Sheath cleaning...

I brush the right spots to get him drop, pick a few flakes off, keep brushing, pick some more flakes off, keep brushing, etc and every few weeks I'll grab the thing and check for a bean. We keep it casual and stress free 'round these parts.

What do you guys mean about a bean? Is there always one or does one develop when it gets messy?

I've had my gelding for 10 years and as a child my dad taught us kids how to keep the boys clean. Maybe it's because I have no shame but I've been known to stick a (usually gloved) hand up when looking to buy a boy to make sure they're taken care of and to gauge how difficult it's going to be fore me to clean him. I'm also the go to girl when it comes to anything sheath related because I've got no reserves about cleaning them. I know it has to be done to keep the horse healthy so I really don't care about the awkward looks and funky smells. The only thing that makes it awkward is when the horse starts trying to groom me while I'm elbow deep. Nothing's worse than getting hit on by the horse when you're messing around with his junk. I think I'm going to print the link and tack it in the barn. I'm sure a lot more people will be willing to clean their boys if they knew not everyone takes it seriously or thinks they're violating their horse. Maybe it will encourage the guys around the barn to do their own cleaning lord knows they make as much if not more of a fuss about it than the girls.

My horse also believes that sheath cleaning day is "date night". I've thought about dressing as a nurse to make it seem more clinical but the costume shop only has "sexy nurse" available and I think that would send him the wrong message.
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^ I REALLY NEEDED that laugh this morning...thank you heaps!!!
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Haha.
That made my morning.

When the vet comes out have Her/him check him out and give advice on how offten her will need cleaning. You could pay a vet to come out each time( I know folks who do this) or you can clean him up yourself. Vet will show you the proper way. I only have mare's so sorry I can't say. Just gotta be careful an make sure the horse don't mind you messing with his "junk".

As for the other folks here, Don't feel bad! Heck I'm a guy and I check/clean my mares "girly parts" jsut about everyday. Lucky for me my girls don't mind me cleaning them, I think they like it cause I'm sure it feels good to get that dirt off them. As for the funny "date night" comment. Don't feel bad, Gypsy does the same thing. Somedays soon as I "touch" her there to cleasn her, She will squat, hike her tail up, wink like crazy an dribble pee some times, nicker and Look back at me with love in her eyes. I just laugh, shake my head. Horses you gotta love them.

Well, I just did the deed today. As a first time sheath cleaner, it really was not that big of a deal. My BO thinks he has never had it done before because he was rather surprised at first. He didn't try to kick me, just lifted his back hooves a few times. He didn't drop, but I was able to get the bean anyway. He should be good to go for a while, at least until its warmer outside! As a first timer, I would highly suggest having an experienced person there to explain it all. It's a simple process, but it definitely helps to be told what to expect and what you are looking for.
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Just to lighten the subject I remember about 4 years ago my husband came down to the yard to help out and I had started a new girl that day, she was a no nonsense full on horsey lass! Buxem and bold, anyway my husband is wondering around the indoor barn looking important or at least trying to and this young lady strolls over to him and thrusts a whole crust from the sheath she had just cleaned with her bare hands I might add directly under his nose, and exclaimed what do you make of that.. well I just saw him running out of the barn where upon she seized the opportunity to chase him around the yard with said sheath crust, absolutely hilarious and the best self introduction from a staff member I have seen.