To Stallion or not to Stallion...

Cinnamontoast said:
Blimey, why so vicious? Do you know Cortez? Never seen her be anything but helpful and knowledgable.

On some sites, the word ‘hun’ is a pisstake term (see mumsnet/U OK, hun? Facebook group). Lots of people don’t like it, me included. They’re allowed to express this without being attacked for no apparent reason. It may be caring and loving on the site you mention, but is not so for many others. We’re not all the same, you know.
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You're entitled to your opinion. But to actually even mention that you don't like it is infactile in itself. I'm from Scotland, and everybody calls you "hen"....am I going to be offended by it? No, of course not. If people have nothing else to do but be offended by a term they don't like.....why not just scroll on by? Not the end of the world, is it?
 
The Fuzzy Furry said:
I disagree, it most definitely is.


Really? You appear to enjoy being not just provocative but also extremely rude on a regular basis on this forum. Perhaps you ought to return to your caring supportive site, you dont show any empathy on here whatsoever 🤬
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In other words, you're telling me to piss off. Well, it's not your thread, so, no, I won't. You all come across nice and then turn around like a load of childish, school-yard bullies. Have a look at your own houses before throwing stones at mine.
 
dree said:
In other words, you're telling me to piss off. Well, it's not your thread, so, no, I won't. You all come across nice and then turn around like a load of childish, school-yard bullies. Have a look at your own houses before throwing stones at mine.
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I think you need to look in the mirror sweetie......
You were bloody rude to Cortez which was not warranted at all, it was obnoxious and distasteful, just like a petulant school child.
Need I say more?

*plonk*
 
So Hedgepig, have you gone to visit and ride the horse yet? I think you said you were going this weekend. I was thinking about it this week and thought you’d be pushing yourself to pay for the horse, from what you said, but it’s not a horse you would necessarily find easy, given it’s training and your history. My criteria is like many happy hacker types, an easy, co-operative horse and whilst I don't think stallions are all batshit, I think keeping one on the average yard would be such a pain.
 
The Fuzzy Furry said:
I think you need to look in the mirror sweetie......
You were bloody rude to Cortez which was not warranted at all, it was obnoxious and distasteful, just like a petulant school child.
Need I say more?

*plonk*
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I only replied in kind. Have a look again at what she said.....sweetie.
 
Cinnamontoast said:
So Hedgepig, have you gone to visit and ride the horse yet? I think you said you were going this weekend. I was thinking about it this week and thought you’d be pushing yourself to pay for the horse, from what you said, but it’s not a horse you would necessarily find easy, given it’s training and your history. My criteria is like many happy hacker types, an easy, co-operative horse and whilst I don't think stallions are all batshit, I think keeping one on the average yard would be such a pain.
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Yep, come on HP, we all want an update. Pretty please.
 
HedgePig said:
I wonder if anyone has any experience of their stallion running off and what happened?
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To get this train wreck at least in the same county as the rails: I used to care for a mare who was kept next door to a property with two coloured cob stallions, but they were kept stabled all the time as no livery would take them but the owner had no fields, just two stables basically in their garden. When mucking out they'd get these horses out on lunge lines with two burly men with lunge whips and it still didn't stop one of them getting out one day. Police ended up being called because it got onto a road and was behaving so dangerously, iirc was corralled into a field in the end though and both horses left a few weeks afterwards. (Hopefully to a more suitable set up or humane euthanasia, but I don't know.)

Haven't read the whole thread, but if this is real please make sure you truly can give what sounds like a magnificent horse a good life, there's lots of good points from very experienced posters on here whose advice it would be wise to heed even if you don't like the alleged tone. Easier said than done maybe but in all fairness the horse isn't going to deceive us all for shits and giggles, and you might; it's happened on here often enough 😂 so of course that'll be the priority, not how you might perceive what's being said. 🤷

Any chance of pictures by pm of this horse? I adore lippizanners.

(Will just say numpties like me do appreciate the experienced posters who give advice on here.)
 
As a retiring breeder of nearly 20 years, I have just gelded my two stallions. While both are great boys (and easy to handle - even when covering) I know that there are very few GOOD stallion owners who would be interested in having boys who wouldn't attract a big book - so I'd rather geld them, tain then to be good geldings and find good homes for them.

