Perhaps the most distasteful grooming chore of all to most people is cleaning the horse's private parts. Regardless of the sex of your horse, it's a task that needs to be done, not necessarily on a daily basis, but at least from time to time. It is, however, a task that needs to be approached with great caution, as some horses don't like being touched in their tender areas and will kick you if you try. Part of every foal's early training should include being touched in these areas so that they become accustomed to it. However, if you don't know how your horse will react or if you don't feel safe in cleaning your horse's privates, ask your veterinarian or a more experienced horse person to assist you the first time.

Mares especially need to become accustomed to having their udders cleaned. You don't want them to be so touchy in that area that they won't allow a foal to nurse. Some mares are more sensitive about it when they are in heat. If you neglect cleaning in this area, a waxy substance can build up between the teats that can be irritating and unsanitary to both mare and foal. After your rides, make it a practice to either hose off her udder and backside with lukewarm water or wipe the sweat away with a clean, dry towel. Don't use the soiled towel on other areas of the body.

The sheath houses and protects the penis in stallions and geldings. If it isn't cleaned from time to time, a nasty, smelly, black cheesy substance called smegma builds up and can cause considerable discomfort. If the accumulation is significant, the sheath may become sore and swollen, and the horse will be unable to let down his penis to urinate. To clean the sheath, wear gloves, and soak a sponge in mild soapy warm water. Stick your hand and the sponge into the sheath and clean it. Obviously, this puts you in a very vulnerable position to be kicked if the horse decides to be uncooperative. Some horses simply won't tolerate this and need to be restrained or sedated for the procedure. That's why many people ask their veterinarian to do it during routine visits.