Frequently Asked Questions

What is your training method?

At Ginny Mckenzie Equine we focus on making a happy horse and rider partnership. It all starts from on the ground then progress on to ridden work
Each training program is created to suit each individual horse and rider

Sheath Cleaning

Why sheath clean?

The pros of sheath cleaning are:

To allow for the removal of hard and sharp smegma that can be uncomfortable for some horses.

To check for any ‘beans’ and the safe extraction of the beans.

It is an opportunity to do a health check of the sheath and penis, making sure there are no abnormalities such as penile cancers.

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Why do horses get a bean?

In the relaxed, i.e., non-erect state, the horse's penis normally remains within its protective sheath where it is held in place by muscles. When these muscles relax and/or the penis fills with blood and becomes erect, it becomes exposed. At the tip of the penis (the glans) is the opening of the urethra. This is surrounded by a deep 'pocket', or fossa. Apart from the glans, that is covered by a thin sensitive membrane, the rest of the penis (shaft) is covered by smooth, supple, well-oiled skin, much of which is normally folded within the prepuce. Debris from the normal secretions of the skin glands and normally dying cells from the surface of the skin within the sheath may accumulate in these folds and in the urethral fossa and sinus. This accumulation of waxy material is called 'smegma'. It may be black, grey or cream colored in normal horses and has a slightly greasy feel. It occasionally forms into bean-shaped lumps that lodge in the urethral fossa and sinus. Some horses produce very little smegma whereas others produce large quantities. In such horses, smegma can often be seen staining the opening of the sheath and on the inside of the thighs and hocks.

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What is a bean?

A bean is a hard mass of skin cells, fat cells, dust and urine that collects at the tip of the horse’s penis, in a small pocket just above the urethra (the horse’s urinary tract). This small pocket is known as the Urethral fossa.

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What are the symptoms a gelding can have?

If you suspect your horse has one, look out for symptoms including, but not limited to:

A swollen sheath

Tail rubbing

Kicking up at the sheath

Bucking when ridden

Feeling “stuffy” from behind

Behavioral changes

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What happens to horses who never have their sheath cleaned?

Some horses can go through life without a sheath clean and not show any signs of discomfort. What they do is compensate for the discomfort, because horses still have that survival instinct, even though ours are domesticated. In the wild, the weakest would be eaten, so they have to show they are strong.

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Can mares be affected by beans?

Yes, mares can get beans too. These are located at the bottom of her vulva, in between the creases. It’s good practice to routinely clean in between and around their teats as well, removing any hard, waxy build-up. This also gives you an opportunity to check for any abnormalities. As humans, we check ourselves regularly for any lumps and bumps, so it’s worth familiarizing yourself with your female horse and what’s normal for her.

I recommend mares be seen by a vet and the bean be removed while the horse is sedated.

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I take my time during the process to make sure the horse is happy.

I don't normally sedate the horses unless they are showing signs that they are really unhappy

Our Number priority is making sure that the horse, owner and myself stay safe.

If you think you horse may not be happy with the Sheath Cleaning being done without sedation, for safety purposes I need to know beforehand.