I really don't think there's much point in keeping a stallion if there will be no breeding use - and if he IS suitable, then he should be placed with an experienced stallion owner - at least during the season. That may interrupt his breeding capabilities. While some stallions can be much randier than others, and a PITA when it comes to hacking out in company - or competing at crowded venues - the main obstacle to keeping stallions is dim people. It's a hard decision - so think hard and explore livery possibilities very carefully before making a decision that you may regret.
 
dree said:
You're entitled to your opinion. But to actually even mention that you don't like it is infactile in itself. I'm from Scotland, and everybody calls you "hen"....am I going to be offended by it? No, of course not. If people have nothing else to do but be offended by a term they don't like.....why not just scroll on by? Not the end of the world, is it?
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I call some very close and treasured friends hun, well actually no I don't I call them hunny.... sister, niece, cousin, and about 5 female friends. I do not, nor would I ever use the word 'hun' to address some random stranger I did not know - I don't care where you are from or what forum you have been on, in that context it is discourteous. That may not have been your intention having spent time on that forum, but in the real world it is simply inappropriate.

Still on the plus side I am sure @HedgePig is very happy the thread has shifted to the appropriateness of calling random strangers 'hun' as opposed to whether or not he should purchase a stallion.
 
JanetGeorge said:
As a retiring breeder of nearly 20 years, I have just gelded my two stallions. While both are great boys (and easy to handle - even when covering) I know that there are very few GOOD stallion owners who would be interested in having boys who wouldn't attract a big book - so I'd rather geld them, tain then to be good geldings and find good homes for them.

I really don't think there's much point in keeping a stallion if there will be no breeding use - and if he IS suitable, then he should be placed with an experienced stallion owner - at least during the season. That may interrupt his breeding capabilities. While some stallions can be much randier than others, and a PITA when it comes to hacking out in company - or competing at crowded venues - the main obstacle to keeping stallions is dim people. It's a hard decision - so think hard and explore livery possibilities very carefully before making a decision that you may regret.
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Totally agree. Another downside to competing a stallion was that although perfectly well behaved at dressage events, he seemed to upset the geldings, several of whom had a meltdown if he came anywhere near them. This did restrict my working in space. I never had this experience when showing...
 
cundlegreen said:
Totally agree. Another downside to competing a stallion was that although perfectly well behaved at dressage events, he seemed to upset the geldings, several of whom had a meltdown if he came anywhere near them. This did restrict my working in space. I never had this experience when showing...
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lol, we put a gelding right next door to one of the ex-stallions this morning. He charged across the stable in a very 'ready' state.
 
Abi90 said:
I’ve fallen off 2 stallions... they both stood patiently next to me whilst I got back up even the one that winded me
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One of my daughters once dismounted to go stroke a puppy, leaving her little stallion standing in the middle of a show, no more than 20 feet from the nearest mare. He decided to put his head down and get some grass :D

Anyone could catch and lead mine with just a rope around his neck, but in most cases a loose stallion would be a concern, if not a full on problem... and if you're unlucky somebody dies.
 
JanetGeorge said:
lol, we put a gelding right next door to one of the ex-stallions this morning. He charged across the stable in a very 'ready' state.
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I was asked several times if my stallion was gay, when he chatted up geldings standing in the line. Mind you, if I had a pound for every time somebody said, " you don't use him, do you?" I could leave him standing in the lineup while removing his saddle (no groom) and know he wouldn't budge.
 
Good morning forum.

I have a busy day in real life to contend with but I’ll update this evening for those who are interested.

The short version for now is we met him. Caught him. Groomed him. Picked his hooves and brushed his face, tacked him up and walked him. Lunged him. Rode him and I was even fortunate enough to get him into a few levades. Look it up I had to. :)

It’s horsemanship in a methodology I am completely unfamiliar with. But extraordinarily enjoyable.

It became clear immediately that the handling of a stallion, while ‘similar’ (and I say similar because it’s still a horse with 4 legs) is considerably more complex in terms of handling and an almost relentless signalling to the stallion about who is in charge. But it was not rough or noisy. Just small little adjustments you can see him make that you don’t normally get from a mare.

I will say his level of vigilance or self awareness is stunning. Shocking almost. He misses absolutely nothing. And it feels as though you are under a reasonably constant scrutiny.

