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.

So what exactly is a 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.

What Causes the Noise That You Hear?

The simplest answer would be “tension,” and that comes in a variety of 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.

Today’s horses are usually not kept tied in stalls for such long periods, but they may still experience a sense of either physical or mental restriction. You’re more likely to hear the sounds when the horse is feeling anxious, since this usually results in more air being trapped within the sheath.

How Do You Stop or Prevent the Noise?

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

He might be nervous because he’s sensing your tension at horse show, plus there’s extra anxiety for him due to being around horses he doesn’t know, as well as being in a strange and new environment.

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 simplest way to relax a horse is to let him move forward freely with only light contact, making sure that the energy comes from his rear end. Also try moving him through circular patterns, like large loops or serpentines, with regular alterations in pace; make him switch between walk, trot and canter at a constant rate. Another great way to help relieve any stiffness along his back is to post to the trot, then sit out of the saddle during the canter until he has relaxed.

For more advanced riders, you can try asking your horse to lengthen and shorten the stride within each gait, using the driving leg aids to push (but not hurry) into a steady rein contact and always making sure he’s pushing with the hind quarters.

When the noise stops you’ll know your horse is supple and relaxed. Now you can join a horse riding online discussion and tell the other participants how you worked your horse through this issue!

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