Frequently Asked Questions
In the wild, horses tend to self clean as they service mares.
In a domestic environment, horses are often gelded. This means the natural secretions build up over long periods of time.
Health check - SCC, EPV, Thrush
Direct link between smegma and cancer
Improve comfort and performance
Decrease fly attraction
Decrease the likeliness of developing fly strike
Reduce swelling and/or irritation
Many owners may simply be unaware of what to look for when sheath cleaning. Our role is to educate owners (if they wish) whilst cleaning to further decrease the likeliness of abnormalities going unnoticed between cleans.
Up until 2023 there were no official training or qualifications.
In 2023 we (Harris Equine) launched our accredited training and certification which has been professionally verified (including all content). It is regulated and accredited by UK Rural Skills.
Therefore when you book Harris Equine to provide your intimate health check you are receiving a service by a fully competent individual who is approved as an instructor to teach others within the industry.
We are also long standing members of the British Grooms Association - a certified freelancer.
It is illegal for anyone who is not a registered veterinarian to intravenously sedate horses.
We comply fully with the veterinary surgeons act 1966 which insists that only registered veterinary surgeons (or students under supervision) may administer intravenous sedation.
Owners are welcome to administer oral sedatives of their own accord without our insistence or recommendation.
You are advised to attain sedation (if you wish) from your usual veterinarian who will be best placed to ensure your horse is healthy.
We never insist on horses being sedated and 99% of horses are able to be cleaned whilst fully awake/alert and un-sedated using positive reinforcement methods.
We understand that like humans, horses have their own sensitivities and therefore we only use water based lubricant.
Our lubricant has been approved as safe to use for AI and internal use by veterinarians and other professionals.
We do not use mainstream sheath cleaning products or baby oil.
We only use 100% horse safe products.
Using the correct products decreases the likelihood of horses developing thrush, PH imbalances and infections.
Always ensure your provider is using products designed and clinically proven as safe to use.
Individualised cleaning schedules - tailored to suit the individual horse(s)
As part of our commitment to safe practice and compliance with ‘The Equine Intimate Health Federation’ guidelines, we do not provide a blanket approach on how often a horse should be cleaned and checked.
Most owners choose to book the service once or twice per year.
By cleaning the horse every 6-12 months we are more likely to identify any abnormalities before they progress to a severe stage. Should we detect any abnormalities we always advise an immediate veterinary referral for further inspection and diagnosis.
(We do not diagnose horses in compliance with the veterinary surgeons act 1966)
We do not recommend more regular cleaning unless under the recommendation of a veterinary surgeon for medical reasons.
The Equine Intimate Health Federation is a global industry body helping to regulate sheath cleaning and equine intimate health providers.
All approved Members:
Hold a certificate of competence
Have completed the required industry accredited training.
Must provide annual insurance certificates
Agree to comply with industry best practice guidelines
Agree to fully comply with the veterinary surgeons act 1966
By ensuring you use a registered and approved member of the equine intimate health federation you can help ensure the service provider you choose has the required knowledge to identify any abnormalities and understands their legal requirements in relation to the veterinary surgeons act 1966.