09/19/2026
GELDING OWNERS — THIS ONE’S FOR YOU 🐴
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t always get talked about enough: sheath care.
Yes… your gelding needs his sheath checked and cleaned, too. 👀
Over time, dirt, sweat, oils, dead skin and other debris can build up in the sheath. Some geldings also develop a “bean” .. a firm accumulation of debris that can form in the urethral fossa at the end of the p***s.
That buildup can become uncomfortable and, in some cases, interfere with normal urination.
🚨 Signs your gelding may need attention can include:
• Excessive licking or rubbing
• Swishing his tail more than usual
• Difficulty or discomfort urinating
• Acting uncomfortable when moving or being ridden
• Dropping his p***s frequently
• Swelling, odor, discharge or obvious irritation
But here’s the important part: not every gelding needs the same cleaning schedule. Some require more frequent attention than others, and over-cleaning or aggressive scrubbing can also irritate the sensitive tissue.
If you’re not comfortable doing sheath care yourself, have your veterinarian show you how or perform it for you. Sedation may be appropriate for some horses, especially if a thorough cleaning or bean removal is needed.
As horse owners, we spend so much time checking legs, feet, teeth, backs and everything else don’t forget this area just because it’s not something we see every day.
Your horse can’t tell you something is bothering him. It’s our job to pay attention. 🤎
— River Equine Wellness
100% for the horse.
