Geldings

Common sense, combined with good herdsmanship, dictates that we castrate (geld) colts with no special promise in the gene pool. The ease in transporting a mare to that special stallion that has the potential to sire a winner is an important factor that should be considered. One should also consider gelding all colts that are not at least as good as or better than their sires or dams.

Thought should be given as to when is the best time to geld your colt. Because infection spreading flies are normally dormant in the late fall after a frost until early spring, this is generally accepted as the most favorable time to geld a colt. The proper age at which one should geld a colt should also be a consideration. The age is dependent upon the goals you have set for your Miniature gelding and also upon the look that you desire your horse to achieve, with regards to muscle development and masculinity.

Your gelding can be started in performance training at approximately two years of age. Begin training in the obstacle and jumping events first, for the growth plates of any horse should be closed prior to starting the more strenuous training in driving. The gelding's behavior remains fairly consistent from day to day, therefore, training is often less difficult than that of a stallion.

Geldings are usually quiet and dependable. As a rule, they do not have the excitable temperament of the stallion, nor the nervousness of a mare. Nor is it uncommon to see the lone gelding in a band of mares showing very caring maternal instincts toward the young foals. They also can be as effective in the watch patrol as any mature mare.