I cleaned my gelding's sheath yesterday and worked for over 30 minutes to soften and remove a giant, rock hard bean that had embedded itself. When I showed it to friends, everyone said that they intended to run home and clean their geldings' sheaths. That's a good thing. I haven't had my new horse very long and had just gotten around to the hygiene stuff - People forget things that aren't obvious. And I'll need to check him often just in case he forms these beans in a short span of time. Lots of horses do! The difficult thing out here is how many Veterinarians discount this sheath cleaning business. They have told many of my students that it isn't necessary... hmmm. My horse might disagree. I am certain that he is more comfortable and, truly, this may have prevented infection, blockage or even cancer. I think it's necessary. Maybe some Vets don't want to have to do it, especially on undisciplined horses. Here is where one of my most important theories holds true - We MUST accustom our horses to as many things as we can - in a loving, patient way. If they end up in a different home some day, a new human might become brutal with a horse who does not have what are considered basic manners and experiences. We have to give our horses the kind of education that keeps them safe and healthy!
