Talk to me about sheath cleaning

[J_sarahd]

I haven’t ever cleaned my boy’s sheath, having seen arguments against cleaning it and the fact it kind of grosses me out. Pony won’t let me anywhere near there anyway and kicks out. But I read a post on Facebook about a horse’s behaviour potentially being related to beans. And it got me thinking that, if I’ve never cleaned it maybe that explains some of pony’s behaviour?

Basically, should I get a professional or the vet? Are professional sheath cleaners even still working right now? How often should I get it cleaned?

 

[Gloi]

I haven’t ever cleaned my boy’s sheath, having seen arguments against cleaning it and the fact it kind of grosses me out. Pony won’t let me anywhere near there anyway and kicks out. But I read a post on Facebook about a horse’s behaviour potentially being related to beans. And it got me thinking that, if I’ve never cleaned it maybe that explains some of pony’s behaviour?

Basically, should I get a professional or the vet? Are professional sheath cleaners even still working right now? How often should I get it cleaned?

If he kicks out he might need sedating to do him in which case you'll need the vet to do it. Better in the long run though if you get him used to being handled there so you can do it yourself.

 

[asmp]

We use the Bean Lady! Never fancied doing it myself and it doesn’t cost much. If you spoke to your local person I’m sure they would let you know if they could do it if you’re worried he may kick. I’m sure if you say where you are someone may know someone local. My daughter found our one on FB.

 

[Winters100]

One of mine took 2 attempts by the vet - first time with a light sedation was unsuccessful as horse was too agitated and trying to cow kick, in the end we left it until giving a stronger sedation for something else and did the 2 jobs together. Seems some are very sensitive about it, and not sure that I would risk doing it myself for this boy.

 

[Equi]

I do it myself cause i find it oddly satisfying but i would not even ask a "bean lady" to do one that is actively kicking out. It would be a vet for sure. The one time i did do a kicker was when i had just gotten my little gelding and even brushing near the back end was making him kick about. Poor mite had such a dirty sheath the hair had all congealed and made a large painful mass that was stuck to the outside of his sheath too so anything near the area pulled his hairs which must have been so painful. He was 30" tall so the kicks were easy to handle, but i would not have wanted to try it on a large horse. Right after it he sighed with relief and never kicked out again. I kept his sheath area clipped to prevent it happening again. Not saying it will be an instant fix for you, just sharing what happened with my lad.

 

[J_sarahd]

Vet job it is then! Thank you everyone. Annoyingly, he isn’t due the vet out for anything until July. May have to just give the vet a call and see when they can come out

 

[Shilasdair]

My top tip is: buy mares.

 

[Circe2]

Controversial opinion, but I actually find it quite rewarding/fascinating (once horse is sedated, mind - otherwise he cow kicks) ?

Vet found a massive bean on mine (don’t think previous owner ever got him cleaned there), and then let me get on with the washing (but did supply me with some armpit-length gloves). It was bizarrely satisfying to see such a sparkling clean willy!

I do think it also helped him with lifting his hind legs/feet - also seemed to stem the “gelding noise”, but I’m not sure if that was a stress thing (maybe from discomfort?) or the bean itself blocking things.

 

[J_sarahd]

Someone at the yard did try once but he kicked out so I didn’t dare try again. Like I said, he’s not quite right and if there’s even a chance it’s his sheath then I’ll gladly get it cleaned for him.

Obviously no fixed answer, but how much roughly would the vet charge for something like this?

 

[Shysmum]

I would get kicked by either of mine ? My last resort tactic is to be armed with a bottle of Lincoln No Rinse Sheath Cleaner whenever they drop their bits. It really works !

 

[Lipglosspukka]

Have never in all my years cleaned a sheath despite always owning geldings.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I don't clean but do give them a little brush or pick with gloves on! One of my horses has a bean I can feel it but he tried to boot me when I touched it so I have the vet in a few weeks so he will be sedated and dealt with then.