sheath cleaning?

While I was at the barn the other day someone asked if I have cleaned my geldings sheath yet. I would like to know if I have to clean it, how often, and how?

You do have to do it I got to do jerrys at some point

eeeewwwwwwwweeerghhhh! I have never touched a sheath for cleaning, only to check for ticks or deal with ticks and I have dealt with horses all of my life..... I'm not saying you should or shouldn't but I have never had any problems with infections or whatever....I think leave well enough alone as I handle bits enough pre gelding. Only my opinion tho. I have freinds with Stallions who religiously clean pre and post mating for obvious reasons but other than that I don't know anyone personally who cleans for cosmetic or other? Reasons. If you do clean tho all I can say is proceed with caution until your boy is well versed in this handling as I do know some horses resent you touching their bits.
Why do you got to do it?

It is advised to do it to make sure that no grass etc. gets up there and starts an infection - you do not want a horse with a sore sheath! I personally check to see how clean err... it is when they are urinating and if I feel it needs doing I will try deligate to the nearest unlucky new-person-around-horses stating that if they want to 'get on with horses' then they need to learn the not so nice parts too! It never works.
I tend to find that a damp sponge will do the trick but be careful that you use that sponge ONLY for that purpose! There are apparently techniques for drawing it out at other times other than soon after urinating although I have never been of the mind to learn them.

Not the nicest of jobs. Thankfully Willow's never looks too bad, so I leave alone.
There is a lady on our yard who never fails to amaze me. She somehow manages to get it out (sorry not very good at wording this) and she holds it. So he can't draw it back in. She uses a sheath cleaner spray and sponge. Her horse seems to like it too, I think if I tried to do that to Willow, I'd probably get a cow kick or two.
I've seen other people hold a hose there too, not sure if it works.

i'm not sure why you're suppose to do it. All I know is that some people at the barn do and I was a little ashamed to ask them in person with guys around *you know how they can get*. :)

yeah this is something i'm a little worried about. I've been kicked lots of times and i'm not looking for another one. Lol

Ehh its icky I do my horse because he is good about it and doesnt need it done often. Next time the vet is out ask them to do it for you, it doesnt cost that much and it's easier for you but it has to be done its a matter of comfort for the horse.

I think I'll stick to the easy way out and own mares!!

lol mares have there problems too, but I guess their not as nasty problems as this. Lol

Thanx for all of the tips. *i think i'll try the vet!*