My old gelding was 2 and he filled out beautifully. Another one I had was cut at 8 months and he was kind of a sissy. Is it just the difference between horses or does the age have something to do with it? I had a foal born late last summer and wondering when to call the vet. Thanks!
2007-03-09 12:24:21 · 8 answers · asked by Ayla B 4 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Equines do most of their growing between 6 months and 2 years old. When a colt is gelded at a young age it sets his hormones and body off balance because he is growing so fast. Most horses that are gelded at a young age may grow as tall as the sire and dam- but may not be as broad. This is because those hormones help aid in muscle growth and bone development- when removed the body will not mature appropriately. This is also been shown in fillies that had hysterectomies because of uterine cancer or virus.
People often wonder why wild horses are able to maintain their body condition in the wild with healthy sound feet and bones- this is a main reason. Their hormones are balanced. They eat exactly when and what they need to. Captivity has humans feeding horses feeds and grains and hay that can upset their bodies balance and hormonal structure. When those hormones are disrupted- their body doesn't release the proper amounts of endorphins which actually help the body heal itself and acts as a natural pain killer.
I had a paint rescue who was gelded at 10 months of age. At 17 months he was 15.3 hh and had the body structure of a thoroughbred even though he had foundation quarter horse and cutting horse blood lines.
2007-03-09 12:50:10 · answer #1 · answered by silvaspurranch 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because I have a lot of horses----its a Breeding Establishment here---If for some reason, I do not have all the colts gelded by 12 months of age----I separate them from the mares. It is not as much their age as their maturity level. Some are jumping on other horses when they are very young and some are definitely sexually mature earlier than others..
If both testicles are down and the weather is right---I would say the optimum age is 10 months. If it is done properly---it does not upset their mental or physical stability. There are many other things that are more likely to disturb their growth than proper castration.
2007-03-09 20:40:54 · answer #2 · answered by abesmom17 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wait untill they are 2 yrs of age they fill out better and they have a better temperament . the age has all to do with it . also try checking with your vet .
2007-03-09 20:29:14 · answer #3 · answered by Kate T. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
myne was cut at around 6months and no he isnt a sissy but it depends on the horse...
2007-03-09 22:03:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
when he starts acting like a stud or 4 years old.
2007-03-11 06:46:02 · answer #5 · answered by none 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your vet and ask his opinion on when to castrate you colt.
2007-03-10 01:22:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends on the horse. because each horse is different ask your vet.
2007-03-09 20:28:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Would you like it if you were living in a third world country and they cut your clitoris off at age ten? CRUEL HUMAN!
2007-03-09 20:26:39 · answer #8 · answered by Seoul Brother 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