Many riders who have a gelding (or stallion) will have heard a disconcerting sound from the sheath area while riding, especially during trotting exercises. A quick look at the horse riding online discussions groups show that this is a common occurrence.

What Exactly Is The Sheath?

This is simply the skin layer that protects the horse’s penis; the length that the gelding or stallion has retracted his penis will determine how much air is trapped inside the sheath.

Why Does the Sheath Make a Noise?

The simple answer is ‘tension,’ which comes in different forms.

Most sheath noises are caused by a stiff rear end. Imagine having to stand for hours or even days on end in the same stall as was common in years gone by, and you can understand why the hindquarters would become stiff.

In today’s modern world it now is caused by the horse’s feelings of restriction - be they psychological or physical. As the stallion (or gelding) becomes more anxious, the more air that becomes trapped inside the sheath and results in the loud noises emitting when he moves.

How Does One Prevent Or Stop This Noise?

Since this noise is brought on by anxiety, the first step is to find a way to relax your gelding.

Horses are very sensitive to their riders, so if you’re feeling tense, perhaps because you’re preparing to show, then he’ll pick up on that; new surroundings or unfamiliar horses can also create tension.

Even your style of riding may lead to tension and anxiety. This is the most likely cause for those who are just beginning as horseback riders. Step back and look at your performance - are you using your aids too strongly or are you asking your mount to perform tasks he isn’t comfortable with yet?

The way to relax him is to drive him freely forwards on a light contact, asking for energy from his hind end. Ride large loops, serpentines and circles, with frequent transitions between walk, trot and canter. Post to the trot and sit out of the saddle in canter to relieve his back until he relaxes and can carry you with no stiffness in his spine.

If you’re know you have advanced enough in your riding to be able to ask for shortening and then lengthening within the gaits, do so while you create engagement of his hind quarters with your leg aids pushing (but not hurrying) him into that steady rein contact.

You’ll know that your horse has become both relaxed and supple when the noises cease. With this experience you’ll be able to enter a horse riding online discussion and share with other riders how you and your horse were able to work through this situation!

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Tags: Horses