popsdosh
Well-Known Member
As is riding a horse?[/QUOTE]
Surely you have more to add to the debate than that!!! I guess you dont agree??
The stallion appreciation thread
- Thread starter EQUIDAE
- Start date
Surely you have more to add to the debate than that!!! I guess you dont agree??
Elf On A Shelf
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The Black Isle isn't a HOYS qualifier.
how old is he? For affiliated showing they have to be 4yo to do ridden classes and ALL entries 4yo + have to be licenced to be shown in affiliated classes.
ETA - his father has never been to HOYS.
My mother has a Gwynfaes cob. Lovely pony just very late to mature.
how old is he? For affiliated showing they have to be 4yo to do ridden classes and ALL entries 4yo + have to be licenced to be shown in affiliated classes.
ETA - his father has never been to HOYS.
My mother has a Gwynfaes cob. Lovely pony just very late to mature.
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Cortez
Tough but Fair
I have several stallions (PRE's and all approved for breeding) and have no intention off breeding with any of them, they are riding horses. They are all well behaved gentlemen and live normal lives. If the OP wants to keep her horse entire that is her business, some people (myself included) prefer stallions. In the UK it is not normal to keep horses entire, in many other countries (Spain and Portugal especially) it is very unusual to see geldings. Properly managed stallions are no problem at all: people who are afraid of them are.
This is one of mine, first time under sidesaddle at the RDS. Impeccably behaved.
This is one of mine, first time under sidesaddle at the RDS. Impeccably behaved.
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madlady
Well-Known Member
I've also found that well handled stallions are very mannerly.
I only really started dealing with stallions 12 years ago when I started being involved with a stud. I've been lucky to handle some very well behaved boys and have also seen the other side - a big 16.3 lump of a ISH who had absolutely no manners whatsoever due to very poor handling by his breeders - he didn't grade so his bits came off. He did go on to event.
I've ridden out stallions alongside mares - again because they knew they were working and not covering I never had any issues at all - even when riding out alongside mares in season.
My boy was entire until he was 5 and then he was only gelded because we lost our other colt so he therefore had no company. We had him gelded so that he could go out with the mares (we didn't want any accidents as he's related to the mares!). He was a dream to handle as a stallion - again was hacked regularly with mares throughout the summer with no issues at all. He was taken to shows and gradings where he was surrounded by mares and he never batted an eyelid.
I do dislike how stallions are demonised in the UK - mainly by people who have never had any dealings with a stallion.
I only really started dealing with stallions 12 years ago when I started being involved with a stud. I've been lucky to handle some very well behaved boys and have also seen the other side - a big 16.3 lump of a ISH who had absolutely no manners whatsoever due to very poor handling by his breeders - he didn't grade so his bits came off. He did go on to event.
I've ridden out stallions alongside mares - again because they knew they were working and not covering I never had any issues at all - even when riding out alongside mares in season.
My boy was entire until he was 5 and then he was only gelded because we lost our other colt so he therefore had no company. We had him gelded so that he could go out with the mares (we didn't want any accidents as he's related to the mares!). He was a dream to handle as a stallion - again was hacked regularly with mares throughout the summer with no issues at all. He was taken to shows and gradings where he was surrounded by mares and he never batted an eyelid.
I do dislike how stallions are demonised in the UK - mainly by people who have never had any dealings with a stallion.
Prince33Sp4rkle
Well-Known Member
Madlady-me too 
we have a VERY well behaved 3yo stallion at home. He is a total love bug and probably the least reactive of the 3..............when horses come to the yard for lessons he is off eating and the other 2 (geldings) run the fence snorting and puffing!
we treat him like a gelding(whilst keeping in mind he is entire) and dont treat him like a king and thus he acts like just another horse.............he is a quick learner and not at all defensive, dominant, aggressive etc or any of the other things you hear people call them!
