Those with multiple colts/stallions...

[Bs_mum]

what do you do with regards to stabling/turnout etc?

without doing a really long winded post...
I have 2 resident colts currently. They are 2 & 8 months- they’ve lived together since my youngest was born & it’s always been my intention to keep them entire and use them as stallions. I’ve been offered a third colt who is rising 2 & again, would be one to keep entire- but I’m struggling with the logistics of keeping 3 entire boys.
I can keep them separate from the mares without any issues, would the 3 of them be ok to run together for another year before separating them off?

 

[honetpot]

I would try them together like you introduce horses to each other normally, in the next paddock. The only trouble I can think of is that because there are three, the two young ones will be pair bonded and there could be agro with friend stealing. It all depends on the temprement of the older colt. I have a four year old colt that 16.2 and its still being bullied by a 14.2 gelding.

 

[dorsetladette]

I think you should be OK for a while yet as long as they are a descent distance from your mares, aren't 'used' at stud yet and have plenty of space and food/forage to eat.
You will need to monitor the situation carefully especially if you have in season mares within smelling distance as they get older.

As they get older it would be beneficial to invest in a purpose built stallion paddock (or one each if you have the space) that way they can share the paddock (one out at a time) and you have peace of mind they are confined and safe.

 

[scruffyponies]

Well socialised stallions can run out together and with geldings.

At one point I had 5 stallions and 6 geldings out together in 12 acres, regularly caught and ridden by children. The strongest friendships seem to be between the stallions, which means they can get a bit squealy and stampy when one is returned to the herd, but in a friendly way. I have seen one joyously doing a spanish walk because his friend had come home; silly boy.

 

[JanetGeorge]

I've had up to 12 colts/stallions on my yard/or urned out - and different management has worked or not, depending on individual ages and temperaments. The very best approach with young colts is to run them with one older/wiser gelding - who is firm with them, but won't kick them into nest week. I have had mixed groups of colts/geldings - but usually those with no more than a year between ages. (so yearlings with 2yo, maybe a 3yo addded as he is being bullied by others.) Once 5 or more, usually kept AS stallions with a gelding friend, stabled and turned out next door to each other. Obviously any new arrangements means you have to watch even more closely, as pecking orders can change almost overnight.

 

[sport horse]

Think very carefully about keeping them as stalions. Very few earn anything worthwhile in stud fees. They have to have perfect bloodlines. perfect conformation and locomotion, perform at whatever is their job at a top level and then produce prefect progeny. Not many do! Also the breeding world is very, very nervous just now - where are we going to sell any youngstock when it looks as though there is going to be one massive worldwide recession as a result of coronavirus.