Foaling Seminar
March 20th, 2026
Course Location and Time: Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry campus, Stanley Stout Center, Manhattan, KS, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Course Description:
The Department of Animal Sciences and Industry (ASI) at Kansas State University is pleased to once again host a one-day seminar designed for horse owners interested in learning more about the foaling process and the management of mares and foals. This seminar will combine engaging lecture-based instruction with select hands-on laboratory experiences to reinforce key concepts.
Topics will focus on managing the mare during late gestation and early lactation, understanding and navigating the foaling process, recognizing signs of dystocia, and caring for the foal during the critical early post-partum period. This seminar is ideal for horse owners who are new to mare and foal management around the time of parturition, as well as for those seeking a better understanding of the foaling process and best management practices.
Potential Topics to be Discussed and/or Demonstrated:
* Nutritional management of the mare during late gestation and early lactation
* Recognizing the signs of impending parturition
* Using pre-foaling mammary secretions 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: collecting and evaluating mare mammary secretions, evaluating the mare placenta (if available), testing colostrum quality, taking vitals on the mare and foal and evaluating body condition, and evaluating foal blood antibody levels.
Some of the course activities may take place outdoors and/or involve work with horses - please dress accordingly.
Why Come to a Foaling Seminar at KSU?
For more than 24 years, the ASI Department at KSU has provided comprehensive undergraduate and graduate education in equine reproduction, with a strong emphasis on the care and management of the pregnant and lactating mare as well as the newborn foal. This program is strengthened by the expertise of faculty and staff within the KSU College of Veterinary Medicine. The presence of a large, active equine breeding program at the KSU Horse Teaching and Research Unit allows students to gain extensive hands-on experience in all aspects of equine reproduction. In addition to serving our students, we are excited to extend this immersive, experiential learning opportunity to members of the general public seeking practical equine experience related to foaling and associated activities.
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 and undergraduate students.
Registration Fee: $100 per person (limited to 30 people). Please read the information below about cancellations and refunds.
Registration is on a first-come basis. If the seminar is full, please email Dr. Kouba (see below) to be placed on a waitlist in the event of a cancellation.
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
* 100% refund if KSU cancels the seminar any time prior to the start date.
* Cancellation prior to 2 weeks from the seminar start date will be issued a refund minus a $25 administrative fee per participant.
* No refund if a registration is cancelled within 2 weeks of the seminar start date.
Registration substitutions can be made at any time, at no charge, by contacting Dr. Kouba (see below). Refunds typically take 2-3 weeks to process.
Kansas State University and its employees are not liable for any fees or personal expenses associated with the cancellation of the seminar, including participant travel or lodging cancellations.
Additional Information:
Lunch will be provided to all participants. Directions and an itinerary will be sent via email with confirmation of registration.
Seminar participants are responsible for making their own hotel reservations if needed.
For questions regarding short course details or to cancel a registration, please contact Dr. Joann Kouba by email at jkouba@ksu.edu. Please leave a contact phone number on your email for a return call if preferred.