I work for a vet & I have to clean sheaths A LOT ! You don't have to use gloves if you don't want to, I find its easier without. Just get a bucket of warm water & mix some dish soap in. Sometimes I will wipe around up their with damp paper towels too...you also have to make sure to get the bean, it will be a different color, usually grey. If you don't know what that is look it up online ! Also if your horse is bad you can drug them or just clean down there when they get their teeth done