by Heidi Smith, DVM
- In my veterinary practice centered on
equine reproduction, I am sometimes asked for advice on handling
young stallions for their first breedings. Most breeders want
to ensure that the horse will be reasonable to breed, and they
don't want breeding to make him a menace to handle for other
activities. Since we have started several youngsters on their
breeding careers, and since as endurance riders, we rely on stallions
that can separate breeding from their working lives, I'd like
to share some of the things that have worked for us.
- First of all, the young stallion must have a good working respect for the person who will be handling him at breeding. He should be well halter-broke, and not adverse to having his entire body handled. I prefer to postpone a breeding career until I already have a youngster started under saddle, but this is not always possible.
- One of the biggest mistakes I have seen clients make with young stallions is to isolate them and treat them as if they are a separate species. Ideally, young stallions learn manners best from older horses. My first choice for a pasture mate for a young stallion is an older gelding or a dominant pregnant mare. In either case, the colt will learn more about herd etiquette than he will ever learn from people; he will especially learn that it is not a good idea to barge in where he is not sure he is welcome.
- I also like to avoid picking at young stallions and playing games with their faces. Define acceptable behavior to them, and make sure they understand what is expected. When they misbehave, punish them once, firmly and immediately, and then drop the subject. Avoid becoming a target for playful nosing and nipping. When it is time to halter them, brush their faces, etc., do so in a business-like manner that does not become a game.
- If you are totally unfamiliar with handling breeding stallions, ask around and find a breeder whom you respect who will allow you to watch their breeding routine, so that you know what to expect. If you find someone who has a routine that seems workable to you, you might even consider asking this person to handle your young stallion for his first breeding while you observe, and ask their advice on any individual habits he seems likely to develop.
- One thing that helps a stallion to separate breeding activity in his mind from working activity is a routine at breeding that never varies. Some people have good luck with using a particular halter or bridle at breeding that is not used any other time. A set routine of preparations that the stallion can observe is also very helpful. One established routine that has worked well for our stallions is that we only breed them in their own paddocks; when they leave their paddocks, it is to engage in a non-breeding activity. Many of my clients have a variation of this set-up with a specific breeding barn, paddock, or area; when the stallion goes to this area, he expects to breed, and when he goes elsewhere, he does not.
- One hard-and-fast rule that I have maintained over the years is that my stallions never leave the farm to breed. When they enter a horse trailer, they know they are going to work, and they do not expect a breeding situation when they are unloaded at any destination. In some cases, a stallion may have to stand at a trainer's facility; if this is the case, send him to the trainer well before breeding so that he is acclimated and does not associate traveling with breeding.
- For a youngster's first breeding, try to pick an experienced mare that will stand willingly. Some young stallions are surprisingly clumsy in their first breeding attempts, and many mares lose patience quickly with such ineptness. A maiden mare may especially be a problem for the green breeder, as she does not know what to expect either, and may be frightened by the whole situation. Be sure that you have an experienced person handling the mare; the capability of the mare handler can spell the difference between success and nightmarish failure, even when using experienced stallions.
- If in doubt about any part of starting a young stallion at a breeding career, don't be afraid to ask your veterinarian for advice. In addition to being a good source of information, he or she may be able to help directly, or they may have suggestions of other breeders in your area that can lend you support.
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