The bean

[Whatslovegottodo]

Gelding owners unite. So as not to derail the mare thread where this was discussed, do you or do you not clean your geldings sheeth? I have not done my boys 'inside' for a couple 5 years and have never found a bean. He wee's fine and doesn't smell or anything. I read washing can cause irritation and best left but the thread tonight reminded me, do I need to give it another go with the glove and the sheeth wash? I genuinely don't mind he just got all upset last time and he's usually tolerant.

[bimandbam]

Never touched mine boys bits. I suspect he would cave my head if I did.

He is nice and clean when I see it. So am not messing around with it.

[Blacksheep78]

My vet does my boys when they get their teeth done. Apparently there have been cases where the bean can block the urethra (sp) and causes colic-like symptoms from the pain of not being able to wee. "In the wild" it would be cleaned to some extent by serving the mare...

In saying that, my first boy passed away at 37, still looked 10, and never saw a vet or a dentist.

[user1471734618]

leave it alone, it is self cleaning.

[Jacobbay]

Never touch my geldings. They look fine. Are always hanging out especially in this weather.

[Gabilan]

I am talking about my horse by the way.

[Gabilan]

I don't clean. 25 years ago when training for BHS exams I was told that cleaning should be part of a weekly routine. But since then vets have told me that if it looks ok, leave it alone. I keep an eye on things - when his willy's out I check it looks clean and doesn't smell bad - but otherwise I leave well enough alone. Thus far it hasn't been a problem.

[Rollingdinosaur]

I had a gelding on loan for 3 years until last month, and I have to confess I never touched his bits. It all looked fine and didn't smell. I always felt vaguely guilty for not doing any cleaning, so I am glad to see others saying they haven't.

[frostyfingers]

I've always owned geldings and never touched their bits at all. I asked the vet a while ago (quite an old fashioned type) and he said there was no need to interfere - so I don't!

[Whatslovegottodo]

I wonder if it is more something that was done in the past. I have to say the pictures on the inter web of the said 'bean' were pretty disgusting but I wonder if it's best just left as nature intended. Glad to hear you do the same, I have distant memories of riding school instructor giving us the job as children wouldn't happen today am sure!!

[bandito]

I was eye-ing up DHorse's this afternoon as he had it all hanging out and there were flies and it did not look too nice. However, it's not bothering him, he doesn't smell etc. and a more experienced friend told me that once you start, you have to keep cleaning it and it was best to leave well alone unless the vet had advised so I've not gone there. She's never touched any of her geldings' sheaths and she's had horses for years with no problems there.