How to Cut Horse Sires

Castrating, or "cutting," a horse is the process of emasculating the male by removing his testicles, rendering him infertile and, in most cases, affecting his behavior by making him less aggressive and more easily managed. Taking a sire, or a stallion who has already produced offspring, and gelding him can be a bit trickier, as the horse has already experienced sex and certain behaviors have been established.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian
  • Scalpel
  • Anesthetic
  • Antiseptic
  • Emasculators
  • Water
  • Soap
  • Petroleum Jelly
  • Halter
  • Lead Rope
  • Extra rope
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Instructions

  1. Cutting a Stallion

    • 1

      Bring the horse to a smooth, grassy or sandy place out of direct sunlight where it will be easy and comfortable for him to lie down.

    • 2

      Have the veterinarian sedate the horse, and help the veterinarian lie the horse down. The vet will often tie up a hind legs to make sure the horse cannot kick, even when it is sedated.

    • 3

      Using the scalpel, the veterinarian will make an incision in the scrotal sack and remove the testical, along with a few inches of the spermatic cord from the abdomen.

    • 4

      Crushing the spermatic cords with the emasculators allows the cord to stop bleeding before it is cut, and effectively destroys the tissues necessary for transport of sperm to the urethra. The emasculators are applied and left on for several minutes to ensure the cords are crushed.

    • 5

      Apply an antiseptic spray to the wounds, untie the horse's leg, and allow the animal to wake up. Encourage him to stand after 20 minutes to 30 minutes. He will need to get up in order to wake up.

    • 6

      Apply a layer of petroleum jelly to the inside of the horse's back legs and sheath. This will keep any draining fluids and blood from accumulating on the skin and causing irritation or infection.

    • 7

      Hose the sheath with cool water, gently, for several days after the surgery to effectively clean off congealed drainage and give some relief to the new gelding.

    • 8

      Turn the gelding out in a round pen immediately upon being gelded and encourage him to move around each day, as standing still will only cause the swelling to continue or worse. Exercise keeps the wounds open and draining while they heal.

    • 9

      Examine the horse each day to make sure it is eating, drinking and exercising, and that the wounds are draining well and not causing too much swelling. Some swelling is to be expected in the first 48 hours after surgery, but should begin to decrease after that time.