For those of you not fortunate enough to have gestating equines at your home, mares are notorious for being very secretive about foaling - a good adaptation for a wild horse, as they are completely helpless for a period of time during foaling, and don't want to give the predators a hint. It is, however, extremely frustrating for mare owners, as you have a very short amount of time to intervene if there is a problem with delivery. Mares can "hold it" until they are completely alone. Owners develop a look about them that "mare stare" describes completely.