>>19833507What is a bean in a horses sheath?
The ‘bean’ is the common name for a collection of smegma in the tip of the horse’s penis. The tube that the urine passes through is called the urethra and just above the urethra is a pocket of space called the urethral fossa and this is where the build-up of dirt and grime happens, which results in hardened ‘beans’. When the beans get so big, they interfere with the horse’s ability to pass urine properly, which can lead to all sorts of infections and kidney problems. Generally, when horses have severe beans, they will be in obvious discomfort.
Why is it important to clean your horse’s sheath?
Every male horse will get beans and a build-up of smegma, due to the inevitable build-up of grime. Having beans will cause your horse discomfort, a bit like walking with a stone constantly in your shoe. The signs that your horse needs his sheath cleaned include having problems passing urine and you will visibly see a build-up of smegma on the outside of the penis. Most horse owners will also be able to feel the beans, although it is harder to remove them.
How often should I clean my horse's sheath?
Your horse's sheath has a population of "friendly" microorganisms that help maintain a healthy balance within. If you clean it too frequently, you'll kill these microorganisms, disrupting this balance—and your horse's sheath is likely to get even dirtier. It's best to clean his sheath every 6 to 12 months
