Prairie Wind Ranch

Buying a foal in-utero

When we were first approached about selling our foals in-utero, we weren't sure if that was something we wanted to do. The idea of knowing in advance that they were going to good homes when they were weaned was very attractive. But, there were so many questions about how this should work. So, we did some research and got advice and sample contracts from breeders who have been selling in-utero for awhile. The more we learned, the more comfortable we became with the idea. Successful breeders have been selling their foals in-utero for years, and they love it!

We advertised our in-utero foals in early February, 2009 and by the end of the month we had four out of seven sold to very good homes. It has been a great experience and we are looking forward to sharing the excitement of newborn foals with their owners. This year we have an extended family who are as anxious for the new arrivals as we are!

So, this page was created to outline how the in-utero sales work and how we prepare for, and conduct foaling here at Prairie Wind Ranch. I will also try to update the bottom of this page several times per week on the progress of the mares as they approach their delivery date.

First the gestation and preparation for foaling. . .

The broodmares live in an 80 acre pasture with a barn they can go into when the weather is bad. They have fresh water and alfalfa hay available to them 24/7. They are de-wormed regularly and are fully vaccinated. We check them daily.
Four weeks prior to foaling we de-worm them again.
Three weeks prior to foaling we give them their annual vaccinations. This will ensure that the immunities that are passed on via the colostrum will be at peak levels. This will ensure that the foals have immunity against diseases such as West Nile Virus during their early months when they are too young to vaccinate.
Two to three weeks prior to foaling, we move them closer to the foaling barn. They are checked every morning and evening to monitor their progress.
When the mare shows signs of impending delivery, she is kept overnight in the 12' x 16' foaling stall with a barn camera keeping constant watch. We are able to watch the mare closely from the comfort of our bedroom.
We are present for the birth of the foal and interact with it immediately after birth. We treat the umbilical cord, towel the foal dry, and help it stand for the first time. We stay with the newborn until we are sure it is nursing well and has good mobility.
For the first few days, mom and baby stay in the foaling stall with occasional trips to the indoor arena for exercise.
On day three or four, if the weather allows, we turn them out during the day and bring them back in at night.
By the end of the first week, they are spending most of their time out in the sunshine and are only inside when the weather is bad. We believe that foals are healthiest when they are able to exercise at will and benefit from the fresh air.
During the first week we also put a baby halter on for the first time so they can get used to the feel of the halter. We don't actually begin training at leading until they are at least three weeks old.

Answers to your in-utero questions. . .

How much deposit do you need?

The amount of the deposit varies according to the price of the horse, but typically is $800-$1000 dollars. This is due when the contract is signed and you are then guaranteed that foal. The deposit is 100% refunded if the mare does not produce a live, healthy foal. We accept wire transfer, personal checks and PayPal (with an additional 4% fee).

How do I pay the rest of the purchase price?

One half of the remaining balance is due when the foal is born and the last payment is due when the baby is ready to go to your home. If it would be easier for you to make monthly payments during the months between the contract initiation and weaning of the foal, we can do that too. The only two requirements we have are that 1) the full deposit is paid when the contract is signed and 2) the foal is completely paid for before it leaves the ranch.

Are there any other costs involved?

You may choose to purchase insurance on your foal, but that is optional. Your cost basically is purchase + transport. We have no hidden fees such as foal handling, training or care prior to weaning. That is all included in the purchase price. As the owner of the foal, you could have unexpected vet fees if something should happen to the foal, but, fortunately that is unlikely. (See "What if something happens" below)

Can I get the deposit back if I change my mind?

The deposit is to ensure that you are a serious buyer before we take the horse off the market. If other prospective buyers inquire about that horse, we turn them away. At the time the contract is signed, you become the owner of the foal and are guaranteed that we will not sell it out from under you. So, for those reasons, the deposit is not refundable unless we are unable to provide you with a healthy foal at birth.

Can I see the contract before making a decision?

Absolutely. We encourage people to look over the contract and ask questions before making a final decision. We want this to be a decision that you will be happy with.

What are the advantages of buying in-utero?

The much lower price tag and payment options make buying in-utero very attractive to many buyers. You assume some of the risk at an earlier point than if you were buying a weanling or yearling, but you also have the excitement of being involved with the birthing and infancy of your next horse! You forfeit the ability to choose the gender of your foal, but save a few thousand dollars compared to the weanling price. We are able to offer the much lower purchase price by saving on promotional expenses in the fall.

Will you consider trades?

At any given time, we usually have more horses than we need. So, we are not interested in trading for horses.

When do you wean the foals?

We generally wean around 3.5 to 4 months of age. The condition of the foal and mare will help us decide when the time is right. If you need the foal weaned at 3 months we can do that by putting them on Equine Junior a week before weaning. This gives them a nutritional boost at weaning time.

What if I am not ready for the foal when it is weaned?

We don't mind keeping these adorable young horses around, but there will be a reasonable board fee for their care after weaning. Our monthly fee is very low and the quality of care is high.

What if something happens to the foal before it leaves your place?

You are the owner of the foal, so you have all the joys and responsibilities that go with ownership. If your foal needs veterinary care you will have complete control over treatment decisions. We have been very fortunate that we have had very little need for veterinary assistance with any of our young horses for any reason over the years. They are born healthy, and our bloodlines are very hardy. They are easy keepers, and are highly intelligent so do not tend to get injured. But, horses will be horses, so the possibility always exists that a foal will get sick or injured.

When will I get to see my baby?

You are welcome to come meet your foal anytime if you are within driving distance. If you can't come in person, I will email you photos within 24 hours of the birth. After that, I will update you with new photos at least every 10 days or 3 times per month.

2010 updates on the progress of the mares. . .

Sterling Magnolia (due date 4-10-10)

It's a Girl!

A beautiful filly was born 4-15-10 at 11 pm.

Docs Blue Chex DR (due date 4-12-10)

It's a Girl!

A beautiful black filly was born 4-20-10 at 11 am.

Prairie Sapphire (due date 5-08-10)

It's a Girl!

A beautiful blue roan filly was born 5-12-10 at 3:30 am.

Chantilly Lace (due date 5-10-10)

5-12-10: Lacey is very close - probably within the next day or two!

05/12/2010