DOYLESTOWN, Pa. -- Delaware Valley University here and the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association have partnered to present to the public for free what they say is “a magical experience and unique opportunity.”
Livestream cameras will show expectant mares as they prepare to give birth to their foals. Several foal cameras installed at DelVal’s breeding facilities and at Whysper Wyned Farm in Chester County, give viewers the opportunity to see live the birth of nine foals (five from DelVal and four from Whysper Wynd Farm),
From now through the end of April, DelVal’s foal cameras can be viewed for free on the race association’s website at pennhorseracing.com/foalcams.
“A big benefit of this partnership is that DelVal’s Equine Science and Management program can truly showcase what we do here and our strengths in experiential learning,” said Dr. Cory Kieschnick, chair, DelVal’s Equine Science and Management Department. “It’s also a great opportunity for people to see the whole foaling process when they wouldn’t otherwise have the chance. It’s a magical experience and a unique opportunity for the general public.”
The foal cam partnership with DelVal was first proposed when the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association reached out to the University in hopes there would be interest in it from students and faculty.
“They knew of our history of strong breeding programs, and after many conversations and working out the logistics, it became an official partnership,” said Kieschnick.
DalVal is expecting 13 foals to be born this year, five of which will be showcased on the live cams.
“Viewers will get to see the unique part of DelVal’s Equine Science and Management program, which is the opportunity for our students to be integrally involved in the whole foaling process,” said Kieschnick. “They’ll see how involved our students are in every aspect of care and management for both the mare and the foal, a reflection of the strong emphasis of hands-on learning in all of our programs.”
The livestream gives viewers the opportunity to see students in the foaling stalls checking the mares, as well as see them present for the births, he said.
“Viewers will also get to see mare and foal pairs after they’ve moved on from the foaling stalls,” said Kieschnick.
The University’s first foal born this year was on Feb. 7 and was named Gouda. The University every year selects a name convention like this year’s “cheese,” from which individual names are chosen like Gouda. Due dates for the other 12 to be born extend through early April.
To watch, viewers can visit www.pennhorseracing.com/foalcam, or “follow’ on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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