about stallions

Question
Hi,
I have a question and it was a little embarrassing for me to ask my riding instructor about it :D
Sometimes I saw something with the male horses,, it happens just suddenly so I couldn't figure what does it mean and why does it happen
If a horse's "organ" expanded in a very strange way and become larger does this mean a sexual attraction and excitement or what? And is it normal to happen although there's no mare around?
and does he become more dangerous under this condition?
And is it the reason that make people turn their stallions into geldings?
So many questions :) but I guess they go in the same field

Thanks in advance & Kind regards


Answer
Hi Sara.  Your question is a valid one, and is nothing to be ashamed about asking.  If you're talking about stallions, when they are sexually excited their penis will extend, expand and harden in order for his to be able to penetrate a female.  Whether he is more dangerous at this point depends largely on the amount of training he's had. Stallions need to be taught how to behave when they're getting ready to breed.  But, in general, when you see a stallion in this state, you'll want to avoid being around him unless you've had training and experience in handling them.  Since procreation is one of the most basic instincts, some stallions will stop at nothing to get to a female that's in season.  I've even seen one run over a person before.  And yes, this is generally the reason that people geld horses - to help them focus on work and not on the females around them in season.

Hope this answers your question.  Remember, there is nothing to be embarassed about - this is a perfectly natural function among horses.

--Susan