Why choose Harris Equine?
Harris Equine is the longest standing professional sheath cleaning provider in Scotland.
Harris Equine holds the very best comprehensive insurance with KBIS which is specifically tailored for the provision of Equine Intimate health services.
We hold a specialist insurance (developed & approved by specific underwriters) not simply standard grooms insurance. This includes additional cover for care custody and control - meaning we are fully insured to work without individual owners present if required.
We are also proud members of the British Grooms Association!
Veterinary collaboration is key
At Harris Equine, our aim is to provide the most efficient and professional service.
As a responsible provider of sheath cleaning and equine intimate health services, we will never diagnose any animal and are happy to liaise with individual veterinary practices with our findings in order for them to complete further inspection and diagnosis if required.
Positive experience is paramount
More than cleaning.
Our level of experience is second to none and we place focus on every experience between horse and human being a positive one.
We are happy to work with clients horses on a regular ongoing basis for desensitisation. We use humane, positive distraction methods but are also happy to work with pre-sedated horses if you feel this is required.
Client Reviews
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Client Reviews • • •
“Stacy came to visit my boy Captain for the first time today!
What an amazing service she offers.
Explained everything that she was going to do, took her time with Captain to let him get use to it and did an amazing job and great banter to go along with it!
Thankyou very much!”
“I am a returning customer of Stacy, she does such a professional job. I was worried that one of our horses would be super sensitive and difficult to work with but Stacy was so calm in her approach, he relaxed and stood very well. Stacy also takes the time to explain the procedure. Absolutely would use her again, credit where credit is due as this lady knows her job 👌🏼.”
“Stacy has such a lovely manner around horses and managed to clean all four of mine in no time including my yearling who seemed to quite enjoy the whole thing 🙈🤣 the mini Shetland gave her more grief which she took in her stride. Would definitely recommend her to anybody. Lovely lady ”
“Stacy is very gentle and my old boy was totally relaxed, so much better than having to be sedated by the vet. He has Cushings, so is more “gunky” than most, Stacy took all the time needed to get him clean and comfortable. Will absolutely be a regular customer.”
“Stacy regularly visits Baitlaw Livery yard to tend to lots of our geldings. The horses are always super relaxed in her presence and I’d highly recommend her. I’m sure If the horses could talk they’d recommend her as well 😉
10/10 for reliability and friendly service.”
“very professional... fantastic with the horses .... even my naughty ones knew she knew 😏 what she was doing .... explained and showed me loads I even learned something... always happy with that ... boys so much happier 💙... no sedation required. ... highly appreciate xx”
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 or trained by her.
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 and suitable to do so.
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.
Cloths are single use & disposed of after each equine.
We maintain biosecurity to the highest standards.
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.