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Discussion on 3 yr old stallion- cant keep his mind on business
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Member:
Christel
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Posted on Monday, May 1, 2006 - 10:34 am:
I have a 3 yr old stallion that is being paid up for this years reining futurity. My trainer called and said he needs to be gelded to be really good.
I was kinda expecting this (due to his bloodlines)and always said if gelding makes a good horse great, I'd be for it, but now am not finding it easy to make that decision.
My questions are- will he grow out of this?
He is stalled and worked 5 days a week, would maybe time off and turnout help?
I have even thought of collecting him and freezing the semen for future use, then gelding.
I have readup on using regumate and now think that is probably not a good option, but am wondering if anyone else has had any luck using regumate on stallions, and were there any side effects?
Any and all ideas would be appreciated, thanks.
Chris
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Monday, May 1, 2006 - 11:04 am:
We have two stallions, one of whom has been shown most of his life. It's my opinion that it's a matter of training. Both of our stallions have been bred since they were three. They have learned that no breeding is done at a horse show.
Reining is one of the best places to show a stallion as he is in the ring alone instead of with a bunch of other horses, many of them mares. One of our stallions was very vocal in the barn and outside the show ring, but once in the arena, he did great. He is an Arabian, and won a buckle for green reiner his first year out.
Maybe your trainer isn't adept with stallions. Some aren't. IMO you have to be a special kind of person to deal with a stallion. There are lots of stallions that do well in futurities as youngsters. Why don't you talk with some of their owners and see who trained them?
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Member:
Christel
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Posted on Monday, May 1, 2006 - 12:39 pm:
Sara, thanks for replying.
If I thought it was a training issue I would not be asking this question, but would be finding another trainer  . My trainer has dealt with stallions and stands several out of his barn- hes been doing this for over 40 years, so I really feel he is more than likely right w/ this decision. Another example that makes me think that gelding would help is that in the past 3 years, 2 of the futurity winners were geldings and had some of the same bloodlines as my guy. I followed the stories on these two horses and it was about this time of year that gelding them became evident- so I think talking to these trainers would only cement my trainers opinion.
My trainer tells me that when Cheese (my stallion) has a couple of days off he gets pretty wound up- kicking in the stall, throwing back shoes and chipping up his hoofs, he also gets a little nippy to the handler too- in other words is 'full of himself'.
Did your stallions get better w/ age? I would be willing to skip the futurity and do the derbys next year if that would help.
Sara, what do you think about allowing him to 'release some frustrations' and collecting him for a few weeks? Would that help- it seems to help the male human- lol-
I am probably 'pulling at straws' so to speak, but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask for some more ideas, gosh I hate to geld this horse but if that's what it takes I am willing to do so.
Thanks again Sara, I value your opinion and appreciate your reply.
Chris
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, May 1, 2006 - 6:52 pm:
Chris, I don't think you understand Sara's response. Training is not something that just happens but occurs over time and yes, as the horse grows older. With stallions the training never ends and while this is true of all horses with stallions it is more so.
With proper training the horse will get better, but what no one knows is, "how much?". This will largely depend on how good the training is.
DrO
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Member:
Christel
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Posted on Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - 9:42 am:
DrO, thank you, I am guilty of 'tunnel vision', I see now where you both are coming from. I have not had much experience with stallions, and was sure hoping to find that 'quick fix'. I am thinking it might be best to collect him a few times this month and if things haven't gotten any better, geld him the first of next month, then keep my fingers crossed it has all been done in a timely manner.
Time is obviously not on my side at this point, the futurity is in 7 months and I am guessing even the best of trainers may not be able to work thru this in that time frame.
Sara, I hope I hope I didn't offend you, that surely was not my intention, I do appreciate your response.
Thanks again,
Chris
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Member:
Alden
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Posted on Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - 7:19 pm:
I don't understand why you would collect from a horse that isn't stallion quality and pass on his attitude? I guess I feel attitude is a very large part of what makes a good stallion, I've gelded one that we liked in many ways but didn't have the attitude I wanted; he's a fine gelding. 
So I'd say geld him and keep looking for a better stallion prospect.
Good day,
Alden (HTG)
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Member:
Christel
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Posted on Thursday, May 4, 2006 - 4:49 pm:
Alden, thanks for replying. I asked my trainer that same question. His response was w/ the proper cross the attitude can be bred out.
I know of a reining stallion that is flat mean, to go into his stall you need a club in hand to protect yourself, but his foals are not that way at all.
I can't help but wonder, if this situation were not so intense if his attitude wouldn't be much better. It is a lot to ask of any 3 year old horse what my guy is going thru now. Im not so sure this is a fair test, he is doing way more than most 3 year olds are being asked to do.
Your question is a good one, and one that I have put some serious thought into.
Chris
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