Managing the Miracle Foal

The Essential Handbook for Owners of Premature and Dysmature Foals

by Jane Clothier PhD

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

Managing the Miracle Foal – now on Amazon and other platforms – is a groundbreaking study into the long-term developmental effects 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. Owners and professionals, including bodyworkers, hoof practitioners, and trainers – may notice something is wrong or different, yet are left searching for explanations.

In this book, the reader 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.

Which foals are affected?

Premature foals are most likely to be affected, but they are not the only ones.

Many dysmature foals, born full-term but weaker and possibly smaller, can also be affected. The biggest risk is that the more subtle signs can escape the owner’s notice.

This research reveals the complex interplay of biological, environmental, and management factors that influence outcomes for these foals as they advance through early months and then years towards maturity.

In clear language, the reader is guided through the possibilities, covering areas that they need to think about after the vet has been and given the all clear.

Through step-by-step explanations, it builds a full picture of health and wellbeing challenges. Next, the author suggests a series of simple measures that can be actioned to improve prospects for that foal.

The premature or dysmature foal deserves every opportunity to thrive.

What is covered?

  1. Gestation Length
  2. Instability and Limb Deformities
  3. Size and Proportions
  4. The Heavy Topic of Bone Quality
  5. Adrenals & Bone Quality
  6. A Perfect (Skeletal) Storm
  7. Hoof Distortion
  8. Adrenals and the Stress Response
  9. Some Reactive Behaviors
  10. Other Issues in the Mix
  11. The Circular Nature of Stress
  12. How Can We Help?

Read the full list with subheadings here: Table of Contents

 

Publication details

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

eBook now available from online stores – just search for ‘Miracle Foal’.

Retailers include: