How to Wash a Stallion's or Gelding's Sheath

Washing a gelding's or stallion's sheath is necessary about twice a year. Dirt collects above the penis opening, blocking the urethra. This can make urination difficult. Sometimes a horse will be made so uncomfortable by a dirty penis he will kick at his belly or rub his tail against the wall.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Tube Sock
• Blankets
• Garden Hoses And Attachments
• Pail
• Mild Soap
• Rubber Gloves
• Horse Shampoo
• Sweat Scrapers

1. Wait until the horse is relaxed so that he will let his penis hang down from his penile sheath. The best time is usually after a workout.

2. Wear rubber gloves. If you don't, the smell from a dirty shaft will cling to your hands long after you are done washing it.

3. Check the horse's penis for dirt. Look for black greasy material - called smegma - and flakes of dead skin.

4. Mix up a fresh pail of warm soapy water. Ivory soap is best.

5. Put your gloved hand into a clean tube sock.

6. Apply the soapy water to the shaft with the tube sock.

7. Scrub, when necessary. Smegma can accumulate in the folds of the penis and be difficult to remove. Even when scrubbing, always be gentle.

8. Rinse away all traces of the soapy water. Any soap residue left can cause severe shaft irritation.

9. Avoid washing the shaft too often. One or twice a year is usually often enough.

Tips & Warnings

• Reapply fly repellents after washing a horse.

• Horses should be washed when they are muddy or sweaty. But washing them should not be used as an alternative to grooming them. Grooming stimulates hair growth and oil production. Washing only cleans the skin.

• Use a garden hose set on low pressure to rinse the shaft. Using lukewarm water is best. If you can hook your hose up to a utility sink or laundry tub faucet and mix cold and hot water together, the horse will be grateful. You are rinsing a very sensitive organ.

• The first few times you try to wash your horse's shaft, he may kick. Be careful where you stand and pay attention to your horse's body language. Usually, after you've washed the shaft once or twice, the horse will enjoy the procedure and will relax while you are doing it.

• Washing too frequently removes the natural oils from the horse's skin and changes the skin's natural acidity. Don't over-wash.