Two new bodies set up to oversee equine sheath-cleaning

Two new bodies have been created to offer training and set standards in the area of equine genital hygiene.

British Equine Hygienists Association (BEHA) is a group of “independent sheath cleaners and mare hygienists, who have come together to launch the equine industry’s first-ever association of recognised professionals here in the UK and Ireland with the purpose of setting industry standards and best practice under one governing body”. The Equine Intimate Health Federation is offering a diploma in equine intimate health, and membership for which practitioners have to be qualified and insured, and agree to adhere to best-practice guidelines.

“If the horse has a medical history and clinical signs that warrant the penis and sheath being examined and/or cleaned, we would advise this is done under the direction of a vet to make sure there is a medical need for what is being done. If the balance of normal bacterial flora is disturbed, it can be difficult to correct this, so it is best not to interfere with these delicate areas unless it’s necessary.”

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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.

Two new bodies set up to oversee equine sheath-cleaning

Stacy Harris, co-director of Harris Equine Intimate Health Specialists who founded the federation, told H&H she has been in the industry nearly 10 years and was concerned about the varying levels of knowledge, standards and even products used by practitioners.

“I think it’s really important there’s standardised practice,” she said. “I think there needs to be a bit more regulation and inclusivity. There hasn’t been any training; anyone can pick up a cloth and set up business on people’s horses.”

“I want to make sure everyone has that level of knowledge and those standards,” she said. “A lot of us have been trying to convince the public and vets and I think we’re getting there, and this is the next step.”

BEHA hygienist Allie Macleod told H&H the association’s aim is to set standards and best practice. It is to launch accredited CPD courses for experienced practitioners this year.

She said she was also aware of concerning variations in practice and hygiene.

“Some uphold really high standards but others don’t seem aware of the importance of being a hygienic hygienist, or what best practice is,” she said.

Miss Macleod said it is early days but the aim is for every “territory” of the UK to have a BEHA-registered member who is experienced and insured, and has been “vetted” by the association.

“The importance of [equine intimate hygiene] is starting to take hold so we need to give it a bit of structure,” she said.

BEVA veterinary projects officer Lucy Grieve advised that sheaths should not be cleaned unless there is a clinical problem.

“But do check them when the opportunity arises,” she said. “To carry out a thorough examination you need to sedate most horses, otherwise you can cause damage to the penis and there is also risk of injury for the person.

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