Equally he is gentle. Forgiving if you’re unclear on aids or signals and shows his frustration of you repeat the mistake.
Actually riding him is nothing like I have ever known. From a standstill, the smallest (and I mean tiniest) change in leg position from one side or another when combined with a nudge and you go from a standstill into a canter. On the correct leg. From a stop. There will be those of you reading this who may have horses like this yourselves, but to me it was completely unique.

All with an incredibly light snaffle. You change your seat (I got SLIGHTLY left behind on a single stride) and he slams to a halt.
This isn’t a Ferrari. This is a V10 Bentley.

Interestingly the livery actually know him and I have an initial call with the livery this afternoon.

For those of you who have been sceptical but objective I say thank you for your guidance. For those who seem to commit their time to coming in here and being unnecessarily cynical and sometimes rude, I won’t engage you know who you are.
To the MANY senior members who have DMd me with serious advice even if it’s been critical I say thanks to you too. And to the horse lovers like me who all think this is just mental, thank you for your enthusiasm it’s made this forum enjoyable.

I said that my partner and I were on about 30% chance of doing this, we had an extraordinary amount of information to gather and we’ll continue to do this over the next few days.
I have many answers to some of the questions I was asked, not necessarily through seeing it myself of course but practical stuff like if he’s been used to cover (he hasn’t), the option to geld if we buy him (it’s an option), how he has been socialised etc.
Thank you all again. Hedge
 
I know what you mean Hedgepig. Some years ago now I was lucky enough to own a WB trained to GP - not a stallion,but a big beautiful gelding. I didn't train this horse, so although experienced when I got him, I pretty soon realised I had no idea what I was sitting on or what I was doing. I'd ask for working trot and get passage and in the canter I just got flying changes endlessly...I didn't ask for them - or maybe I did and not realise! Needless to say, I had 10 amazing years with him until arthritis got the better of him - he taught me to ride like I really thought I never would. If I could wind the clock back and have him all over again I would in a shot. I envy your current position..Go for it!
 
Thanks for updating HP 😁 sounds like you had an amazing time with this horse yesterday! Did you ask for levade or were they accidental? I would absolutely love the opportunity to have a sit on a horse like that. Wether this is real or fabricated (hope its the former!) I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread 👍🏻 HHO at it’s finest 😂 still hoping for pictures soon......
 
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Whitehorseslave said:
Thanks for updating HP 😁 sounds like you had an amazing time with this horse yesterday! Did you ask for levade or were they accidental? I would absolutely love the opportunity to have a sit on a horse like that.
Wether this is real or fabricated (hope it’s the former!) I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread 👍🏻 HHO at it’s finest 😂
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They were deliberate!! I did 3!

To put it in perspective, one reign had a little slack, and the action of me trimming it back with my left thumb was enough of a signal for him to rise. That subtle. The exertion for him is off the charts but he just gets on and does it.

I don’t really know what to do to address this residual doubt, I took photos and videos which will be time and date stamped and it’s definitely my fat mug in the images! :D

I guess it suits some to just pick holes in stuff. I have zero doubt that if I posted them I’d invite a deluge of criticism on my heel position and worse. And that’s not the reason I’m in here the question is about stallions, not if I am a competent rider or not. I’ve admitted I’m a rank amateur. I don’t need strangers all agreeing! :D

If he ends up with me or not he’s going to make someone very, very proud.
 
He sounds fantastic! 🙂

HOWEVER! Now you know he's got all the moves you now need to work out if he can do the job that YOU want him to do.

Is it classical dressage that you are interested in? To the point that you will immerse yourself in it and train hard to get up to his level and be the rider that he needs?

Or would you far rather be out hacking, doing the odd fun ride, maybe the odd jumping class etc?

How are you going to feel riding him in an arena with no one their to hold your hand and talk you through it? That's not being rude I promise....a very large majority on here wouldn't be able to ride one side of a horse like that and I include myself in that. 🙂

Time to be be really really honest with yourself. Can you truly be the owner he needs? Can you provide the right environment to ensure all his needs are met? And can he do the job you need him to do? Or will you just confuse the heck out of each other and both end up miserable?

The important thing is to take your time and don't be rushed in to a decision.

Good luck whatever you decide!
 
HedgePig said:
They were deliberate!! I did 3!

