[Alfie92]

Im having trouble cleaning my horses sheath. Hes only 9 months old so he isnt exactly used to it beeing handled. When i do touch it, it feels quite dirty. I realy dont want it to got infected. I cant wash it with anything coz he doest stand still long enuf for me to wash it back off. Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Saranda]

Get him used to let it be handled. There's no other way. Take baby steps. Try approach&retreat with touching him on a daily basis. Wait for positive response, be patient, don't even try to rush or put on too much pressure, because it is a very intimate spot and the horse has to trust you completely to let you do the cleaning.

When I got my now just 6yo gelding, I soon realized that his sheath hadn't been cleaned EVER. In his 6 years of life. It took me several months, until he started letting me touch the outside of his sheath and his "thing", but going any further meant kicking, so we had to sedate him (under the supervision of a vet) to clean him and get the bean out. He had started developing unirary problems because of it, but now he's getting better and it seems that he has finally understood that sheath cleaning can be pleasant and is beneficial to him.

 

[Alfie92]

He does let me touch it for a few seconds but then he starts getting fidgity. I do handle it everyday (well try to). I just realy dont want it to get infected. How long will it take to start getting an infection if hes still not letting me clean it ? Im going to be having him gelded soon when his balls decide to come down compleatly. So when the vet comes out il ask her to give it a good clean then

 

[Saranda]

My gelding lived for 6 years, as I mentioned before, without infections. Maybe he's just lucky, so maybe you should consult a vet and let somebody professional see his sheath - and I see you're going to do so, so I think there's no reason to be to worried about it.

Anyway, it's a good start if he lets you touch him for a few seconds. Do so, then praise him extensively. Do it several times a day, try slowly increasing the time for a second or two, then praise, praise, praise. Stay relaxed yourself.

 

[Alfie92]

Until a few weeks ago he wouldnt let me touch it what so ever. He wouldnt even let me touch under his belly but the belly thing isnt a problem anymore. So we have come a long way so far. Hes picking things up pretty fast Hopefully soon hel be fine with me handling it for a what not just a few seconds. Il keep working on it.

Thanks for the help!

 

[eventerdrew]

I've always had to knock mine out with happy pills lol

 

[Saranda]

Good luck with it, Alfie! Having a horse that is completely comfortable with people cleaning his sheath is really valuable. I actually know a couple of geldings, who really, REALLY enjoy this procedure. Which sometimes makes their owners uncomfortable.

 

[franknbeans]

Get him used to it gradually. I think you are way too worried about this. He is VERY young and he needs to get used to being handled ALL OVER, not just there. Besides-the vet can clean it when they sedate him for gelding. My old guy didn't get used to it for years, and he is fine. Infection is not the main worry-it is the development of a bean that is, and as long as he is peeing fine, not to worry.

 

[MHFoundation Quarters]

I agree with others, get him used to it gradually. I use a sponge on a dowel rod to get them used to the idea. Just cut a small slit in the end of the sponge and insert the dowel. Gives you a bit of extra distance and after they've accepted the touching you can add the water element without having to go elbow deep and take the chance of getting kicked.

 

[Alfie92]

Thanks for your help guys, I think i am over thinking things.. Il just be verrrrrryy patient and se how we get on with things