DelVal and PHRA Partner to Bring the Magic of Foaling Season Live to the Public

Posted on

Delaware Valley University (DelVal), in partnership with the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association (PHRA), has launched its live Foal Cams for the 2025 foaling season. This marks the third consecutive year the initiative has provided public access to real-time footage of the foaling process.

 

The Foal Cams, available through the end of March, can be viewed free of charge on the PHRA website at pennhorseracing.com/foalcams.

"This is a unique opportunity to connect with people who may not otherwise have the chance to witness a foal being born," said Dr. Cory Kieschnick, chair of DelVal's Equine Science and Management department. "We are pleased to showcase the hands-on learning experiences our students gain at our on-campus equine facilities."

Students in DelVal's Advanced Equine Reproduction course play a key role in the foaling process. They select an annual naming theme, are assigned mares, and name the foals. This year's theme is "mountains." The course provides hands-on experience in equine reproduction, including stallion collection, semen analysis, mare insemination and foal neonatal care. Many students also participate in the Yearling Horse Sale Management class, preparing yearlings for the Black Book Sale in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

DelVal expects 14 foals this season. Four have already been born:

  • Denali, a colt.
  • Rainier, a filly.
  • Dutton, a colt.
  • Fuji, a filly.

Sophia Walsh, a 2026 Equine Science major specializing in breeding, said the program has been invaluable in preparing her for a career in the breeding industry.

"In the Advanced Equine Reproduction class, I assisted with the birth of Dutton, observed him standing and nursing, listened to his heart, lungs and trachea, and provided neonatal care," Walsh said. "This hands-on experience is preparing me for my future career. I have secured an internship at a large farm in Kentucky, where I will assist with over 100 foalings each season as a broodmare manager."

Ashley Eisenbeil, marketing director for the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association, said, "We appreciate Delaware Valley University's ongoing partnership and look forward to another year of educating the public about the important work their Breeding Center staff and students do."

The Foal Cams provide a behind-the-scenes look at the foaling season with consent from participating farms. The live stream operates on a 30-minute delay. The PHRA reserves the right to end the stream at any time. Inappropriate behavior, including negative comments or discrimination, will not be tolerated. Viewers are prohibited from contacting faculty, students or employees associated with the participating farms.

 

Explore DelVal's Equine Science and Management undergraduate programs!

Click here for Equine Science 

Click here for Equine Management