to geld or not to geld? that is the question....

whiskey pete

i reckon i've always been one of those "strange" folks who have no qualms when workin' with studs.  yes, i've certainly met some of the most obnoxious fella's (oh yeah, still talkin' horses here) and then have had the great pleasure of meetin' some truly sweet ones.

what's the difference, one may ask?  it's quite simple actually.  a bunch relies on disposition.  i've met jest as unruly, snotty, bitin', kickin' mares & geldings as i've met stallions.  then there's the "herd" connection.  this meanin' that if they are taught by some grouchy mares, a lead stallion or a cranky geldin' (who's task is to babysit a mob of undisciplined youngsters as part of his retirement plan) proper etiquette, they are likely to  be most pleasant lil stallions.   then there's the human factor.  one can accomplish the latter without the aid of a herd by becomin' the herd leader.  one doesn't have to be mean or cruel to accomplish this feat.  it jest requires good timin' (3 second rule) and consistency... kinda like potty trainin'...

i've 4 beautiful studs out in my pasture.  by no means was it the intent to keep 'em that way.  the hubs grew up on a ranch and feels they only serve one purpose: to breed.  he's had the displeasure of bein' around the unruly, bitin', kickin', prima dona's who've been catered to all their lives.  his family has the same distaste at the mention of "stud" and are most digruntled by my lil quartet.

jake prior to the drought, when pasture was plentiful

some came to me at the young age of 3wks (orphaned from a mustang round-up, thanks sheldon-hart refuge & their crew), some 3months, another 3years old (now, that's a mannered fella after bein' kicked outta his herd, then goin' a bachelor band as the "low man on the totem pole") and then there's Jake.  a blm 3 striker at the age of 1 year when he was adopted.  he's a lone fella as his entire herd of wild mustangs was wiped out by the blm, a product of wyomin'.

i groom my horses, trim their feet with the aid of no halter nor lead.  we have a trust and bond was developed.  i've no fear to sit underneath a 1,000 lb stud and give him a once over with a rasp.  doesn't raise a hair on the back of my neck, sends horrors through the spines of others.  am i bein' cocky?  no, i'm not claimin' braggin' rights, jest explainin' the relationship i've with my lil herd.

anyhow, drought has been set upon us.  pastures are burnt, the landscape is filled with the brown dormant feel of a winter.  cacti are shriveled & pleadin' fer passerby's to stop & give 'em a drink.  it's a most pitiful sight to once was a vibrant grassland filled with life.  everybody who knows anythin' about horses acknowledges that they graze....22hrs a day...7 days a week...365 days a year.  our sandy soil compacts this trouble.  the horses will literally pull clumps of grass out, root & all.  this makes it most difficult to put 'em out on pasture (trust me, at  $150 per 1/2 acre to replant in native grass once proceeds with great caution, and that's jest the cost of the seed!) regardless of their sex.

cheeto, talkin' with the girls in better times...

which brings me to the big, dauntin' question:   geld the boys?   sure, i've no intentions on breedin'.  have one fella who's an excellent prospect ~ puts the papered studs in these parts to shame.  he's of superior bone, confirmation and disposition.  i feel there are enough irresponsible breeders out there to keep the planet heavily populated, albeit with sad representatives.  if they were gelded, it would be easier to rotate on the pasture.  the mares would quit goin' into heat (yes, i've 4 mares as well...) and not be so temperamental (i've one who has the most horrid time, bless her heart).  two of the young stallions would no longer be in competition fer the affections of this said golden palomino mare.

cisco out fer a romp : is that annoyin' lil thing nippin' at me really a  dog?

jake and that unruly mane

yes, perhaps that's what we'll do this fall/winter.  too darned hot (104 degrees jest today, thanks to a cold front) and would bring many more bitin' flies to dish 'em misery.... yepperz, fall it is.  think i'll call the vet & see what can be scheduled.