More cleaning tips

I just read “A Problem Only Mares Can Have” (Consultants, EQUUS 490) about the mare with too much wax and dirt building up between her teats. I apply K-Y Jelly, or the generic equivalent, between my mare’s teats to soften and clean the skin without using any harsh cleanser. It cleans well and lubricates the skin so she stays comfortable. Linda Clayton Owens Cross Roads, Alabama With regard to “A Problem Only Mares Can Have,” I was surprised about the need to use soap between a mare’s teats. I have two Morgan mares who collect the smegma-type black goo that can turn to more mixes collect thick often. quite faster and The well somewhat when dust with from we the are solid. otherwise the on trail It trails tends oily substance, which I always figured was why there is always so much of it. But I’ve been dealing with the black goo differently. I just sort of peel it gently from between their teats, moving from one side of the body to the other to get the best angle, and always keeping my forearm pressed against the stifle area so I can readily feel if one should try to “push” my hand away. The longer I let it accumulate, the chunkier the mixture becomes and the more gentle I have to be. Both of my mares quickly got used to me cleaning the area and one of them seems to truly appreciate when it’s cleared out. The skin is so tender between the teats that it never occurred to me to use anything on it aside from hosing it. My mares are 15 and 17, and I’ve had them all their lives. They’ve never gotten a sore or developed an infection or abrasion between their teats. I clean out the area whenever I think of it at grooming time or often after a ride, usually every two to four weeks in the spring and summer and less often in the winter. Call it a mare “problem” but I think it’s way easier to deal with than sheath cleaning! Linda Lanzoni Grass Valley, California