When preparing for the arrival of a foal, it important to understand the basics of foaling and foal care in order to prevent disease and increase the chance of having a healthy foal.

There are a number of illnesses and complications that can affect a newborn foal, such as; failure of passive transfer, septicemia, neonatal isoerythrolysis, musculoskeletal disorders, and the condition referred to as peripartum asphyxia syndrome.