To geld or not to geld, that is the question
Apr 25th, 2008 by Carolyn Resnick Method
Hello. Time for another question. This one is from Jackie in New Mexico who wrote:
I have just started working with horses and have two colts both going on one year. I have had them about eight months. I am told by most everyone I talk to that I would not be able to work with this horse if I do not get him gelded. I do not want to get him gelded but will it be that hard if I don’t get him gelded?
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Dear Jackie
There are four reasons why you would geld:
1) It can be inhumane to leave some horses as stallions because living by our standards can be abusive without our even realizing the unfair lifestyle we expect them to tolerate. For example, some stallions cannot accept not having their freedom to do as they would choose. Some can be highly aggressive and you can’t get their attention on anything but what they want to focus on. If you have a stallion with a super aggressive nature, in time he will become more than you can handle.
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I have a beautiful stud colt with great blood lines and manners. I am no facing the dilemma of whether to geld him or ideally have a vasectomy! I want him to live freely in the herd without producing more babies.
I wonder how complicated this is?? Could a regular vet perform this? Seems like it would be less intrusive than the castration…….
Hi Jody I do have the entire article – but it would up to Caroline whether it is appropriate to put it here. I am happy to do so if that is acceptable.
Tammy,
I have never herd of horse and a vasectomy? I would love to hear more
Hi Carolyn,
I read an article in the NHE forum of a European man who did not wish to geld and yet could not keep a stallion in his herd. What he chose instead was a vasectomy. If my memory serves me correctly he was Friesian horse. I recall the outcome being considered a perfect balance to their situation. The horse retained his lovely nature, he served his mares, was wonderful to work with, and no unwanted foals resulted. Of course it could be that this stallion was one of those who do have a lovely working nature regardless of the vasectomy. It did catch my attention at the time as an option to gelding.