While pregnancy rates in horses have risen considerably over the past two decades, many of those pregnancies are still lost within two weeks of a mare conceiving.

In fact, a majority of foals are lost six weeks into a mare’s nearly yearlong pregnancy. The cause of these early embryonic deaths is unknown, although fetal abnormalities, a poor uterine environment and stressed or sick mares have all been blamed.

Most early embryonic deaths may be inevitable, but it doesn’t hurt to take precautions. For example, work with your veterinarian to reduce the risk of post-breeding uterine infections in your mare. Likewise, help prevent the spread of disease by closing your herd to new horses.

Advances notwithstanding, having a mare reach full-term can still be tough to accomplish. Make sure you’re diligent in helping her keep the foal.