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i390/nikkimariet/_MG_4769_zpspvajagd9.jpg
we have a VERY well behaved 3yo stallion at home. He is a total love bug and probably the least reactive of the 3..............when horses come to the yard for lessons he is off eating and the other 2 (geldings) run the fence snorting and puffing!we treat him like a gelding(whilst keeping in mind he is entire) and dont treat him like a king and thus he acts like just another horse.............he is a quick learner and not at all defensive, dominant, aggressive etc or any of the other things you hear people call them!
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i390/nikkimariet/_MG_4769_zpspvajagd9.jpg
Gloi
Too little time, too much to read.
I loved my stallions when I had them, I just wish I had the facilities to keep one now. Honestly, what proportion of unwanted foals are from peoples much loved stallion that they ride and show, and how many from herds of low quality animals where they are just left to breed randomly.
pennyturner
Well-Known Member
People who demonise stallions usually have either had nothing to do with them, or handle their own so badly that they're dangerous. What horse wouldn't be crazy if it were locked up 24/7.
I have 5 pony stallions. They live out with 6 geldings, and anyone can catch, handle or ride them. They're all gentle, quiet and mannerly to the extent that they it's not an issue to have them 'loose' from time to time - I sometimes groom and tack up my boy by the side of the road whilst he grazes, if we're short of hitching space. Even if the rider falls they just stop and wait patiently. The most I ever get when meeting other horses is a friendly 'hrr-rr-rr' under their breath.
These aren't quality animals. They will never breed. However, they have a good, natural life (bachelor herd), and enjoy being ridden regularly. The herd is very chilled out, and field boss is an elderly gelding. I honestly don't think you could find a more easy-going bunch.
I have 5 pony stallions. They live out with 6 geldings, and anyone can catch, handle or ride them. They're all gentle, quiet and mannerly to the extent that they it's not an issue to have them 'loose' from time to time - I sometimes groom and tack up my boy by the side of the road whilst he grazes, if we're short of hitching space. Even if the rider falls they just stop and wait patiently. The most I ever get when meeting other horses is a friendly 'hrr-rr-rr' under their breath.
These aren't quality animals. They will never breed. However, they have a good, natural life (bachelor herd), and enjoy being ridden regularly. The herd is very chilled out, and field boss is an elderly gelding. I honestly don't think you could find a more easy-going bunch.
greasedweasel
Well-Known Member
Oh and I forgot another favourite arab and definitely a stallion that fits in with the performance horse / family member ethos - Marcus Aurelius
fburton
Well-Known Member
One would half expect a horse with that name to have a Roman nose; presumably, being a Arab, he doesn't!
Equi
Well-Known Member
This was a direct response to the other poster saying it is unnatural to put a marble in a mare. About as unnatural as cutting off balls.
Damnation
Well-Known Member
Aaah, and so it begins, only back a few days and the horrid squad are out to play!
Personally, I have a mare but I used to handle and ride a Stallion where I used to work. To handle on the ground, a bit boisterous, under saddle he was foot perfect, he was used in the riding school and he was an advanced medium dressage school master so taught me how to ride.
He was bred from in his younger days (When he was 12) but the foal was butt ugly so they didn't try for another 9 years where he got a mare for his 21st Birthday! (TUrns out he actually bred beautiful foals).
If you have the facilities and experience to keep a Stallion happy, healthy and safely then why not?
If you don't like it, shut up
Personally, I have a mare but I used to handle and ride a Stallion where I used to work. To handle on the ground, a bit boisterous, under saddle he was foot perfect, he was used in the riding school and he was an advanced medium dressage school master so taught me how to ride.
He was bred from in his younger days (When he was 12) but the foal was butt ugly so they didn't try for another 9 years where he got a mare for his 21st Birthday! (TUrns out he actually bred beautiful foals).
If you have the facilities and experience to keep a Stallion happy, healthy and safely then why not?
If you don't like it, shut up
alibali
Well-Known Member
Does everyone with a mare breed from her?
Then why the expectation that everyone with a stallion will breed from him?
Then why the expectation that everyone with a stallion will breed from him?
Heelsdown
Well-Known Member
Colt/stallion owner here.
I am sick of the same stories over and over again!
