OklahomaHorses Magazine March 2023

18 OklahomaHorses • March / April 2023 STALLION BEHAVIOR: THE Reluctant STALLION by Dr. Kris Hiney, Equine Extension Specialst, OSU L onger daylight and warmer tempera- tures herald the advent of breeding season, and with that, it is worth some time to think about stallion behavior. A successful breeding program depends on having a happy, healthy stallion who is willing to do his job. Good stallion manag- ers have mastered the art of keeping their horses happy, confident and well behaved, which may involve considering each horse as an individual. First, ensure that your stallion enters the breeding season in optimal health. Simple consideration of his body condition is important. Breeding season typically brings more activity for the stallion, not just in the breeding shed, but also more time running, vocalizing and overall showing off. Ideally the stallion enters the breeding season in a BCS (Body Condition Score) of 5 or 6 to help support his energy demands. Moni- tor his weight throughout the season and adjust feed intake accordingly. Another extremely important consid- eration is the stallion’s soundness. Pain or discomfort can manifest itself in undesir- able behaviors as the stallion experiences frustration between something that he finds desirable but elicits pain. If your stallion starts to exhibit either aggressive behaviors or disinterest, it is important to first rule out pain, before starting any other behav- ioral management strategies. Once ensuring the stallion’s health status, consider how he is housed. How we typi- cally house and handle stallions is a far cry from how they would interact with other horses in a natural setting. Typically stallions are often isolated from other horses in order to ensure their and others’ safety. This often means stallions are kept in barns away from mares and geldings. This may decrease libido in some stallions. In nature, stallions who congregate together are known as bachelor stallions, in contrast to the stallion with access to mares, known as the harem stallion. Stallions around only other stallions show decreased testicular size and thus lower libi- do which allows them to live together with less conflict. Therefore, housing stallions around mares may help horses who are disinterested or reluctant breeders. Some stallions may not show interest in mares due to their past handling. It is com- mon in performance stallions to discour- age or punish them from showing sexual interest during their careers. Stallions are often punished for “dropping” the penis or performing masturbation activities. While stallion managers may not have control over a horse’s past experiences, this practice should be discouraged in horses which are intended to be breeding stallions. Stal- lions should be allowed to exhibit normal behaviors. The mare used for breeding should also be considered for a stallion which is a reluctant breeder. While some stallions may do quite well with an ovariectomized mare (one with ovaries removed and provided synthetic estrogen) used for semen col- lection, most stallions do prefer a mare in natural estrus. A reluctant stallion may be more interested in a mare closer to ovulation versus early estrus. In addition, allowing mares to exhibit the most natural behavior that is safely allowed will encour- age a reluctant or novice breeder. For exam- ple, mares that are hobbled and twitched will not be able to show the same posture which shows acceptance to the stallion. Some stallions may even have color prefer- ences in mares. Paying close attention to stallion preference can lead to success in the breeding shed. Consider the breeding shed environment as well. Some stallions can be distracted by any extra noise or movement which may occur. I used to work with a stallion that would easily be distracted and often have an “Oh, look, a butterfly,” approach to life. If using a phantom or breeding dummy, check that it is firmly in place and does not rattle or make other sounds when mount- ing. Only have the personnel needed for safe handling of the mare and stallion. Selection and/or training of stallion and mare handlers is extremely important. Sexual behavior in horses can often be intimidating to novice handlers which can quickly lead to poor handling decisions. Overly timid behavior or excessive punish- ment for what is actually normal behav- ior is likely to cause an increase in bad behavior. Vocalization, nipping and striking are all normal behavior for stallions. Good stallion handlers remain calm and do not overly punish or act punitively to punish the stallion for even adverse frustration behaviors. Overall, remember to pay attention to your stallion and what he needs for success. Normal sexual behavior should be allowed and provide him the most predictable, comfortable routine possible.