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Topic: When??? (Read 1000 times)
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fuzzy
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Re:When???
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2003, 09:53:36 PM » |
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The quality of the colt, the $ you want to invest in breeding stock (sounds like your number - with this guy, anyway - is zero) and your tolerance for studly behavior. I really don't believe that early gelding is detrimental in any way but neither is leaving them intact for a couple years. I like to put off gelding as long as possible, but my guy got it younger than I wanted ( a year and several months) - for lack of time to work with him every day. I'm not a 'gelding person' but when you have a stud colt who's wanting to challenge the other boys at shows and can easily jump the 4 ft fence between him and mom, there's not much choice. 
I guess I would tend to focus on trying to maximze masculinity and muscle development, but it's a personal preference. Other folks might lean in favor of 'taking the wind out of his sails' at the first opportunity in the interest of having an easier horse to work with - and there's nothing wrong with that.
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sherry
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FEI
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Posts: 223
I love Trakehners!
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Re:When???
« Reply #2 on: February 07, 2003, 01:01:46 AM » |
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It sure is a matter of personal preference as well as the temperament of the colt. I don't geld my boys as long as their behavior doesn't warrant it. But I have the facilities to keep them entire, and not everyone does. I now have a Hadrian colt who is rising three, and three Charly yearlings--and I have no intention of gelding them--I'll leave that decision up to the buyer. Part of my reasoning not only has to do with masculinity, but I also believe (rightfully or not) that it tends to keep them from reaching 18 hands. On the other hand, I gelded my first crop at about 8 months--with absolutely no problems or concerns. I think the answer is probably do what suits your situation and your colt best.
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Amanya
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Preliminary
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Posts: 96
Life is Choices
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Re:When???
« Reply #3 on: February 07, 2003, 11:35:31 AM » |
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Thank you, guys. I, too, have been leaning in the direction of waiting as long as possible.
He's in a field of 4 other "boys" the same age (7-9 mos). They've just recently taken notice of the "hot chicks" that go by.
He is really very good, (tho only 7 months), and I handle him daily, so we'll go along as long as it makes sense. 
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