prepare birthing equipment, resources and materials, and environment, including personal protective equipment for safety and infection control purposes
- Move mares to an area where intervention can be carried out with minimal disruption and where biosecurity and quarantine procedures can be implemented
- Prepare a foaling plan according to workplace practices