CASTRATION (‘gelding’ or ‘cutting) is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in horses. The majority of male horses that are not intended for breeding are gelded at one to two years of age. Removing the source of most of the male sex hormones before the horse has become accustomed to routinely exhibiting stallion-like behaviour renders them more docile, and easy to manage.

Male horses can, however, be safely castrated at any age, and for a wide variety of reasons. Potential stallions are typically left intact until their level of athletic ability has been established. The majority of those horses that don’t end up going to stud are typically gelded to make them easier to retrain and re-purpose. Castration may be indicated in cases of trauma or disease, such as tumours of the reproductive organs, or to help address some behavioural issues. Infertile stallions may be salvaged for other uses by being gelded.