How to Handle a Stallion

Stallions are serious business. They are the breeding machines of the animal world. There are very animals in the world with more hormones or libido than a breeding stallion in the prime of his life. Handling a breeding stallion can be dangerous, but it can also be very satisfying as you see the results of his offspring. This article gives you some important tips on how to handle a stallion.

Things You'll Need

  • Previous horse experience
  • Professional help
  • Quick reflexes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Handling a stallion can be deadly serious. The first, and most important, step is to have previous horse experience and lots of it. A professional with stallion experience needs to be there to help you learn how to handle your stallion. Once you have learned how he behaves in various situations, you can begin to work with him on your own.

    • 2

      Realize that the stallion is filled with an enormous amount of hormones that have him focused on one thing--procreation. All other things are secondary, especially when it is breeding season, and there are receptive mares around. No matter how well a stallion is trained, or how he handles in a normal situation, you must always keep in mind there is a fine line between him minding you as his handler and him succumbing to his instincts.

    • 3

      Gaining a stallion's respect is of utmost importance. This does not mean you try and beat him into submission. Beating a stallion will cause him to hate and fear you, and these two feelings can quickly trigger his deadly aggression if he is set off in a bad situation. By being firm, kind and consistent, you will teach the stallion that you are firmly in control, and yet you are willing to allow him some freedoms and to reward his good behavior.

    • 4

      Employ consistency, which is probably the single most important key to handling a stallion. Follow a set routine for him, so that he KNOWS when he is going to breed, and when he is expected to do other duties. Always allow him to wear the same halter when he breeds a mare, and only have him wear it when he is going to breed. He will soon come to learn that when that halter goes on, he gets to breed, but when it is not, he must act in a suitable manner.

    • 5

      Know that punishment needs to be more mental and vocal than physical. You will never overpower a stallion. You are fooling yourself if you think that you can. But by using your voice, your body language, and some basic tools, such as a stud chain and or a crop or other small whip, you can punish him in a way he understands establishes your dominance without challenging him physically. The last thing you want is a mature breeding stallion feeling you want to have a throw down fight with him.