The Essential Foaling Kit for the First-Time Mare Owner

Rolled cotton is the go-to stuff for cleansing the mare's nether parts and udder. You can tear off a wad of it, clean her up, and toss it aside easily. It's gentle, inexpensive and oh-so-handy—and a roll will generally cost no more than $5. Keep it in the plastic bag it comes in to prevent it from gathering shavings and dirt.

Betadine Scrub

Betadine™ scrub is a foaming scrub containing a dilution of povidone

 iodine. Generally used as a pre-operative surgical scrub, it's also ideal for washing the waxy substance that will build up between her milk bags. Use the cotton and warm water and discard the cotton. Rinse well.

Antiseptic Dip for Umbilical Stump

In the past, mare owners kept iodine on hand to dip the umbilical stump. No more! Iodine is considered too harsh for that tender skin. Instead, invest in a .5% chlorhexidine solution (such as Nolvasan™). It's important to dip that stump as soon as possible to prevent the bacterial infection that causes joint illness. Nolvasan™ is gentle and

 will come in handy for other veterinary applications.

Dip Cup

This is the cup you'll use to dip the umbilical stump in the antiseptic/chlorhexidine solution. I save the little lightweight plastic dosage cup that comes with Nyquil™ bottles, liquid vitamins, or cough syrup. Toss a few of those cups into your foaling cup. If you prefer, use