By: Erica Fielding
January through May. That special time of year when the world begins to thaw, pastures turn green, and foals start appearing one by one.
If you’ve been in the equine industry for a while, you probably know exactly what magical time of year I’m talking about: foaling season. Across much of the United States, the first several months of the year bring the arrival of a new generation of horses.
This past season, I had the opportunity to work as a foaling intern at a breeding farm in Kentucky, and it’s an experience that’s hard to put into words. It was a whirlwind. Beautiful, heartbreaking, challenging, and filled with sleepless nights and seemingly never-ending days. But it’s an experience I wouldn’t trade for the world, and one I’m incredibly grateful to have had.
During my time there, I learned far more than how to foal out mares and care for newborn foals. I gained a new perspective on the equine industry, the people who make it run, and even what I’m capable of myself.
Here are five lessons that foaling season taught me, both about the horse industry and about myself.
Every Horse’s Story Starts Long Before Its Career
Foaling season gives you a unique glimpse into the humble beginnings of a horse’s life, long before training, competition, or a racing career. It’s easy to focus on the finished product in the equine industry: the winning racehorse, the successful show jumper, or the promising young prospect. But during foaling season, I got to see where those stories begin.
At the breeding farm where I worked, I learned the bloodlines behind certain foals and listened as the farm owner discussed which ones he believed had the potential to become successful racehorses. For the foals I personally delivered, I wrote down their sires and dams, hoping to follow their journeys through their yearling sales and, eventually, their racing careers. It was special to play a part in the earliest moments of their lives and imagine what the future might hold for them.
Breeders invest years of knowledge, time, and resources into producing the next generation, without any guarantee of what each horse will become. A newborn foal is only at the beginning of its journey, and it may be years before we see what that journey holds. Foaling season gave me a new appreciation for the long game of the horse industry and all the work, anticipation, and possibility that exist long before a horse ever enters the spotlight.
Preparation Can Make All The Difference
During foaling season, everyday situations can turn into emergencies in the blink of an eye. Having the right procedures in place can make the difference between life and death in some circumstances. Being prepared with the supplies needed to handle emergencies is an essential part of responsible horsemanship.
One practical way we did this at my farm was by keeping at least three “foaling buckets” ready to go at all times. These buckets contained just about anything we might need if a mare went into labor, including towels, scissors, dewormer, umbilical dips, enemas, umbilical clips, and more. We also had our truck and trailer hooked up and ready to go at all times, so that if any horse needed to be trailered to the equine hospital we were able to do so as efficiently as possible.
This lesson applies not only to breeding operations but to anyone who works hands-on with horses. A tube of Banamine, an extra halter, or even something as simple as having a pair of scissors handy can become essential when an unexpected situation arises. Whether you travel regularly to horse shows, rarely take your horse off the property, or fall somewhere in between, being prepared for emergencies can help you respond quickly when something goes wrong.
Of course, it’s impossible to prepare for every possible situation because, well, horses. But taking a few moments to think ahead, keep essential supplies on hand, and have a plan in place can make a real difference when an emergency occurs.
The Best Opportunities Often Start With a Conversation
Some of the most impactful moments in my early career have started with a simple conversation. During my foaling internship, I made an effort to connect with equine professionals from all corners of the industry. Those conversations led to opportunities to ride along with a veterinarian, a farrier, and a feed sales representative. I also spoke with professionals in marketing, event planning, operations, racing, compliance, communications, and industry relations, gaining insight into career paths I might not have otherwise considered.
Sometimes, a conversation leads to something completely unexpected. A coffee conversation with an exercise rider led to the opportunity to drive one of her Standardbreds. How cool is that? Another conversation with a marketing coordinator eventually led me to apply for an internship with Athletux, which is what brought me to writing these blogs today.
One thing I’ve learned is just how small and connected the equine industry can be. You may be only a few introductions away from some of the most influential people in the business. The more people you talk to, the more you learn about different career paths, discover opportunities you didn’t know existed, and find connections that can lead to something bigger. You never know which conversation might open a door, so be curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. The connections I’ve made have already led to exciting opportunities, and I have no doubt they’ll continue to open doors as I begin my career after graduation.
Growth Happens When You Do Things Before You Feel Ready
I did not feel ready for my foaling internship. I came in with plenty of hands-on horse experience, a working knowledge of the equine industry, and a willingness to get my hands dirty. So why was I nervous? It had less to do with my experience and more to do with my confidence.
Moving states away from home, leaving my horse with my trainer, and stepping away from everything familiar was intimidating. I experienced plenty of imposter syndrome and questioned whether I was qualified for a role I was definitely capable of handling.
There were still plenty of things I had never done before, from artificially inseminating mares and drawing blood to giving injections and pulling a trailer. I trusted my training, asked questions, and did them anyway. Had I waited until I felt completely ready, I would have missed out on one of the most influential experiences of my career so far.
I felt that same hesitation when reaching out to equine professionals. I worried about saying the wrong thing or not having enough experience to contribute. But I reached out anyway.
Whether you’re learning a new skill on the farm or connecting with someone whose career you admire, growth often starts before you feel confident enough to take the first step. You don’t have to know everything or feel completely prepared. Sometimes, you just have to trust what you’ve learned and give yourself a chance. You might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of when you stop waiting to feel ready.
Never Lose Sight of Why You Started
Foaling season is hard, and the horse industry as a whole isn’t always easy. My internship was filled with sleepless nights, overnight shifts, early mornings, and days spent working through freezing temperatures and summer heat. Caring for more than 100 horses is demanding, and we experienced some tough losses throughout the season. Even with careful planning and preparation, things don’t always go as hoped in the breeding industry.
When the hours are long and the work gets difficult, it’s easy to lose motivation. What kept me going was the reason I started in the first place: my love for horses.
Some of my most rewarding moments were also the simplest. Sitting quietly with a mare and foal in their stall, giving foals scratches during feeding time, watching weaker foals grow stronger, and learning the personalities of the horses in my care reminded me why the work mattered.
Those moments didn’t make the long nights or difficult days disappear, but they gave the hard work a purpose. They reminded me that behind the demanding schedules and responsibilities was something I really cared about.
Passion won’t make every day in the horse industry easy, and loving horses doesn’t mean you’ll always feel motivated. There will be days when you’re tired, frustrated, or questioning whether the work is worth it. That’s when remembering why you started matters most. Motivation comes and goes, but reconnecting with what drew you to the industry can help you push through difficult seasons and remember why you chose this career.
Athletux is an equestrian athlete management and brand partnership agency representing elite riders across various disciplines. Learn more at athletux.com or reach out directly at info@athletux.com.
