The majority of mares experience a smooth and uncomplicated birth, with the foal typically standing and nursing within an hour or two. Within a few days, the foal is often seen following the mare around the pasture and enjoying a nap in the sun. However, complications during or after birth can occasionally lead to a lack of oxygen reaching the foal's brain. This oxygen deprivation can result in conditions such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) or neonatal maladjustment syndrome (NMS), commonly referred to as "wanderers," "sleepers," "barkers," or "dummy foals" by barn managers.
