Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Hartley Hutchinson on September 6, 2010 at 5:58pm

In my opinion, I would say not to use any special products. Some products say that they are not harsh, but there can still be some harsh chemicals in them anyway. Make sure you read the back carefully. If you use them, be careful not to miss any of the soap suds, or it could cause a bad infection and skin iritation. Especially because the skin is more sensitive in that area of a gelded horse.

I would just use a bit of warm water, a sock (pref one that won't tear apart) a rubber glove and a soft sponge.

Probably better to do this job in the summer. Your horse might get a little more agitated about it in the winter.

Prior to this job, you should always touch your horse (respectfully) around the genital area. You want to get him used to people near him. How would you like it if some random person came up to you and did something wierd like that without any warning? I know I wouldn't feel to good about it. If you were a horse, wouldn't that make you want to kick as well? Of course. So, you have to get him/her used to what you are doing. This can be dangerous if you don't take some precautions. So, during your routine grooming ritual, you can brush (with a soft brush) and inch your way closer until your horse doesn't even care anymore. This will take time, so you can start doing this weeks in advance.

So, you put the glove on your hand, then put the sock on over top. Put the sponge in some water and start by going around the outside. when he drops it, you can do the outside a bit more. Then, drop the sponge and dip your sock in the water. You can pick away at anything crusty. But be sure you get the bean.

You are only getting the major stuff, you don't want to go overboard. If you do, you are taking away some of the good bacteria. And remember this should only be done once (twice at the most) a year.

Permalink Reply by Shirley on September 7, 2010 at 12:22pm

The bean is in the very tip, correct? I have gotten small ones two or three times in six years. How do you know if there is actually one there or not? I don't want to poke around that little area very much?

My experience is that with some horses this needs to be done more then once or twice a year. My guy will get smelly and want to rub his tail (off) if only cleaned a couple times a year. And he seems to feel less itchy after so it does appear to be the problem. Fecal done and clear so no worms to cause the itching.
I've seen some horses that are only done once a year look absolutely gross and sore when they drop. Others seem to be fine if they are never cleaned. When small chunks of charcoal looking pieces start falling out, it seems like it's time for a cleaning.
I've used a sheath cleaner specific made product, or the vet used mild dish soap the first time I was shown how to do it and I've used clear water. Never noticed much difference. I think I will try the vaseline idea, sounds helpful to me. Doesn't seem it could hurt.

Permalink Reply by Dorothy Schauer on September 6, 2010 at 7:59pm

We load the sheath area with vaseline the day before. The warmth of the horses body and the dropping out to urinate almost cleans the sheath in itself. A little ivory soap and warm water the next day does the job. If you have a horse that gets antsy or kicks have someone help, hold a leg up and get the vaseline in as far as possible, it will eventually come out on its own leaving a cleaner sheath behind. Best part is it will not irritate your horses sheath.

Permalink Reply by Sarah Siler on September 7, 2010 at 11:41am

I like the Vaseline idea. I've used pure Aloe Vera Jelly with good results as well. I've been told that KY Jelly is also good, but never tried it.

Permalink Reply by Marlene Thoms on September 8, 2010 at 9:10pm

Find a vet who really likes geldings! (just kidding)

I get my guy used to touchy feelies gradually (the horse, not the vet!). I haven't used soap, have you ever felt what it's like when you didn't rinse yourself quite thoroughly enough? I used KY worked well up into the er "inner sanctum", or just a well soaked jay cloth and applied it when he's hanging around so to speak. I think a small bean came out but I'm not sure, so I will be asking the vet to double check when its time for his check up.
I am new to this business so I await more tips from the more experienced.

Permalink Reply by Geoffrey Pannell on September 9, 2010 at 6:36am

There is a product available in Australia called "Willy Wash" , it's a good product, no joke. I'll have to get it from the stables to see what it is and post it later.

Permalink Reply by Jan Jollymour on September 9, 2010 at 10:02am

I've used Dove soap (the solid, not the liquid) for the past 30 years, and have never had a problem with it. It really helps to soften the crud, and the lather doesn't burn or irritate the membranes.

I've tried the Vaseline method, but find that it just attracts more dirt as time goes on, and the intervals between cleanings becomes shorter and shorter. I had the same problem with baby oil. I have a client who was told by a vet to pack the sheath with Furacin a few days prior to cleaning, which resulted in skin burns and a real mess, so I don't recommend that method! I've also had problems in the past with localized reactions to Excalibur, so I stay with Dove.

I do my horses every month to once per year, depending on the individual. Some seem to stay very clean naturally, while others get really filthy regularly. I clean my mares' udders the same way, and at about the same intervals.

The only times I've had a horse try to kick me was the first time they were cleaned, and in both those cases (there've only been 2 in 35 years) they were incredibly dirty, with a lot of local inflammation. Once the job was done, and kept up, they became like the rest I've done, quite relaxed about the whole procedure. A twitch can help a lot with the first couple of sessions if a horse is very shy, or just plain antsy about the situation.

Permalink Reply by Shirley on September 12, 2010 at 2:07pm

Reply to Jan Jollymour: Wow! Furacin! Ouch!! That just doesn't sound right. Do you wonder if she misunderstood? I can't imagine!! Poor guy!!!!!
I have used Excalibur 2 or 3 times a year on my gelding for 6 years, still on our first bottle, and it has not caused any problems for him. I would buy it again.
I'm still confused for sure where the beans are located. It's amazing how many folds are hidden away in there.
I have not yet sung the little tune to go along with this process of good hygiene for a gelding. Someone should come up with a good little tune to go with the "Willy Wash"....

Permalink Reply by Shirley on September 12, 2010 at 2:09pm

Geoffrey, I hope someone comes up with a little poem or tune to go along with your Australian "Willy Wash".

Permalink Reply by A_Sassy_Temptation on September 9, 2010 at 3:19pm

sounds gross, but you know little winter gloves you can get at the dollar store where one size fits all? put a pair of latex gloves on, then the material gloves and then you clean, I use warm water thats it. Having all fingers free while also be able to soak them inw ater really helps. I used to just use a sock, but the gloves work easier.

Permalink Reply by Brandi Kingsmill on September 11, 2010 at 7:40pm

My method always requires warm water, small square gauge pads, Excalibur sheath cleaner and rubber gloves.

If your horse allows you to run a soft running hose in that area then give it a quick rinse first, or use a warm cloth to first dampen everything. Then I get a good lather of Excalibur and massage it into all creases and folds. Most of my geldings and one stallion enjoy the massage. I then allow the Excalibur to sit for a few minutes and do its job followed by wiping everything clean with sterile gauze pads, using as many as needed to try and decrease the amount of bacteria transfer. Keeping everything as clean and sterile is most important when we invade their privacy parts.