Would You Geld?

[MountainWoman]

Just wondering if you had a boy who would not do well showing because of the competition he'd face in halter but has other good qualities, would you geld him? I'm 99.9% certain I'm getting him gelded but I'd like to have some of your feedback. Thanks!

 

[Jill]

YES.

99.9% of minis have exceptional, non-physical qualities. If he's not a champion at HALTER, and he will not be used to reproduce, why would you want to make him stay a stallion?

 

[targetsmom]

Yes. In general, I would (and do) geld everything unless he is producing champions. And as soon as we decide to stop breeding, Buckshot will be gelded.

ETA: Must be producing champions AND have a great temperament (Buckshot qualifies).

 

[Carolyn R]

When in doubt, geld! I have gelded nice boys simply because their attitude sucked as an intact male, because I had enough nice stallions, or they weren't what I wanted, and now... Being out of minis and my Gypsy vanner colt getting to be that age, he wil be gelded simply because I don't want a stallion.

Only two regrets, and they are not mine, but more so for the mouths they came/come out of.....a very nice pinto colt gelded at about 9 months and someone at a show said "oh, he's so nice, he's for sale? Too bad you gelded him." he is in an awesome home with a youth that is working with a trainer to show him,and my neighbor and friend that constantly says " are you sure you don't want to breed him just once before you geld him?" when referring to my gypsy colt. IDK if she is hinting or just putting it out there, my answer is the same regardless, nope, been there done that, bought the tshirt when it came to the minis, I am done done done.

There are many beautiful boys with great comformation that do have great attitudes and excel in many disciplines, they are the stallion prospects.

 

[MountainWoman]

Thank you Ladies!!

 

[disneyhorse]

It is NEVER the wrong choice to geld. There are so, so many nice horses out there.

As to "would not be competitive in halter ring" that might be a personal decision. If I had a phenomenally moving Park Harness horse that maybe had a pretty ugly head and always didn't do well in halter... But I was breeding for driving horses... I wouldn't necessarily geld him if he worked otherwise for my specific breeding goals.

 

[fourluckyhorseshoes]

Unless he is a super amazing driving horse...a big YES !!

 

[Tremor]

Unless he is a super amazing driving horse...a big YES !!

This. Some horses aren't suited for halter but if he is conformationally a really good driving horse and shows well in driving; and produced well in driving then I would keep him in tact for that reason.

He just may not be winning in halter because his type isn't in style or something else.

Otherwise, geld. He could be a great gelding.

 

[dannigirl]

I am a huge believer in gelding almost any stallion. I heard a statement some years back that has stuck in my mind. "A good stallion will make a great gelding".

 

[LindaL]

YES

 

[MountainWoman]

Thanks everyone. I am going to geld him. He's still very young so not a driving horse yet but he can be a great driving gelding.

 

[shorthorsemom]

I would have no problem with gelding a dropdead gorgeous halter horse either. No guilts here having drop dead gorgeous geldings. Go with your instincts. If you are thinking of gelding you have probably put plenty of heart and thought into thinking about it. Love my geldings. Would rather leave the breeding to the breeder. Just my honest opinion. Your gut instinct is usually right

 

[jandjmc]

I would geld. Today with the horse world the way it is, with the internet and the ability to find very high quality breeding stallions in any part of this country, geld. When in doubt, geld. He will have a higher quality of life and be much more enjoyable for you to deal with. Yes, geld, even if he is well-bred and gorgeous. I've never regretted it.