Seven months mark the turning point in a pregnant mare's energy intake.

Outline (skeleton)

• Hook: late-pregnancy energy needs are real—foal growth ramps up, and the mare’s body adjusts.

• Why seven months matters: the last trimester brings a surge in fetal development, lifting nutritional requirements for energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins.

• What changes in the diet: more energy-dense feeds, quality forage, and smart supplements; water and minerals as part of the picture.

• How to adjust safely: gradual changes, body condition monitoring, and feeding patterns that respect the mare’s comfort and metabolism.

• Practical plan in everyday terms: a simple approach to feeding that keeps mare and foal balanced.

• Common questions in the rider’s mind (but answered clearly): the seven-month mark as the cue, signs you’re on the right track, and when to talk to a vet or nutritionist.

• Close with a memorable takeaway and encouragement to observe and learn.

Seven Months: why the bump in energy matters

Let’s set the scene. A mare isn’t just growing a foal—she’s also carrying a growing demand on her own body. Around seven months into pregnancy, fetal growth accelerates. Think of it like a deadline approaching on a project: the foal needs more fuel to build tissues, organs, and that big, healthy birth weight everyone hopes for. That means energy requirements rise, along with the need for protein, minerals, and vitamins. If the mare isn’t getting enough of these nutrients, the foal’s development can slow, and the birth process might become more challenging.

Of course, it’s not just about piling on calories. The goal is a balanced, steady supply that supports both the mare’s health and the foal’s rapid growth. When you see a mare entering that late-pregnancy window, you’ll often hear veterinarians and nutritionists talk about energy density and nutrient balance more than any other factor. It’s not about feeding to the moon; it’s about smart, gradual adjustments that fit her condition, activity level, and environment.

What changes in the diet actually look like

Here’s the thing: in late pregnancy, your feeding strategy shifts from simply meeting daily needs to actively supporting growth. A few practical changes tend to help:

• Boost energy with smart sources. After seven months, you may need more calories, but you don’t have to rely on junk calories. Quality forages (hay or pasture) stay the backbone, and you can add energy-dense components like well-balanced concentrates or fat sources if your mare’s appetite stays healthy and digestion is smooth.

• Prioritize high-quality protein. Protein supplies amino acids needed for tissue development in the foal and for the mare’s own maintenance. A steady supply from good-quality hay plus a carefully chosen supplement or concentrate can make a difference.

• Keep minerals and vitamins in balance. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and trace minerals (selenium, zinc, copper) all play roles in bone growth, muscle function, and immune health. Vitamin A, vitamin E, and the B vitamins support metabolism and tissue development. A balanced mineral block or a thoughtfully designed supplement can help, especially if forage alone isn’t meeting every need.

• Hydration and fiber. Water intake and digestive health stay crucial. A steady supply of high-fiber forage supports gut comfort, reduces the risk of colic, and helps with nutrient absorption.

• Small, frequent meals. The mare’s digestion isn’t built for big, infrequent meals late in pregnancy. Spreading her intake across 2–3 meals per day (plus ad lib hay if possible) helps her body process nutrients more efficiently and reduces the risk of digestive upsets.

How to adjust safely: a practical, no-fuss approach

Changing a mare’s diet at this stage should feel more like a careful tune-up than a crash overhaul. Here are some grounded steps:

• Start gradual. If you’re adding a new feed or increasing energy density, do it slowly over 7–14 days. Quick changes can unsettle the gut or trigger discomfort.

• Observe body condition. Use a simple body condition score (BCS) to gauge where she sits. Many mares in late pregnancy do well around a comfortable, maintainable score—you’ll know you’re on track when she looks balanced and strong, not overweight or ribby.

• Adjust with the mare’s health in mind. If she’s carrying extra weight, increase energy more gradually and lean on forage first. If she’s on the lean side, you may be able to introduce modest energy increases sooner, but keep a close eye on digestion and manure quality.

• Favor consistency over chaos. Regular feeding times, consistent portions, and stable hay quality reduce stress on the digestive system and support steady nutrient delivery.

