Our stallion made this pretty easy for us, but any of them can be a challenge during breeding season I think. Our boy caught on real quick about breeding, being gentle and efficient. But we were also very consistent with him from day 1, always using the same halter for breeding (ONLY used for breeding) with a stud chain just so he knows this is time to breed. Our routine is always the same, same place, etc.
Then, what we did to get him ready for the show ring, was on the days we didn't breed (we breed every other day) we would have show ring practice in a DIFFERENT location from breeding, and include the mare in heat. This time we used the show halter and went through a halter class, with the mare as one of the entrants, but keeping them at a safe distance as you would do in the show ring. We would lead them around, set them up etc. and if needed, remind him he was not to be interested in the mare.
This worked pretty well for us, but as with ANY stallion you need to watch yourself. We were breeding him and showing him as a 2 year old. We did find that the May show was the most challenging and decided to skip the May show when he was 3. Other than that he was good. We are not showing him now, but plan to show his progeny as a way to promote him and the farm.
