Sheath Cleaning.

[Gwenllian]

I have only fairly recently been introduced to the joys of this delightful activity! As a disabled rider, I also have a bit of a job staying down there for a great length of time.I have to keep straightening up for a hip-stretch!Problem is: (And I'm not so hot on the correct terminology!!) Dan won't 'drop' it for me.It's as if he really uses his muscles and hangs on to it!So consequently, I don't seem to succeed in getting it really clean, and anyway does one ever get it REALLY clean?? Or am I being too ambitious? Sorry about the ignorance, but I'll only learn if someone tells me!So, help? Please?By the way, I can't eat cottage cheese any more!!! :confused:

[This message has been edited by Gwenllian (edited 13 May 2000).]

[clairev]

Gwen

Well done! I'm lucky to have a 14 year old daughter who does our gelding's for me!!! Apparantly if you put some Vaseline on after cleaning it makes it easier for next time. What puzzles me is how do horses in the wild manage without all this cleaning - any ideas anyone?

[Allie]

clairev- stallions in the wild get a natural "cleaning" every time they breed a mare. Even in captivity, an active breeding stallion will have a much cleaner sheath than a gelding.

Allie

[Daventry]

Studies are now showing that, unless you can clean the sheath on a regular basis, to leave it alone.
Males have a natural way of cleaning their sheath and possess important bacteria on the sheath area to help. Cleaning the sheath takes away this bacteria.
They recommend, if you can't clean on a regular basis, to gentle pry off the large pieces (some times called 'beans', etc.) and leave the rest alone.
For cleaning sheaths, Ivory Soap works the best as it is very gentle and mild and remember to rinse the soap off well.
If you are having problems getting him to drop see if anyone can administer a mild sedative to your horse (can be in the muscle) which will cause your horse to relax - in return, he will drop.

[Rick]

Here is a tip that works for me. When I have my geldings teeth floated he is given a sedative to relax him. When his teeth are done I clean his sheath. Its dropped and he stands quitely.

[Gwenllian]

Thanks Rick,That's definitely worth some thought.Thanks everyone for your ideas.I think I shall have to keep doing it, as he had it done with his previous owners,but the sedation idea is one I shall have to consider.

[thomasdee]

Gwenllian

Have just seen your post on Sheath Cleaning,

A good method I use is next time your horse drops his sheath, they usually do this when wanting to urinate, squirt some Baby Oil at it. Baby oil is a none iritant and all the dirt is gently oiled off everytime he drops it.
Do this once a month and you should never have any worries, it certainly works for me

[Sidesaddle]

I find that when I give my horse a really good grooming he will drop his sheath.

Obviously I am doing something that he really enjoys !

Regards
Sandra