Why Geldings Make Good Mounts

Many people overlook geldings thinking they want to breed. Geldings can often be the best solution for many things and often don't get the credit they deserve. While mares and stallions retire for breeding, can be moody when hormones shift and often are not the best quality to warrant breeding, geldings can provide consistent performance. They exist to eat and work.

Gelding is a major operation often not given credit for the seriousness until things go wrong. A gelding can often be more stable, but not saying it's going to take an obnoxious stallion and make him an obedient gelding - only training can do that. The great John Henry was often described as nasty to work with, a fighter that would not hesitate to leave a mark - but he garnered respect for it. The Tin Man, Lava Man, Kona Gold, FunnyCide, Forego, Cavonneir and many others made their mark on the race track. The legendary American Saddlebred Imperator is known not for his offspring - he has none - but for his heart pounding performance on a Kentucky night for the World Five Gaited Championships with Skywatch. Lesser known geldings I've known - Five Star Roni, Joe, Kit, Slip, Viva and others don't have offspring but never the less taught many valued lessons and are remembered long after they've passed on.

Geldings can be more consistent in temperment. They aren't as likely to squeal when a mare approaches. Some criticize saying geldings have an attitude but there are many geldings that simply use energy for seeking treats and attention rather than other horses. I've 'met' geldings that have every reason to distrust people, such as Kit, a thoroughbred grandson of Native Dancer - when his forelock was pulled aside there was a large hole indentation where sometime in his past a pole connected with his head. He was rightfully a bit touchy about his head - you had to earn trust before he'd let you handle it. He wasn't mean - but he wanted assurance you weren't going to hurt his ears or head.