MY GELDING IS SQUEAKING!!! Sheathe cleaning anyone?!?

Question

My 4yr old paint gelding is squeaking. I know it means he needs his sheathe cleaned, but I clean it and it doesnt work. I don't know if there is a special way to clean him or what. I asked my vet and he just told me to put the hose down there next time I give him a bath. That didnt work. HELP!! I'm used to mares!!!!!

Answer 1

My old trainer told me that it was the gelding's weiner(sorry for the term, it felt odd to put the right term lol) going in and out of the sheath when he's trotting. Not sure if that's really correct or not, just what she told me.

Answer 2

Contrary to popular belief, a squeaky sheath does NOT necessarily mean it needs cleaned out.  As you've discovered, even a clean sheath will squeak..it's more because of an air pocket..basically when they move (usually trotting), the, um, weenie creates suction in the sheath because of the movement, which then causes the sound you hear.

edit: the noise is also not caused just because he's a gelding.  Stallions can do it too..I've heard it.

Answer 3

What do you mean by squeaking? Some geldings bits do make noise but it doesn't necessarily mean it is dirty! My boy's is all clean but still makes noise especially when I'm schooling him! Must be due to all the bouncing and dangly bits bobbing around!! lol

Answer 4

First, to American... you are lucky that your horse hasn't turned out to be allergic to the Ivory soap you are using- a lot of horses are, and so are some people I know. Second, using a cold water hose on a horse's sheath is just ASKING FOR TROUBLE. There are a LOT OF GELDINGS WHICH WILL OBJECT, often violently, to your doing this- and you and some of the others here are lucky you haven't been kicked in the head or face up till now. I have worked with several of them, so I know what I am talking about.

To the asker: the "squeaking" you are talking about is a normal sound which is produced by ALL geldings and stallions, even when they are clean. It is caused by the horse's p***s moving around in the sheath when the animal trots- this causes the air to move in an irregular pattern, which in turn causes the sound. I worked on a breeding farm where there were as many as 5 stallions standing at stud, and without exception, every one of them made that sound when they worked, even during the breeding season when they were cleaned every day. So I know it's normal, and it's not necessarily a sign that a horse needs cleaning. Another point to keep in mind is that too much cleaning down there destroys the natural oils which keep the skin healthy- and this can lead to serious infections, particularly in breeding stallions. Most of the time, geldings normally only need cleaning once or twice each year- any more often than this, and you risk infection. You need to use a product which is made for this purpose, such as Excalibur, and use WARM WATER. Either wear gloves when you do this, or make sure you have removed any jewelry which can scratch the horse before you start if you do this bare handed. Some horses need to be tranquilized for this procedure- I have worked with a few of them. It's better to let the drug take effect before you start, or you will spend most of your time trying to keep from getting kicked.

I hope this helps you out. I don't think your horse needs cleaning- he sounds like a normal gelding to me. Our geldings do this all the time when they trot- and it doesn't mean anything. Good luck.

Answer 5

Just stick the hose up inside his sheath and put your hand up there and start pulling all the loose stuff off and out...Don't be afraid to SPRAY up there.  Do that until there's NOTHING left to peel off.

Answer 6

I agree that your gelding's sheath does need cleaning with the product that is designed just for that, Excaliber, you can buy it at about any tack or farm supply store.   it takes patience, it really isn't that big of a deal, but that isn't what is making that sound...it is indeed the in and out motion of the shaft of the p***s, and usually, it's because the gelding is quite relaxed, too relaxed in fact.  You have seen geldings see you coming with hay or just standing around "relaxing"...that is what is going on...if you will wake your horse up, get him a little more collected as you work with him, I promise you, it will help..it not only squeaks, but sounds like air being displaced or something...but try what I mentioned, it will help quite a bit.

Answer 7

I would use Excaliber solution instead of anything else.  They sell it at every tack shop.  I've had geldings for years and only one of them had a similar problem.  

The microorganisms, as most call "smegma" -- that black gunk that collects up there must be done away with.  So just using a hose in that area won't work.  It's a little daunting at first esp if you have only dealt with mares, but get some thin rubber gloves that cover part of your arm too and use the excaliber and water and a sponge.  Be sure to rinse the area out throughly.  The squeaking should stop soon after and he will feel much better.  

Some people at the barn think that any old soap like dove or dial works, but they dont realize the same effect that soap has on dishes, it has on horses -- Dishes squeak when they are washed.  

Hope this helps and good luck with your gelding!

Answer 8

A noicse from does NOT mean he needs to be cleaned!! You geld should be cleaned 2-3 times a year!!! THAT IS IT!!!! You will cause more problems if cleaned toooo much!!!!& You clean with a hose. Yes, you put the hose up there & wash. Not hard pressured water. That noise is from them being gelded!!!! It is NORMAL!!!!!!!!! I have over 10 gelds!!!! Stop cleaning the poor guy, so much!!!

****edit****

I use baby soap or Ivory. I do not use Excaliber, it cost more & the other 2 work just as good!!!!

What do you think people used be for Excaliber was made....

Answer 9

If he's a pudgy boy it could jut be his belly jiggling. I know a couple of ours do. It's like when you run after drinking water and you can here it slosh.

Answer 10

umm, "putting the hose down there" won't do it! You need to actually get up in there, which your horse may or may not appreciate. I'd ask the vet to show you how its done, we usually have ours done when they get their teeth done, as they're already tranquilized.

This is a great "how to" guide for sheath cleaning - http://jmatt.net/ElecEq/sheath.html