Page 907 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

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VetBooks.ir THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Edited by Sarah Stoneham BVSc Cert ESM MRCVS

CASTRATION

Castration or ‘gelding’ involves removal of the horse’s testicles. This operation is routinely
carried out to make the horse:

• unable to breed

• more docile, especially in the presence of mares.

Preparing for the operation

A number of factors should be considered when making the arrangements for a horse to be
gelded. These include the following.

TIMING
Horses can be gelded at any age. The most popular time is between 1 and 2 years when

sexual behaviour commences. The operation is usually carried out in the spring, autumn or
winter when there are relatively few flies. To a certain extent this depends on the available

facilities and the local conditions. For example, castration should not be carried out in a
waterlogged field.

LOCATION

The horse may be gelded in a stable with a bed of clean straw or paper. Wood shavings are
not suitable as tiny chips can enter the wound and cause problems later. The bed should be

prepared well in advance of the vet’s visit so the atmosphere is not dusty when the operation
takes place. Alternatively, the horse can be castrated in a clean field with a good grass cover.

These days many horses are taken to an equine hospital with surgical facilities to be
gelded in clean and hygienic conditions. Here there are nurses who are accustomed to the

procedure, rather than the vet having to rely on the owner to assist. This may be cheaper for
the owner, easier for the vet and safer for the horse.