Managing the Miracle Foal

The Essential Handbook for Owners of Premature and Dysmature Foals

by Jane Clothier PhD

Understand potential long-term effects and learn how to manage them

Managing the Miracle Foal – coming soon to Amazon and other platforms – is a groundbreaking study into the long-term consequences of gestational immaturity in horses.

Drawing on PhD research into foals with a history of premature or dysmature births, Dr Jane Clothier explores how early developmental compromise can shape health, performance, and wellbeing at maturity.

Many of these effects are subtle, emerging only months or years later – often leaving owners and professionals searching for explanations.

Table of Contents

Which foals are affected?

This is not only a matter for sick premature foals. Many dysmature foals, born full-term but weaker with some signs of developmental immaturity, can also be affected. The biggest risk is that the more subtle signs can escape the owner’s notice.

This book reveals the complex interplay of biological, environmental, and management factors that influence outcomes for these horses and ponies, translating scientific findings into information that the owner can use.

The subjects covered here are what the owner needs to think about after the vet has been, andonce veterinary treatments (if needed) have been completed. It provides some answers to questions about will happen with the foal that now needs to be raised.

It is important to remember that not every foal will be affected the same way. Some will have no effects and some will have a few, while others will have many.

In this book you will learn:

  • How gestational immaturity can affect long-term development in horses and ponies.
  • Why some health and performance issues can appear later in life.
  • The nature of some health challenges faced by premature and dysmature foals as they mature.
  • Some key considerations for supporting these individuals from early life into adulthood.

Dr Clothier uses clear, straightforward language, so that as many owners as possible can understand this vital information. The text is supported by photographs and specially commissioned illustrations to help get the key points across.

Written for horse owners, breeders, trainers, equine health professionals and all students of the horse, Managing the Miracle Foal offers essential understanding of gestationally immature foals as they start to mature, detailing how some informed management approaches can help them to thrive.

Publication details

Publ. Feb 2026; 21,500 words. ISBN:9781764555302

eBook now available from online stores including:

Or head to your favorite store and search ‘Miracle Foal’.