I'd usually reach up and stick two or three fingers into the sheath to see if anything was crusty. I'd do this once a year at least, just to make sure.

I don't know. Sheath cleaning has always been a part of owning a gelding to me. Much like cleaning a mare's teets. If it's crusty, clean it. Once a year is usually good enough regardless of problems. There can't be a problem if you prevent it.

I knew a very shy, withdrawn horse who panicked if anyone but me held or lead him (he got over that) but I had someone hold him for his sheath cleaning day. First time in 15 years he had it done. I looked up because the handler was laughing, and he had his neck stretched out as far as it would go, and he was making "GOD, that feels GOOD!" faces at the world. One of the first expressions besides fear that we saw from him!

I've done it with or without Excalibur, but subbed a mild soap for it. With or without gloves...you just get used to the fact that your fingers will collect nasty stuff. You shrug. Reach your whole arm up in there.Wash your hands. Eat your lunch afterwards anyways. Its a part of grooming and I think it should be checked for and done at least once a year, depending.

I never once had the priveledge of getting a horse to drop for me. It wasn't too important to the task. Just easier, so I've heard.