PMU/Nurse Mare Foal Rescue





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Traveling is very risky for newborns, and insurance costs are prohibitive for the foal to accompany its mother to the stallion’s farm.  At this point a nurse mare is hired to raise the thoroughbred foal.  In order to have milk, the nurse mare has to give birth to a foal.

When the nurse mare is sent to raise the thoroughbred she must leave her own foal behind.  Historically, these foals were simply killed because it is so difficult to raise them, especially in large numbers.  Recently they have gained value… their hides can be used in the fashion and textile industries as “pony skin” and their meat is considered a delicacy in some foreign markets. Rescuing nurse mare foals is a very expensive business. Depending on how small they are when rescued, many need bottle fed every four hours and the milk replacer is very expensive. Some are compromised as they have left their mother too soon, and will fight for their lives. The milk replacer costs $100 per bag and 1-5 bags per day depending on how many foals are in need. That's hundreds of dollars per day. In addition, tube feeding is done, IV fluids are administered, and blood transfusions are necessary for those foals who did not receive colostrum from their mother. Last Chance Corral specializes in rescuing these foals. They rescued 200 foals in 2006 and 206 foals in 2007. A special “intensive care” barn was built in 2003. $34,000 is still owed on this structure. Visit their website and see for yourself. PLEASE MAKE A DONATION IF YOU CAN.



Watch video on nurse mare foals, Click Here.