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SHEATH CLEANING
First lets discuss a few things that are necessary prior to cleaning your horse's sheath. Lets face it. It’s not the most pleasant experience, but it needs to be done.
What is "smegma"?
Smegma is a collection of dirt and excretions that build up inside the sheath. It is a black, sticky, stinky build up of dirt, sweat and body oils. This is not a job for the faint of heart or the queasy. It is not the most pleasant thing to do, but it is essential. If you don't want to do it yourself have your veterinarian do it for you. It should be done at least every 6 months.
What is a "bean"?
A hard ball of smegma that has collected inside the head of the horse's penis. This lump or "bean" can become quite large. I have removed some as large as a golf ball. It can cause serious pain to your horse. Often a “bean” can becomes so large that the horse can no longer urinate... This can cause a multitude of other problems.
A: The 'bean'.
B: Inside the outer sheath chamber
What cleaning product should you use?
1. Good old fashioned water, elbow grease, and Equiderma Organic Neem Oil Sheath, Udder and Genital Cleanser.
This will gently cut through smegma. You just allow it to sit for 3-5 minutes and the smegma will slide off easily. If your horse is especially dirty allow EQUIDERMA SHEATH, UDDER and GENITAL CLEANER to remain on a little longer. EQUIDERMA is soap free and will rinse easily leaving no residue.
2. You may want to use a latex glove. I prefer a sock turned inside out. It helps to remove the smegma faster. Whichever method you choose lubricate you hand well with EQUIDERMA before you get started. You may have to stop while cleaning to add more EQUIDERMA to your hands or gloves.
How do you get your horse's penis to drop?
1.) This can be tricky. If your horse likes it he’ll drop right away. If he doesn’t he’ll figures out what you’re up to fast and pull it in so tight - like a turtle in a shell- Christopher Columbus couldn’t find it. Not really it’s there, you just have to reach up deep inside the second chamber and to try to coax it out, by grasping the penis gently and easing it out, or you can try rubbing in the area between the sheath and penis to get it to drop. Remember patience is a virtue. If the horse isn’t accustomed to having his sheath cleaned this may take some time.
2.) Sometimes a horse can be violently oppose to having his nether region violated. It’s not worth getting kicked or starting a fight with your horse. Save both yourselves the trauma…. Bring in the big guns and have your veterinarian tranquilize him (veterinary equivalent of a date rape drug). Once tranquilized, the penis becomes relaxed and it will drop on its own (cheater).
| Okay, Lets get started… |
Step 1. |
Roll up your sleeves, and make sure your not wearing your Sunday best. This is a messy business. |
Step 2: |
Assemble your horse, hose, sock, or glove and your EQUIDERMA CLEANSER. If possible use warm water. If you are lucky enough to have gotten your horse to drop his penis for you a cold blast of water (how rude!) will usually send it packing (what man wouldn’t respond this way).
Sometimes warm water is all that is needed to get a shy penis to emerge.
***Use warm water if at all possible.*** |
Step 3: |
Use your hose to get the sheath and its inhabitant wet. If your horse hasn’t dropped turn the hose on semi-slow and insert it inside the sheath chamber. You can still do a decent job even if he hasn’t dropped. It just requires a little more work on your part, and makes the job messier. |
Step 4: |
By now you will know if your horse is going to cooperate or not. If so, stand facing your horse's rear on whatever side you are most comfortable with. Your shoulder and hip should be snug against the horse's thigh and hip so that if he makes any move to kick you’ll know and can back out of the way. In any case you’re so close that all he can do is shove, not really kick. I like to use crossties and an assistant up front if the horse is accustomed to crossties. If not it’s best to enlist the help of a friend to hold him so you can concentrate on the business at hand.
Make sure you have lots of EQUIDERMA on your hand, sock/glove, begin washing the penis. Don’t rush too much , but don’t linger either. This is your shot before it beats a hasty retreat back inside. You’ll feel the smegma and will gently begin to peel it off. Now is the time to check for a “bean”. Gently push back the top of the penis. You’ll see the “bean” and if it isn’t too large and you have enough lube it will slide out with a little help. If it is large you’ll have to get your finger behind it a little and slide/ pull it out with your thumb and forefinger. Remember to rinse really well after this step. |
| Step 5: |
If your horse hasn’t dropped you have only been cleaning the outer part of the sheath, you‘ll have to go deeper. There is a second, secret inner chamber. This may seem daunting but you can do it. You will feel a smaller opening to the chamber beyond. Watching your horse's reaction, gently reach inside and work your fingers back and forth around the sides of it. Gently explore around and slide off the crusty smegma you find there. Use more water and more EQUIDERMA SHEATH, UDDER, and GENITAL CLEANSER as necessary. If you weren’t able to get the “bean” before, now‘s the time to do it. Slide your finger under the small pouch at the top of the penis and behind the bean. Again, if it is small it will slide right out If it is large you’ll have to get your finger behind it a little and slide/ pull it out with your thumb and forefinger. I always feel a great sense of satisfaction after this. |
| Step 6: |
Now all that's left to do is to rinse the area thoroughly. Slide the hose up inside and gently jostle it around until the water runs clear and no more chunks of smegma are coming out. This last step will loosen any pieces left behind… |
| Step 7: |
Good Job!!! You’ve learned another crucial lesson in horse husbandry. Next time your horse drops, be proud of how bright and shiny everything is down there, and know you’ve done a really great thing to ensure his health and comfort. |
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