HANDLING
THE STALLION by Catherine Sampson
Our mind takes us into a world of fantasy as "The
Black Stallion" rides into our imagination. We visualize ourselves with such a noble
beast and rationalize our emotions to bring this vision to a reality. With a little shake of the head, the
Hollywood script falls out of our mind's cluttered cupboard of childhood
dreams, awakening us to our mature senses that such an embracing trust between
human and stallion is best left on the big screen. Oh, but wouldn't it be something to have such
a handsome creature parading our paddocks in such perfect harmony.
There are numerous backyard breeders throughout the
province who are somewhat living the dream.
For others, it's that cute little colt their mare had last spring that
just might make a good breeding prospect.
In most cases, common sense prevails and the colt is gelded before too
long.
Owning and breeding a stallion requires commitment, time
and discipline. It is a serious business
and a lot of thought and preparation should go into one's consideration of such
a venture. Entertaining this notion of
owning a stallion should be followed up by asking yourself a few
questions. Do you have the proper
facility to house a stallion? Do you
have the experience and skill in handling a breeding animal? Do you have the ability to evaluate a mare's
cycle?
The life of a stallion is not glamorous and can be very
lonely in isolation. Most colts are
better off as geldings, granting them the freedom to socialize in their
domesticated world and avoid the trap of stable vices so often manifested in
confined stallions.
The
Stallion Candidate...
If you are involved in the pleasure or show arena, a
breeding stallion's disposition should reflect that environment. Hot, doesn't necessarily mean unmanageable or
difficult. Pleasure should be just that
- an enjoyable personality. Therefore,
first and foremost should be its temperament.
Even if you have a very handsome and correct colt, if it is
unpredictable, aggressive or even flighty and worrisome, it will be no picnic
for you as its caretaker. Many a time,
the responsible breeder will critically evaluate a colt and geld it if all
things are not equal. Just remember that
it takes a good stallion to make a great gelding!
Whenever selecting an individual for a breeding program,
you have a heavy responsibility to the breed you have chosen to help perpetuate
through your efforts. All breeders
should strive to produce the best they can and to ensure that the breed and, just
as important, its characteristics, are protected for future generations with
structurally sound foundations. Just
deciding it would be nice to have a foal or two to raise or possibly sell, does
not constitute a conscientious stallion or mare owner. It runs deeper than that.
Stud
School...
The education and handling of stallions begins at
birth. Although stallions should be
treated no differently than any other horse, certain precautions are necessary.
That cute bouncing baby boy on the end of a lead shank should not go
unchecked. Too often people make the
mistake of not recognizing and correcting a potential problem when it first
begins, even in, and especially during the baby phase. The playful rearing and mock battles can
result in a serious blow to humans later on.
Those love nips could eventually tear or break an arm. This saucy adolescent behaviour must be
corrected immediately, before it becomes a serious threat to safety. The testing colt must be taught what is
acceptable behaviour and what is not.
This doesn't mean beating him senselessly, but it does mean being
immediate and consistent without compromise in punishment. It is in your own interest to take charge of
the situation. You are not its
playmate. You are its partner. You must ultimately earn and demand respect
from this mature 1,000 lbs. plus equine.
The act of breeding stallions is not solely a job
designated to men. On the contrary, more
and more women are handling stallions than ever before. Brains more than brawn is required in the
breeding shed. The brawn part can be
adequately managed with restraint training and appropriate apparatus. The job of the stud handler requires common
sense and alertness, accompanied with a calm, take-charge attitude in these
situations. In fact, the one holding the
end of the lead shank in their hand becomes the herd leader or dominant
influence. In most cases, handling the
mare can be more challenging. I
personally make it a point to know my stallions' character and manner and to have
their total respect and undivided attention.
If you are at all intimidated by a stallion's physique and strength,
then I suggest that you leave the business of handling the stud to someone
else. There is no room for fear or
second guessing when working with stallions.
Even the most mild mannered stallion can become a Jeckle and Hyde in the
breeding shed. Hormones are nature's
strong motivator, so maintaining absolute control of the situation and
environment is paramount.
A stallion should not on the other hand be totally
stalled and only brought out for the occasional stud duties. They are not just breeding machines. They possess the same basic needs as their
gelded brethren. A stallion requires
companionship and plenty of exercise to keep him both happy and fit. For instance, in our own breeding program,
our stallions are used for either show or recreational purposes. They are ridden and/or driven alone, and in
the company of others. They have been
taught to work amicably with their neighbours and to display good manners at
all times. This is something we insist
upon. Stallions are often misunderstood
and given bad press. If a stallion is
unruly, it is usually the result of poor management, rather than the stallion
being labeled as mean spirited. It seems
they can either be blessed with what nature has provided, or cursed because of
it. A lot of this depends on habitat.
Enter
into the Breeding Shed...
Stallions to be bred must be taught a sort of
protocol. They are creatures of habit
and so a routine devised for breeding purposes should be forged. This usually involves a selected and specific
site, as well as maintenance of the stud before and after breeding. The often neglected job by gelding owners
concerning sheath cleaning will take on new meaning. Without getting into a lot of technicalities,
it is suffice to say for this article that there is a whole host of methods and
procedures for hygiene, including mare preparation and pre-breeding rituals
that requires knowledge and skill. It is
important to remember that many applications are invasive to the horse and must
be dealt with using extreme caution.
Always choose your handling equipment wisely, such as
the quality of the stud chain for instance.
Have sufficient length of line to be at a safe distance during
breeding. Carry a whip and do whatever
you have to in order to keep the situation in your arena, not the
stallion's. At all times, the handler
should be conscious of the stallion and be prepared to be unyielding and firm
if any infractions of the rules occur such as "rushing" or charging a
mare. This can have disastrous effects
and can be potentially dangerous for everyone.
Savaging (the fanatic biting of the mare's neck, flanks, etc.) should
not be tolerated.
A
Word about Pasture Breeding...
Although it seems simplistic to let nature take its
course, there are enormous risks associated with this practise. Serious injuries to both horses could be
sustained. Infections could occur if
proper maintenance and control of the mare and stallion is not followed. Would you really want to subject your
valuable stallion or favourite mare to possible injury or disease? Why not take advantage of all the advancements
made in equine reproduction to assist you in having that special package arrive
safe and healthy next spring.
The
Stallion, the Horse...
Stallions by nature have that special personality which
sets them apart from their more docile brothers and sisters. Learning to work with the stallion by
displaying mutual respect, will result in a problem-free breeding session.
Take the time it takes and give him a pat once in a
while. Reward him with a kind word
during your daily grooming and stable routine.
You want him to be a staunch ally and friend who will dutifully obey under
all circumstances. Then, perhaps only
then, can you allow that mystical "Black Stallion" to be a part of
your everyday life at the farm.
·
This article has appeared in “Horse Talk
Magazine” and on numerous world websites.
This article from the past has received global rave reviews from New Zealand, all across Canada and the US including other countries where it was read. It remains a poignant reminder.
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