How to Teach a Stallion to Drop for Cleaning

A stallion will naturally drop when he is relaxed and happy. Moderate exercise and grooming results in a cooperative horse. Although he may need to be tranquilized to drop, it is imperative to clean the sheath, remove smegma or the "bean." An unclean sheath can result in the horse not dropping completely. The sheath is the folding of skin that encloses the penis and should be cleaned every three to six months. Cleaning too often will disrupt the horse's balance of healthy bacteria. Smegma is a normal, waxy substance that surrounds the penis consisting of dirt, natural secretions and dead skin. The "bean" is a waxy substance that has formed into a ball near the top of the horse's penis and must be removed.

Things You'll Need

  • Warm water
  • Disposable gloves
  • Rolled sheet cotton
  • Clean sock
  • Mild soap or sheath cleaner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Desensitize the horse by occasionally touching his flanks and getting him used to you being around his back side. Touch the sheath and spray water on it with a hose.

    • 2

      Move the horse to a quiet area or wash stall immediately after riding. Put on the disposable gloves and groom the horse gently, concentrating on the flank area and touching the sheath. He may begin to drop and retract, until fully extended. If the horse will not drop, gently reach inside the sheath and pull it down lightly.

    • 3

      Inspect the sheath, checking for sores or lesions, which could be infectious or cancerous, and call your vet immediately if you find them. Some infections can be an indicator of congestive heart failure in older horses.

    • 4

      Apply one to two tablespoons of mild soap or sheath cleaner to the palm of your hand. Using the sock, scrub inside the sheath gently. Allow the substance to sit for five minutes. Pick out the smegma and debris. Clean from the base of the sheath down to the tip of the penis, using additional cleaner if needed.

    • 5

      Apply one to two tablespoons of mild soap or sheath cleaner to the palm of your hand. Using the sock, scrub inside the sheath gently. Allow the substance to sit for five minutes. Pick out the smegma and debris. Clean from the base of the sheath down to the tip of the penis, using additional cleaner if needed.

    • 6

      Roll the skin back from the head of the penis and remove the "bean," which will be near the tip and at the center. Remove the bean gently, giving some release as you work. If the bean is large, break it up into smaller pieces.

    • 7

      Rinse the sheath with warm water or a hose, using a low to moderate flow. Start at his feet and gradually move up, spraying his belly, his groin area and then the sheath.

    • 8

      Praise your horse and give him his favorite treat.