When working with a rare breed of horse, one of the most common things that comes to mind is breeding. If there are not that many, then we need to make more, right? The reality is not quite as simple though.
Saving a rare breed of horse involves people. If there is not an interest in the horses, there is no real reason to save the breed. While that may sound harsh, it is the reality, and something every breeder must realize. Just because two horses can reproduce, does not mean they should. This is where geldings play such an important role. Whether they are perfect specimens, wonderful horses that were not quite good enough to breed, or just one more horse from an over-used bloodline, geldings are the equine gender that showcases the breed.
Many events prohibit stallions for legal and safety reasons, mares need to be pampered when they are in foal, but geldings? They are always ready to hit the trails, walk into an arena, or just make a statement for the breed. Geldings are the ambassadors. They are the gender most horse owners prefer, often having a consistent and predictable temperament. This is why geldings are so often recommended for first time horse owners.
As a breeder, gelding offspring often increases their value to potential owners. Stallions are hard to keep, and harder to keep up with. There is marketing, promotion, and stronger fences to be considered when buying an intact male, but not with a gelding. In addition, selling a young gelding does not make a breeder worry about what the next generation of their carefully cultivated bloodlines will produce.
16 The Hitching Post/February, 2014
BJC Harley's Moose (Moose)
owned by Kay Fritsche
As True As Steel (Tybalt)
owned by Jaclyn Kulakowski
The Beauty of Geldings