Stallion (horse)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A stallion is a male horse that has not been castrated. They usually have a thicker, "cresty" neck compared to mares and geldings, as well as a more muscular physique and a fiery temperament.
[edit] Temperament
Stallions tend to be more aggressive and abrupt than geldings, due to normal hormonal surges, particularly of testosterone. The sex-driven dominance behavior associated with stallions tends to be stronger than that associated with mares.
Stallions are usually more "fiery" than either geldings or mares, and may therefore enjoy an advantage in competitive riding. They are especially popular for upper level dressage work, show jumping, and tent pegging, but are rarely seen at the upper levels of eventing.
[edit] Acceptance
In Asia and the Middle East, the riding of stallions as pleasure, work, and competition mounts is widespread, for both beginners and experienced riders, and especially among male riders. The gelding of stallions is unusual, and is generally seen as unnecessary or unnatural.
In Europe, the riding of stallions is uncommon, and typically performed only by experienced riders. The majority of stallions are gelded at an early age.
In North America, there is a broad and exaggerated fear of stallions in the horse community, perhaps due to a generalized cultural anxiety about masculinity. Very few riders even in the most experienced ranks are willing to take stallions as mounts, and most boarding barns will refuse clients with stallions. Virtually all stallions are gelded at shortly after birth, other than those kept explicitly for breeding or racing stock.
 |
This horse article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
