Sheath Cleaning young horses

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NELSON11

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Has anyone got any suggestions on how to tackle sheath cleaning of young geldings/colts that aren't too keen on having their manhood handled? Really need to get in there but also like my head a little and not overkeen on the waving with hindlimbs and the wind skimming through my hair!
 
I personally would leave well alone, I have never cleaned my geldings sheath in the 7 years I have had him, *touch wood* I have never had a problem in that area.

If it ain't broke, Don't fix it.....
 
[ QUOTE ]
I personally would leave well alone, I have never cleaned my geldings sheath in the 7 years I have had him, *touch wood* I have never had a problem in that area.

If it ain't broke, Don't fix it.....

[/ QUOTE ]

At least half-a-dozen people in the past week - either on this forum or my own - have had problems 'in that area' ! SOME geldings are very clean - and ones who live out - or are stabled on straw - MighT have less need for cleaning, but you SHOULD at least check.

Best way to teach young geldings/colts about being cleaned in that area (and this IS tried and tested on several dozen!!)

Hose - first legs until they stop kicking, the around the sheath (not FULL blast - but more than a trickle.) Keep hose playing on area for at LEAST 3-4 minutes - or until they tolerate it totally - chichever comes first!

Then, keeping hose on area, follow it with your hand and touch (firmly) all round. Then take large clean sponge doused in warm water and a bit of sheath cleaner and shove it up the sheath (colts love it!
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) keeping the hose playing on the external area, move the sponge around in the sheath gently - then pull it out. If it's relatively clean, stick the hose up to rinse - job done!

If it comes out COVERED with gunk (technical term!) wash sponge in clean warm water, add a bit more sheath cleaner, shove it up again. Repeat until sponge comes out relatively clean - then rinse with hose.

The hose desensitises the area to handling - and you can keep your head out of the way until it has!
 
Agree with both of the above and had it confirmed by very good vet the other day when new neddy needed doing and refused to have it done so needed sedation. (My other old boy will let you play with his all day if you wanted
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)
I asked how often he suggested as i felt guilty i'd had to call him out and his reply was, as little as often, only when it needs doing. You wash all the self cleaning properties away when it's cleaned unecessarily.
 
My gelding really needs a clean, I tried doing it the other day and he wasn't a problem at all, more I just couldn't seem to get it clean. Is there a special sheath cleaner you can use to do the job?
 
Yes you can get a special sheath cleaner, but i use a very small amount of Hibi Scrub and a little baby oil which someone suggested on here (it softens it nicely
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) in luke warm water (about half a bucket).
Hope this helps
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