A Male Horse

What's the big deal? I'm a stallion - so what?

The way some people act around me you would think I was breathing fire and standing on my hind legs.

I can clear out a wash rack at a show just by nickering at a mare. People are afraid to come near me or touch me. They act like they think I will eat them! I'll happily take their apples, carrots, and treats, but they will never feel my teeth.

I'm a male horse. Lots of male humans act much worse than me. Give me a break!

I won't make any promises about mares that tease me - I am a breeding stallion and I would not be very good at my job if I ignored that!

Yes, I like attention and I'm good at getting it - that's what I'm supposed to do. Besides, I am beautiful!

But basically, I'm a horse. A warmblood, sweet, curious, good natured, easy going, and very affectionate horse!

A Mare Under Saddle in the Arena

Today I am working under saddle and a mare comes into the arena with a person at her side. I know that when I am under saddle there is no visiting with the mares, but I can't resist a low nicker as I trot past. She noticed!

Then she starts working under saddle, too. Each time we pass I turn my ear to her to see if she is noticing me. At first she just ignores me - then the ears start going back and she gives me dirty looks! What?! I'm not going to try anything. I just want her to notice how great I look.

At shows sometimes there are so many mares in the ring that I have trouble paying attention to my rider so I have to work really hard and I'm not good at dividing my attention. That means that I have to start paying a lot of attention to my rider so she will be happy and I can get a break. This usually gets me a lot of attention and sugar.

I'm a little confused about a mare under saddle - it's OK for a rider to mount her but not me!

Stallions Do Not Like To Be Cold

I am remembering that day when we worked out in the field but --






Now it is COLD!

I was sweating when I was under saddle so she clipped by hair (I love being clipped) and I am wearing a fleece, a blanket, and a neck wrap.

On that day I could dry off outside and roll in the dirt and manure --

Now it is FROZEN!
And I am STILL COLD!

When I go outside I have to run around a bit, but then I just go into my run-in shed and watch for someone to come out and bring me in. Then I run to the gate when I see them coming and just to be sure that they get me first I call out and paw at the gate. I would be happy if they would just leave me inside.

I can't wait for spring! Mud, mares, and manure!

Acupuncture For Horses

Today they came into my stall and stuck lots of little needles in my back and it felt really good. I really like to be rubbed on and there was lots of that also, before and after the needles. My tight back felt more relaxed when I was working later. I hope they do this often!

Note from Linda: see the article about Horse Acupuncture for more information.

Importing a Stallion

If you would like to have your own stallion there is lots of information at Importing a Warmblood Stallion. You don't have to go to Holland, but we Dutch are very special!

Stallion Happiness

I love attention.

I love treats (especially peppermints!)

I love to have my face petted and rubbed. After I work it really feels good when she uses a warm towel all over my head!

I love to be groomed.

I love to roll in the nastiest pile I can find.

I love to have lots of activity all around me.

I love to rub on mares (but only if they stand still and don't try to kick me!)

I love to make soft nickers at the mares as they pass by.

I love children - they usually have treats and pet my nose.

I love to run and buck and show off when I am turned loose in my paddock.

I love to watch over my herd.

I love the smells of my farm.

I love to take naps.

I love the silly looking breeding phantom (as long as a real mare is next to it).

I love being a stallion!

A Stallion Breeding Phantom

These warning signs might be funny to you, but I know from experience that this thing is easy to fall off of if the mare decides to move where I can't touch her with my nose. That rough carpet keeps it from being too slippery.

I don't think that any of my explosions would kill anyone, but I do sometimes break the plastic bag!