How exciting for you - first foal is always special! At least foaling indoors, it will be better for you, as the weather could be rather chilly for outdoor foal watching.
I don't have any foals due this year, but hope to get two of my fillies in foal this spring.
Like anything else, foals come in their own good time - I had one who was born exactly 11 calender months later. This summer, my friend camped out in a caravan in the field as it was her mares first foal - she foaled two weeks late, and my friend was dead on her feet, as she had been up through the night for two weeks checking her!!!
A foaling bucket is a good idea, with things you are likely to need - you will probably not use them, but it is comforting to have them to hand, and it goes without saying, your mobile phone with you, and the vets number. Can I suggest that you have a notebook and put in it, the really important bits from the book you have read ie. stages of foaling and what to expect at each stage, and when to ring the vet etc. Its a lot easier to look in a notebook, than trying to get to the relevant page in a book, when you may be in a bit of a panic. You can add bits to the book too. Again, you may not need the book, but at least its there.
It is very tempting to "want to be there" for the foaling - but a lot of mares will wait until you go for a cup of tea or something and then foal, so I watch from a distance, and if the mare is managing, then leave her to it. A camera in the stable is great, so you can watch from the house - not that I have that luxury unfortunately!!
People expect the foal to be born, and be on its feet immediately. Don't worry if its a while before it does so, and it is a bit worrying watching the first few attempts when it looks like it is going to hurt iteself as it tries to stand and falls back with a thud - it will do it in the end.
It is important that you see the foal take its first drink, again it may not be immediate, so don't worry. Some foals are a bit slow on finding the milk bar, and some mares who are first foalers, sometimes wonder what on earth that little animal is, but they soon accept it!!
I am sure your book will tell you to make sure the mare expells the afterbirth, and do not be tempted to pull it, as it will be hanging more than likely.....better to tie it up if you can, so she does not tread on it. Some mares need a jab to help her expell the afterbirth, but our vet does not worry if it takes a few hours.
Once the foal is here, you will find it hard to get on with anything else, but watch it - be warned
