How to Clean the Sheath of a Horse

The sheath of a horse is the tube of skin that protects the horse's penis. A male stallion or gelding needs this cleaned every few months, because dirt and dead skin cells can build up and cause an infection. Read on to learn about how to clean the sheath of a horse.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket
  • Water
  • Towel
  • Hose
  • Rubber gloves
  • Socks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a day to do this cleaning when your horse is tired or relaxed enough that he will not end up kicking you or running away. Sometimes it helps to ride him a little first to get him tired.

    • 2

      Fill a bucket with warm water. Put rubber gloves on your hands and wet a long sock with the warm water. Do not use soap because soap can kill the natural organisms that prevent infection. Put the wet sock over your left hand, which should have a rubber glove over it.

    • 3

      Approach the horse in a calm manner. Talk to him in a relaxed voice and gently place your right hand on his back. Let your left hand slowly slide down until you are underneath him. Keep your eyes on his feet and your head away from his belly. It's most likely that he will kick his belly because you are moving around and near that area.

    • 4

      Keep your left hand firm against him and begin washing the sheath inside and out. Make sure to get out all the pieces of smegma (dirt, oil, dead skin cells, etc.). Rinse the sock every so often and continue cleaning out the sheath.

    • 5

      Look for a ball of smegma at the end of the horse's penis. Debris can build up here and cause problems with urination. Remove this by rolling it out of the penis in a gentle motion.

    • 6

      Use a hose on low power with warm water to rinse off the sheath. Some horses will allow you to insert the hose two or three inches into the sheath, but be careful.