• Keep an eye on macro and micro elements. If you’re unsure about mineral and vitamin balance, a consult with a veterinarian or equine nutritionist can help tailor a plan to your mare’s needs, forage, and local feed options.

A simple, everyday feeding plan you can adapt

Think of this as a flexible frame you can customize:

• Forage first. Ensure abundant, high-quality forage is available. If you have good pasture, let the mare graze as her main energy source for part of the day.

• Add a balanced concentrate if needed. If the mare’s energy needs rise beyond what forage provides, introduce a grain-based or pelleted concentrate designed for pregnant mares. Choose products that specify appropriate nutrient levels for late gestation and monitor intake.

• Consider a fat source if digestion is sound. Some mares respond well to a safe fat supplement (like a meal fat or oil) to increase energy density without drastically increasing volume.

• Don’t forget water and minerals. Fresh water should be always available. A balanced mineral supplement or a dedicated salt block helps ensure essential nutrients are not left behind.

• Feed in multiple, smaller meals. Instead of one big meal, offer 2–3 smaller portions a day. This helps digestion and reduces the risk of colic or discomfort, especially when the abdomen is crowded with foal space.

Why this matters for the foal and the birth process

A well-supported mare translates into a more comfortable pregnancy, a smoother birth, and a healthier start for the foal. When energy and essential nutrients are in good supply, fetal tissue formation and organ development proceed more smoothly. The mare’s own stamina stays steadier, which helps her cope with the physical demands of late pregnancy and labor. In short, good nutrition isn’t a luxury—it’s a practical foundation for a healthy foal and a smoother delivery.

Common questions you might have (answered clearly)

• At what stage should mares begin to receive increased energy in their diet?

Seven months. This timing aligns with the last trimester’s surge in fetal growth and the foal’s rising energy demands.

• How do I know if I’m giving the right amount of energy?

Track the mare’s body condition and appetite, watch for changes in manure quality, and note how she handles increased forage or concentrate. If in doubt, a quick check-in with a vet or nutritionist helps tailor the plan to her individual needs.

• Are there risks to watch for if I increase energy too quickly?

Yes. Overconditioning can lead to metabolic issues or laminitis in susceptible mares. Digestive upset is another risk if changes are too abrupt. Slow, gradual adjustments and close observation are key.

• What about exercise during late pregnancy?

Light to moderate activity is generally beneficial, provided the mare is comfortable and free from pain. Exercise supports digestion and overall well-being, but always follow veterinary guidance for your specific mare and pregnancy stage.

• How do I balance forage and concentrate without overdoing it?

Use forage as the base, then add a targeted concentrate only if needed. The goal is steady energy delivery, not sudden surges. If forage quality is excellent, you might need less concentrate; if forage is lower quality, a careful, nutrient-balanced supplement can bridge the gap.

A few final reflections

Let me explain this another way: the late-stages of pregnancy aren’t about “more” calories for the sake of it. They’re about smarter energy use, ensuring the mare’s body has the fuel to support a growing foal while staying healthy herself. It’s a balancing act—not a dash to the finish line, but a steady climb with eyes on the horizon.

If you’re new to evaluating horse nutrition, this is a great example of how theory meets real-life care. The seven-month cue isn’t just a number; it’s a practical marker that helps you foresee what’s coming and plan accordingly. Think of it as a navigator’s signpost on a long, rewarding journey with your horse.

A personal takeaway you can carry forward

Observing is half the art. Notice how the mare’s appetite, energy, and body condition evolve through the late stages of pregnancy. Use that information to adjust her feed with patience and care. Your goal isn’t perfection in a single week—it’s a steady path toward a healthy mare and a thriving foal.

If you’re curious to read more about pregnancy nutrition, there are friendly, reliable resources and veterinary guides that break down nutrient requirements without getting lost in jargon. The best educators are the horses themselves: the way they carry themselves, how they tolerate a meal, and how they recover after a wiggly ride or a pasture stroll.

In short, seven months is your signal to fine-tune energy intake, lean on quality forage, and keep a watchful, compassionate eye on the mare. With thoughtful adjustments, you’re not just feeding for today—you’re investing in a strong start for a foal that will someday carry your lessons forward, mile after mile, into the future of horse care and evaluation.