Why should I castrate? Unless a male is to be used for breeding, he should be castrated for both his and your quality of life. As a male, the potential for a more aggressive personality should be expected, even if housed away from mares or jennies. Intact, his behavior will be less trustworthy and more dangerous, especially for anyone uncomfortable or less experienced with handling animals, especially equids presenting with problem behaviors.

A castration is performed in the following steps: Reasons for castration, Signalment, Interview, Physical Exam, Standing or Recumbent, Instruments, Anesthetic Drugs, Anesthetic Dosages, Anesthetic Administration, Surgical Prep, Surgery, Recovery, Post Operative Care. This interactive equine castration tutorial is produced by Dr. Eric Mueller, an associate professor of surgery from the Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia.

The castration of a male horse is a simple surgical procedure with few risks. Sperm cells are produced in the testicles, matured and stored in the epididymus, and transported via the vas deferens to the ejaculatory site. Gelding removes the testicles, epididymus, part of the spermatic cord, and the covering of the testicles.

Your horse will still be fertile (able to impregnate mares) for up to fourteen days after castration. Avoid pasturing him with mares at this time. Studies show that approximately 25% of properly castrated geldings will show some degree of stallion-like behavior after castration, with no difference in incidence of this behavior between those castrated before and after puberty.