What Is a Gelding?

A gelding is a castrated male horse, donkey, or mule. Unless a horse is intended for breeding, it should be castrated. Gelding generally makes horses more even-tempered and easier to manage. A stallion gelded later in life might retain some aggressive stallion-like behaviors.

Optimal Age for Gelding a Horse

A colt may be gelded before it is one year old, as soon as the testicles descend into the scrotum. Many owners prefer earlier gelding to prevent the development of stallion-like behaviors. Testosterone, produced by the testicles, governs stallion-like physical traits such as a crested neck and aggressive behaviors that can endanger other stallions or geldings, as well as handlers. Geldings also usually have little interest in mares. Some prefer later gelding, anticipating a more striking physical presence.

Geldings vs. Stallions

Geldings might grow slightly taller than if they were left as stallions. Some riders prefer geldings because mares can be moody during their heat cycle. For beginners deciding between a choose between a stallion and a gelding, a gelding is typically the safer choice. Besides making a horse safer, quieter, and more manageable, gelding is an effective way to prevent unwanted offspring and ensure only the best horses are used for breeding.

In some cultures, all males were left un-gelded, living in conditions much different from those of modern riding horses. Today, it�s rare to find groups of stallions kept together or turned out with mares. Often, the quiet demeanor of non-gelded horses kept in groups results from hard work and poor nutrition.

Gelding Procedure and Care

Gelding has been practiced for centuries, with Aristotle mentioning it as early as 350 B.C.E. It is a relatively simple procedure performed by a veterinarian. The horse is sedated, with local anesthesia used for a standing castration, or general anesthesia if castrating lying down. The procedure involves removing the testicles, epididymis, and part of the spermatic cord via a small incision.

Post-gelding care typically involves allowing light exercise, keeping the incision clean, and administering antibiotics. Complications after gelding are rare. If the procedure is done in a clinic with the incision sutured, the risk of complications is even lower, though it may be more expensive. After gelding, the horse generally heals quickly, and "stallion" hormones usually recede within weeks.

The cost of gelding varies by location, but the average cost of the procedure, without complications, is about $250.00. Antibiotics might be extra. You may need to hand walk the new gelding for a few minutes daily and monitor the incision for swelling. Keeping flies away and maintaining cleanliness is also important.

Cryptorchidism in Horses

A potential issue is an undescended testicle, with horses affected called rigs or ridglings, known as cryptorchidism in horses. These horses may retain strong stallion-like qualities and require handling like stallions. Having one testicle does not make them only partially stallion-like. Although rigs may not reproduce, male hormones often make them unsuitable for a beginner.