How to Socialize a Stallion

Stallions are incredibly difficult to manage and not because they are bad or ill-mannered. Many of the stallion's bad behaviors are a direct result of humans interfering with their natural instincts and herd dynamics. A prime example of this is the complete lack of socialization most modern stallions are forced to live with. This information will share some important tips on how to socialize your stallion in order to make him a healthier, better citizen.

Things You'll Need

  • Good sturdy fencing
  • Previous horse experience
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Instructions

    • 1

      There is nothing better for a stallion than other horses. By isolating the stallion and cutting him off from any horses except when he is breeding, you are setting him up for all kinds of aggressive bad behaviors that are completely avoidable with proper handling. Never separate your stallion from all other horses. He must have some companionship, even if the companion is only a goat or donkey, it is imperative that your stallion have a barn and stall companion that he can live with at all times.

    • 2

      Start when the colt is young. Allow him to be with other colts his age. Even better, allow him to grow up with an older gelding who will be dominant over him. Ideally, he should be able to live with this buddy for many years and only taken out when he is breeding a mare. If you feel this is not acceptable for him after he is sexually mature, allow him to be stalled next to this buddy and be able to touch noses with him and talk. Touching is a necessary part of socialization.

    • 3

      The best possible situation for a stallion is to be allowed to live with his mares. If he has been brought up with other horses, this should not pose a problem at all. If he been isolated and you are working to socialize him, begin by stalling him next to a mare and allow her to come into season. Once you know she is well into heat, turn her into a smaller paddock area and then turn your stallion in with her. There will be a great deal of noise and possibly some cuts and scrapes, but chances are, you will come out with a pregnant mare and a happy stallion. Allow them to live together and eventually turn one and then another mare in with the first two, until you are comfortable with allowing the stallion out in the main herd.

    • 4

      Even if you cannot have your stallion out with a herd of his mares, even living with one mare is far better than none. Even when the mare is bred and safely in foal, there is no need to remove her from the stallion's presence. They can live very happily together all the way until her last couple of weeks, when she will need to be removed to foal on her own.

    • 5

      By allowing your stallion to interact with other horses, or even a donkey or goat, he is being allowed to give vent to some of his natural instincts, which is absolutely necessary for his health and mental well-being. It will also make him an easier horse to handle and a better citizen all the way around.