To put it in perspective, one reign had a little slack, and the action of me trimming it back with my left thumb was enough of a signal for him to rise. That subtle. The exertion for him is off the charts but he just gets on and does it.

I don’t really know what to do to address this residual doubt, I took photos and videos which will be time and date stamped and it’s definitely my fat mug in the images! :D

I guess it suits some to just pick holes in stuff. I have zero doubt that if I posted them I’d invite a deluge of criticism on my heel position and worse. And that’s not the reason I’m in here the question is about stallions, not if I am a competent rider or not. I’ve admitted I’m a rank amateur. I don’t need strangers all agreeing! :D

If he ends up with me or not he’s going to make someone very, very proud.
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HedgePig said:
They were deliberate!! I did 3!

To put it in perspective, one reign had a little slack, and the action of me trimming it back with my left thumb was enough of a signal for him to rise. That subtle. The exertion for him is off the charts but he just gets on and does it.
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The fact you recognised the signal you'd given - and were able to repeat it - suggests you are much more capable a rider than you think, lol. I still remember the day my Irish Draught stallion - then aged 20 - did his and my first piaffe and a ruddy capriole - when he found a HUGE lorry revving up his a*se - just because I sat a bit deeper and lifted my hands (once for piaffe - and a second time a bit stronger for capriole) - and I just thought I was asking hin to NOT bolt, lol.

Just remember the rule: you TELL a gelding, you ASK a mare; and you negotiate agreement with a stallion. Well - actually - I think the last one has to be part of training, whatever the sexual status of a horse. Ask nicely, ask a bit firmer - and if you still don't get what you ask for, ask YOURSELF why not!

It must be SO tempting - and I am glad you are asking all the right questions now! That shows a horseman with a brain - far too many of the other sort around, sadly. Do keep us up to date - whatever you decide. Would love to see a photo or two.
 
Ooh glad you went and met him!

Would love to see some photos and videos of him

Would you be allowed to go and try him out several times? If you're having lessons on him you may be ok with the finesse of his buttons

I'd love a chance to ride a highly tuned schoolmaster however would worry my aids aren't refined enough to fully ride one to the top level they are capable of

Didnt you say he knows the high school Spanish riding school movements? The worry I'd have is if hes that finely tuned and my leg suddenly slipped and I was say hacking passing a car would I suddenly get one of those flying leaps (cant remember the posh name) as that would make me have kittens and potentially be put off. I wouldn't mind the odd un requested flying change and potentially wouldn't mind the high school movements when asked for but having one come out the blue if un requested would scare me. That's coming from someone who rides a spooky Welsh d though not a Spanish riding school trained one though! It must be an honour to ride something so responsive and at least you're having lessons- if I brought a Ferrari after winning the euromillions I'd want to practice driving on a track and with an instructor- I wouldn't want to go on public roads having only driven a 1.3 litre previously as it's such a huge step up

Does he hack nicely? Does your girlfriend hack? If you both do I'd want to keep him at the same yard as her or at least one just up the road so I could hack down and meet her then go for a hack as surely itll be more fun if you have the option of riding together? However you may have different preferences while for me hacking is most important

Did they say why he hasn't been used for covering?

Someone cant remember who maybe YBCM made the excellent suggestion of getting him to do an ai covering or 2, freezing it then having him cut I think now you've said gelding is an option I'd look to go down this route
 
HedgePig said:
They were deliberate!! I did 3!

To put it in perspective, one reign had a little slack, and the action of me trimming it back with my left thumb was enough of a signal for him to rise. That subtle. The exertion for him is off the charts but he just gets on and does it.

I don’t really know what to do to address this residual doubt, I took photos and videos which will be time and date stamped and it’s definitely my fat mug in the images! :D

I guess it suits some to just pick holes in stuff. I have zero doubt that if I posted them I’d invite a deluge of criticism on my heel position and worse. And that’s not the reason I’m in here the question is about stallions, not if I am a competent rider or not. I’ve admitted I’m a rank amateur. I don’t need strangers all agreeing! :D

If he ends up with me or not he’s going to make someone very, very proud.
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Oh - please show us a pic. If you're worried about being slated, just remember that it's easy to pick holes from behind a keyboard, so not worth getting aerated about. i will personally sit heavily upon anyone who says anything nasty, if you're brave enough to put a pic up. i just want to see this lovely sounding horse!
 
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