The castration procedure is routine and simple and can be performed at a clinic or in the field. | Photo: Caitlin Freeny

Being a responsible horse owner involves deciding if and when castration is appropriate. Castration is necessary if a horse is not of significant breeding value. If time and performances are needed to determine potential breeding value, an owner must manage and train the colt to prevent behavioral problems.  

Testosterone is constantly present in the stallion, and this leads to aggressive behavior, making some stallions dangerous to be around. So, timing is important for castration; it should be done after the effects of testosterone have helped the horse reach skeletal maturation, but before they’ve started causing aggression. Once aggressive behavior develops, the American Association of Equine Practitioners reports there is a 65% chance it becomes habit and will not cease after castration.  

Unfortunately, there is a quickly growing population of so-called unwanted horses, and now more than ever responsible horse ownership includes the timely castration of any male horse before he creates undesirable offspring (because of both conformational traits and behavior!)