''You're irresponsible to have a stallion, there's hundred of abandoned horses from overbreeding''.. blah blah.
If you act responsible, have a quality stallion and good knowledge there's no risk of overbreeding.
How many TB's are bred every year, produced then thrown aside for not making the grade? I think we have to look at the bigger picture and not scold small time stallion owners for just having a stallion.
I am sick of the same stories over and over again!
''You're irresponsible to have a stallion, there's hundred of abandoned horses from overbreeding''.. blah blah.
If you act responsible, have a quality stallion and good knowledge there's no risk of overbreeding.
How many TB's are bred every year, produced then thrown aside for not making the grade? I think we have to look at the bigger picture and not scold small time stallion owners for just having a stallion.
Equi
Well-Known Member
Exactly. I'm al for people gelding if they know they don't want a stallion, but I'm equally happy if they want to keep them entire for whatever reason they want
express_75
Well-Known Member
GemG
Well-Known Member
Absolutely.
Ours is a jack of all trades (not Olympic material, but super all rounder for amature) and is fabulous - has done everything and is hardy, easy to do, well mannered (as I'd expect from any of ours) a joy to work with and ride. Most people don't realise he's entire. He is nearly 22 years and is still fit and has more to give / teach. He is certainly not everyone 's cup of tea (his colour!), but then he is not a public / commercial stallion - therefore the only opinion that matters is mine. ... He's certainly not spawning hundreds of unwanted foals!
Equidae - he is not my type, BUT he is nice and when mature, he should be stunning.
fburton
Well-Known Member
Why indeed, when the natural order would dictate that more mares are dams than stallions are sires.
pennyturner
Well-Known Member
Absolutely. That's why a bunch of boys together with no mares around is a lovely low-stress way to live. It's the way 99% of stallions spend their life in the wild. No fighting; no mating; just eat, play, groom, sleep, repeat.
jakkibag
Well-Known Member
OP I don't believe for one minute that the owners of your boys sire would have told you any porkies?
If you want to keep him entire, then it is entirely up to you!
If you want to keep him entire, then it is entirely up to you!
Elf On A Shelf
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Our stallions and colts go out with geldings. I've not put the 2yo out with the other stallion as he is 23/24yo now and I don't want to give the old lad the hassle of keeping the youngster in line. I have younger geldings that do that job admirably!
Both the stallion and colt have been shown and will stand next to mares in the ring and take no notice. They arent allowed to. Both will also walk through a field of mares and wouldn't even contemplate leaving your side whilst they are attached to you. They are good lads. They are better behaved than the rest of the motley crew put together!
Both the stallion and colt have been shown and will stand next to mares in the ring and take no notice. They arent allowed to. Both will also walk through a field of mares and wouldn't even contemplate leaving your side whilst they are attached to you. They are good lads. They are better behaved than the rest of the motley crew put together!
EQUIDAE
Well-Known Member
My boy is such a tolerant soul. This is his reaction to being pushed about by my yearling...
http://www.4shared.com/video/UGP-6mn1ce/MOV_0228_001__1_.html
http://www.4shared.com/video/UGP-6mn1ce/MOV_0228_001__1_.html
catroo
Well-Known Member
Weren't you thinking of putting your mare in foal at one point? If so pot and kettle come to mind
I also run on colts for a while before gelding, generally to age five at most. They live in a herd so quality of life isn't compromised. By that age they've had a chance to show what they could be.
EQUIDAE
Well-Known Member
No, not ever - unless both stallion and mare are proven, I do not agree with breeding. Too many mare's are bred just because they have a uterus
ETA - the vast majority of stallions have at least some quality going for them, otherwise people wouldn't undergo the difficulties in keeping them. Mare's on the other hand - people seem to think that giving them a foal is cute...
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catroo
Well-Known Member
No, not ever - unless both stallion and mare are proven, I do not agree with breeding. Too many mare's are bred just because they have a uterus
ETA - the vast majority of stallions have at least some quality going for them, otherwise people wouldn't undergo the difficulties in keeping them. Mare's on the other hand - people seem to think that giving them a foal is cute...
