Sheath noises when ridden

[misskk88]

I have noticed that the past few days the gelding I ride has made 'sheath' noises. You know- the low grunting type sound with every movement that is usually trapped air.

I have always considered that this noise comes from tension, or tightness through the back (we are working on it and it eventually does go). Having said that horse is mouthing nicely, on the bit and enthusiastic to work forward, although I've noticed that now he's evened up a bit saddle fitter definitely is due a visit soon (which could possible be causing the tension I think is creating it).

However I have googled it- really out of curiousity and was surprised to find really no definitive answer. Some say tension, some say dirty sheath, some say it's a sign of relaxation.... So, what are your views or experiences?!

 

[webble]

I have heard tension, trapped air, needing a clean and other things. As you say I'm not sure anyone knows

 

[Nudibranch]

Neither of my geldings does it when working but both can at times when doing very extended trot while playing/showing off.

 

[budley95]

I always got told it was when they need a clean down there, hate to say it, but thats always been true of my gelding, about once a year he does it, after cleaning it goes away!

 

[pennyturner]

I don't think it's hygiene related. Because mine are entire, they're forever getting theirs out, so they're naturally very clean, but we still occasionally get sheath noises... although only at the beginning of a ride when they're a bit fresh.

 

[stormclouds]

This is really interesting - I'd been told it happened when a horse is working correctly. Had never really thought of it since until a friend's horse was making the noise a lot the other day, and my non-horsey OH asked what it was.

 

[Smurf's Gran]

I always got told it was when they need a clean down there, hate to say it, but thats always been true of my gelding, about once a year he does it, after cleaning it goes away!

I had heard the same

 

[cobgoblin]

I've only ever heard this when the horse is tense or excited.

 

[Shady]

I've only ever heard this when the horse is tense or excited.

this makes sense to me as i asked the same question a few months ago and mine only does it when he's in show off prancy trot mode , he gets his pecker out all the time and all is nice and clean down there so i'm sure it's not that with him but if he's playing with the other horse and getting all macho i can hear the sheath noise.

 

[MotherOfChickens]

I've always put it down to tension.

 

[misskk88]

I had wondered if there had been any research or veterinary findings into why it happens (and thus horse owners could use it as a good indication to their horses comfort and standard of work, or requirement to be cleaned- depending on the actual causes!), but little seems to come up. Perhaps there are various reasons depending on the horse?

Stormclouds if you were watching your friend riding, was the horse working correctly, or was there any tension or other signs that the horse was tight at all?

 

[pennyturner]

Well, I can't speak for others, but I'm not sure Duke would know tension if it jumped up and slapped him. He's a 6yo stallion that will stand still, untied, while you go off and do something, and will calmly walk past strange horses on a ride without a squeak! He's out 24/7 with his friends, so not lacking exercise or company, but will sometimes make 'the noise' before the first canter of a ride. I'd go with fresh or happy, rather than tense.