How to Quickly Identify the Sex of a Horse

The sheath of some male horses is easily seen from afar.

Identifying the sex of a horse is necessary to ensure you do not put a stallion and a mare together when you are not prepared for the outcome of the mating. If you can determine the sex of a horse quickly, you do not put yourself at risk while separating an unbroken herd of horses. You should be able to quickly determine the sex of a horse from a distance once you know how to determine the difference between the sexes.

Instructions

1. Crouch down low enough that you can see underneath the horse. If you are not behind a fence, make sure you do not get behind the horse.

2. Look at the spot where the horse's underbelly raises up to the hind legs. You must have a clear view of this spot, if you don't adjust your position for a better view.

3. See if the horse has a sheath. You can not see the horse's penis under normal circumstances, but if the horse is male you will see the covering of the penis, or sheath. A female horse will not have a sheath.

Tips & Warnings

• A horse with no testicles has been castrated and is called a gelding. A horse with testicles is a stud or stallion.

References

• HorseMenOnline.com: Sheath Cleaning Male Horses: You're Going to Clean What?