Foal Paperwork: France and Ireland Guide 2026
Foaling
What a breeder must file between covering and the foal's first passport in France (IFCE SIRE) and Ireland (Horse Sport Ireland, Weatherbys). Includes a month-by-month checklist.
Mare gestation calculator
Enter the covering or insemination date to get the expected foaling date, the optimal window and the key stages of the gestation.
With several coverings, enter the last one.
Pick a date to see the gestation timeline.
Mare gestation table
Expected foaling date (at 340 days) and optimal window for coverings in the next breeding season.
| Covering | Expected foaling | Optimal window |
|---|---|---|
| 1 February | 7 January 2028 | 17 December to 15 January |
| 15 February | 21 January 2028 | 31 December to 29 January |
| 1 March | 4 February 2028 | 14 January to 12 February |
| 15 March | 18 February 2028 | 28 January to 26 February |
| 1 April | 6 March 2028 | 14 February to 14 March |
| 15 April | 20 March 2028 | 28 February to 28 March |
| 1 May | 5 April 2028 | 15 March to 13 April |
| 15 May | 19 April 2028 | 29 March to 27 April |
| 1 June | 6 May 2028 | 15 April to 14 May |
| 15 June | 20 May 2028 | 29 April to 28 May |
| 1 July | 5 June 2028 | 15 May to 13 June |
| 15 July | 19 June 2028 | 29 May to 27 June |
Foaling date FAQ
- How long is a horse pregnant?
- A mare carries her foal for 340 days on average, about 11 months. Anything from 320 to 370 days is normal, depending on the breed, the covering season and the mare herself.
- How do I work out a foaling date?
- Add 340 days to the covering or insemination date. With several coverings, start from the last one, or from the ovulation date if your vet saw it on the scan.
- Can a mare foal before or after the due date?
- Yes, the due date is an average. A foal born before 320 days is considered premature and should be seen by a vet. Past 365 days, a veterinary check is advised, even though some mares naturally carry longer.
- How accurate is the calculated date?
- It is a guide, not an appointment. Mares covered in spring often carry longer than mares covered late in the season, and a mare's previous gestation lengths are the best indicator for her. Keep watching for the signs of foaling.
- What does Tracker add to this calculator?
- Tracker records each mare and each gestation, shows the phase of the day and syncs across your devices, for free. The Premium plan adds notifications at the key stages and the foaling history.
Read next
How to Calculate a Mare's Foaling Date in 2026
Gestation
Add about 340 days to the covering or ovulation date to estimate when your mare will foal, then treat the result as a window of roughly 320-370 days. Here is how to calculate it, what shifts it, and when to call the vet.
Weaning Foals at 4–6 Months: Low-Stress Preparation Guide
Foaling
Weaning at 4–6 months is a critical transition that shapes a foal's long-term health and behavior. With the right preparation for both mare and foal, you can minimize stress and support healthy development through separation.