If you are reading this, then I'm assuming you know what a gelding is. However, if you've always owned mares or have been lucky enough to have "clean" geldings, then here is a tip you may not know when it comes to geldings--

     When you first vet your new gelding, have his sheath cleaned. There are products on the market for "do-it-yourselfers", but personally, I recommend having the procedure done by an expert. There's more to it than just applying the cleaning gel!

     First of all, the vet will administer a sedative which will cause him to "drop". This also ensures that even the "touchiest" horse will allow the vet to do his/her job. He/she will feel around the tip of the penis where there is an opening for the urethra. Surrounding the urethra is a pouch in which smegma can accumulate and harden forming hard little balls called "beans". You guessed it......beans are usually about the same size and shape of kidney beans. In the worst case scenerio, beans can put pressure on the urethra, make it uncomfortable for a horse to drop, and make urination difficult.

     It didn't take long for me to find that the gelding I now own usually needs house cleaning twice a year. I have it done routinely, but twice I knew it was time because his sheath became a bit swollen. His record was 6 beans at one time. Last week's visit only produced 5. I find this trivia important to keep track of!!!