AboutStallynrydr Expertise I am able to answer questions about Equine behavior and health issues. I can give educated advice about lameness and stallion management as well as tips on socializing and exhibiting a stallion in public competition. I have worked with Thoroughbreds and other Warmblood breeds for the last 20 years. I also own and manage a Sporthorse boarding facility.
Experience I have been a stallion handler for the last 20 years and I have many years experience showing English and Western horses. I have started and finished some very successful showhorses and have taught students of all ages and levels of riding ability. I have spent all of my adult life working with animals, horses being my primary focus.
Publications Practical Pet Care Horse Forums (Moderator), Practical Pet Care Farm Animal Forums (Moderator)I have just Co-Authored a Basic Wildlife Evaluation and Care training book that all Team Leaders will have on hand to refer to in our local Wildlife Center.
Education/Credentials Degree from UC Davis in Equine Physiology and management and large animal healthcare. Personaized instruction from Hilda Gurney in 1999 on Stallion handling/Kurring demonstrations with my stallion Gallant Summer. I have attended symposiums with Parelli and Lyons and I have found that my own philosophies are very similar to "Natural Horsemanship" methods of teaching a horse to understand what is being asked of it. Patience not force
Question I am interested in purchasing a 7 year old friesian stallion. I'm not interested in breeding with him. He has never covered any mares before. I've taken him on for a trial basis for 2 weeks to see if we will get along. I would like to use him for showing and hacking with other horses. I would like to know at what age it is to late to geld a stallion and what behavioral changes I can expect.
Answer You can geld a stallion at any time and after the Testosterone levels drop, his "stallion" impulses will become less attractive to him and his attitude will show marked change for the better. I, personally, enjoy the exuberance of a well trained stallion. When you handle a stallion every day over a period of time, it will become second nature to be alert for the things that trigger stallion-like behavior. Once you recognize these things and learn how to defuse potential problems, hacking with other horses and taking him to shows will be easier then you expect.
It is all about the elementary training and handling this horse has had in his lifetime. They need to be exercised and taught to be respectful of the human handler in every situation. Castrating a naughty stallion is not an instant cure-all for the way he behaves. A well behaved and well trained stallion will make a very well behaved and well trained gelding even if you wait until very late in life to castrate him.
You do not mention any sort of specific concerns you have with regards to behavioral changes he won't drop his penis as frequently as an intact stallion would do and he probably won't be as inclined to "show off" for other horses after being castrated. Again, it is really going to depend on how you handle him and the training he has to this point in his life.
I wish you luck with your new horse... Friesian's are beautiful creatures and 7 is a really good age to start out with a horse.
