In answer to Jeni's question, the general rule of thumb for a mare's gestation is 11 months and one week after her covering date. However there are various things that come in to play, such as time of year, weather etc so it can vary quite widely, sometimes between a fortnight. She needs a close eye kept on her about a month prior to her foaling date in order to check for any changes.

One of the most obvious signs is her 'bagging up' which is when her udder starts to fill up. This should start changing at least a month - two moths before foaling. However with maiden mares such as Penny (first time mum's) the changes aren't always so obvious. Immediately prior to foaling she will start 'waxing up' which is when you will find a milky wax on her teats. She may even run milk. If she does run milk for long then we need to collect it, as it contains the vital colostrum for the foal, which it needs in it's first few hours of life, giving it the immunisation provided by the mare.