Social contact helps to keep stallions sweet: Nivalis socialises with Arabian mare Tiff over his back door

Equine behaviour expert Dr Marthe Kiley-Worthington experimented successfully with turning a vasectomised stallion out with mares, so that he could lead a more natural life without the complication of too many foals. A barren mare can make a good companion for a stallion; or failing equine companionship, an animal companion of another species is often welcomed (some stallions like sheep and goats; others may attack them, so be careful if you are trying this!)

Even if you can't turn a stallion out with other horses, it may be possible to allow him to socialise in other ways. For example, when Nivalis comes in from his paddock he is always allowed to roam freely about the yard (so long as the geldings are out in the field!) and say hello to his girls (the mare Kiri and her and Nivalis' daughter, Imzadi) over the stable door.

Properly brought up and managed, stallions can be ridden in company: Arabian stallion Balthasar (right) and gelding Pharli prepare to go for a hack

Obviously we keep an eye on them to make sure no one gets too excited, but they all enjoy a few minutes' nuzzling and squealing. His stable has a back door as well as a front door; sometimes he and one of the other mares, Tiff, socialise over the back door. Again, they both enjoy this, and it is noticeable how relaxed Nivalis is following this bit of social contact.

In some stables contact is possible by means of dividing partitions which do not come right up to the ceiling, or alternatively having barred partitions above a certain height, with kick boards below. The bars need to be constructed so that a horse can't get his feet trapped in them, yet wide enough to allow him to touch noses with his companion. With the same careful choice of neighbours as one would make with turnout companions, this can be a very effective way of ensuring a stallion can maintain contact with his own kind.

If you are thinking of keeping a stallion, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I have the knowledge and experience to deal with a character who may be rather more complex than the average gelding?

• Do I have (or can I arrange) suitable facilities for turning him out and providing the necessary companionship?

• Do I have the time to build a relationship with him, and establish mutual respect and understanding?

If you can honestly answer yes to all three questions, then keeping an entire might not only be practicable for you, it could be the start of one of the most rewarding relationships a human could possibly have with another living creature.

© Lesley Skipper

More information about Lesley can be found here

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