Sorry not you OP, I was referring to 'The Tank'
EQUIDAE
Well-Known Member
Abi90
Well-Known Member
I used to work with stallions. Every last one of them was a gentleman and gave me less trouble than my cheeky 7 year old gelding does sometimes!
windand rain
Well-Known Member
I think the problem with stallions comes when they become a fashion item yes they may well be show animals so have quality and sparkle but one can father 100 foals or more per year a mare can only have one. If you wish to keep a stallion you have to give it a good quality of life, and make sure the mares in the area are safe fro being covered. One big ugly cob managed to cover every mare within a mile of his field without ever seeming to be out of his own paddock. Fly devil was jumping out at night and back home by morning.
Having said that if you so desire to keep a stallion can offer it a good quality of life and not confine it to a darkened stalbe for 24 hours a day why not. Shame is there are far to many welshies about for it ever to be a good idea to breed one from which ever section until a good licensing and grading system is introduced for both mares and stallions, but primarily stallions as they are the more able to impact on the quality by sheer weight of numbers. I have mares, I love mares and fully understand why someone would love and want to keep stallions. Any horse not well handled is a nightmare goes without saying a badly handled stallion could be dangerous. I dont think that breeding any animals should be udertaken without thought as to what is to become of the offspring and is is certainly not a cheap way to get a horse. "Fools breed foals for wise men to buy"
Having said that if you so desire to keep a stallion can offer it a good quality of life and not confine it to a darkened stalbe for 24 hours a day why not. Shame is there are far to many welshies about for it ever to be a good idea to breed one from which ever section until a good licensing and grading system is introduced for both mares and stallions, but primarily stallions as they are the more able to impact on the quality by sheer weight of numbers. I have mares, I love mares and fully understand why someone would love and want to keep stallions. Any horse not well handled is a nightmare goes without saying a badly handled stallion could be dangerous. I dont think that breeding any animals should be udertaken without thought as to what is to become of the offspring and is is certainly not a cheap way to get a horse. "Fools breed foals for wise men to buy"
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rachk89
Well-Known Member
I kind of wish my gelding was a stallion still even though his breeding is a bit random. His movement though is to die for he has plenty of scope although he needs to neaten up his legs and he is very well behaved (although obviously that may be different if he were a stallion.)
I would be picky though as to who could breed to him because of his odd lineage (he is an oldenburg X connemara). Would only have bred him too if he does as well as I think he will. But he isn't which is a shame. He acts like one at times though so I think he was done late haha.
I would be picky though as to who could breed to him because of his odd lineage (he is an oldenburg X connemara). Would only have bred him too if he does as well as I think he will. But he isn't which is a shame. He acts like one at times though so I think he was done late haha.
pennyturner
Well-Known Member
Not sure if I've shared this story on here before, but we took one of our stallions along to a local show a couple of years ago. We turned around to see that his child rider had abandoned her mount to go fuss a puppy. He was loose within 20 feet of 3 mares... grazing happily.
Like most men, he thinks with his stomach.
Like most men, he thinks with his stomach.
Evie91
Well-Known Member
Wow, don't know what the OP has done to deserve such a critical response. To me OP sounds knowledgeable, genuine and has a sensible plan for HER horse.
I really don't get this forum sometimes - people post alsorts of pics - poorly put together coloured cobs (yes this is a bug bear of mine!), overweight riders (yes another!), run of the mill horse and ponies and most get a positive response, beautiful horse etc. Why has this poster received such a poor response and for no apparent reason? - no plans to breed as yet, own facilities, horse in good shape...
I really don't get it!!
This
I really don't get this forum sometimes - people post alsorts of pics - poorly put together coloured cobs (yes this is a bug bear of mine!), overweight riders (yes another!), run of the mill horse and ponies and most get a positive response, beautiful horse etc. Why has this poster received such a poor response and for no apparent reason? - no plans to breed as yet, own facilities, horse in good shape...
I really don't get it!!
This