First Foal

In this delightful yet highly practical handbook for the novice breeder, experienced stud owner Jane van Lennep describes the pleasures and perils of breeding a foal and takes the reader step by step through the whole process. Beginning with an evaluation of the mare, the choice of a stallion, and a look at what happens at stud, the book continues with advice on how to care for the in-foal mare and looks in detail at the three stages of labour, the common problems and how to deal with them, and the care of the foal for the first few vital hours. Handling, weaning, castration, paddock and stable management are explained in detail, and there is valuable information on the care of youngstock from one to three years plus expert hints on showing the mare and foal. Illustrated with superb colour photographs, this well established and highly successful volume, First Foal, will delight anyone who has ever contemplated taking their mare to stud, and Jane van Lennep's reassuring and easy-to-read text will help assuage the fears of the most apprehensive first-time breeder.