During labor?

Question

How much pain is the horse actually in? jw.....like during the contractions. what do they do? Shake? Moan? Neigh? Tell me!

Answer 1

Yes they are in discomfort and pain.  Just like any animal that gives birth.  But they are tough...and behave normally...usually...within an hour.

Mine would groan, grunt, and stiffen during contractions.  Like holding her breath to push the foal out.  I've never heard one neigh during contractions.  Shaking would have me concerned too.  I would think the mare was having a seizure.

Answer 2

YES all of that

Answer 3

I watched my mare give birth.

She would give short moans, nip at her stomach region, sweaty, pace abit, lay down, get up and lay back down. She was uncomfortable and in pain during contractions as any animal and human is.

As she laid down fully (head/neck laying on the ground), she stretched her hind legs and the foal (now gelding) began to appear. As he was out, I did imprinting, touched him and made sure she was ripped or torn.  I got the placenta ready for the vet to look at it once he arrived shortly  after she had him.

For a few hours, she was cramping (laying down, pacing) which the vet gave her a shot to help calm it down.  Took him about 30 mins before he could stand up all the way and then try to suckle to eat. Took her abit to adjust to him suckling as she was still cramping and sore on the teats.  With in a few hours, she was more adjusted and so was he.

Answer 4

well they are in discomfort and pain, but in the animal world they cannot show weakness, they become prey. Horses have birth rather quickly and without much noise as they don't want to draw attention to themselves, its a natural instinct, even in captivity where they know there in no danger its still the same.

Answer 5

They will pace, look at their belly and some times get up and down -

they look generally uncomfortable...

Answer 6

As much as any animal that gives birth.  They usually pace and stomp.