stallions prospects

Question
Thanks.  I'm not sure what I should do.  I will be going to college soon and a Stallion needs a person that can be there for him a lot and regularly.  He is great, but I think we will just have to see.  When do you think is too late to geld a horse?
Karen
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Followup To
Question -
Hello,
This question has been troubling me.  We recently have bought a colt.  He has incredible bloodlines.  His temperment is very sweet like his fathers line. (Der Radetsky)  I am only 16, but I am wanting to in the future have a Stallion.  I am a strong rider and horseperson, I don't doubt that I can not handle a stallion.  Would this  colt be a possible canidate for a stallion or do you think that I should wait?
Der Radetsky- grandsire
Danzig- sire
Gaia- mother- Grundstein

Thanks for the info.
Answer -
Dear Karen-
 I think it is a shame that most of us here in the U.S. regard stallions as the wildest of beasts.  Although I am not suggesting that we would compromise our  freedom of choice to the extent of some state run breeding programs as in Europe, we can learn alot about what we can expect from a stallion, as far as manners by looking at their example.
If your not familar with the programs I just mentioned let me explain.  In many countries colts have to pass exams in order to remain unaltered or to be considered in a breeding program. One of the major factors in many breeds is temperament. A beautiful, high-performing colt will not be kept whole if he is a horrble mean actor.
So what does all that mean to the question I asked? (you might say)
I think a stallion can have manners. I have personally owned one.  He was a thoroughbred right from the track, retired due to bad knee.  I knew the breeder. He had been hand raised and treated well his whole life. When I got him at age 7 he was settled, very kind in a stall and a complete gentleman in the presence of mares. I'm sure he had his moments before I met him but I was thankful that he had always, apparently, been handled well.
Colts will challenge you every day. As youngsters they're  ALWAYS finding their spot on ladder of the herd. If you are the head of your herd it is their job to challenge your authority even into battle if pressed. If you plan on raising a stallion you must always keep the long view in mind when dealing with a colt. Rember they are juveniles until the age of 5. Don't win a tiff that makes him mean and don't lose a point that you know is important for your safety and his.
Another consideration that may or may not affect your decision is the special stabling accomadations that a stallion requires. This issue is expecially complicated if you have to board your horse.
I dont know you personally to be able to say go for it. I can say I think it is possible with the right horse. I think it is the most rational and sane action to raise any horse so that it is well mannered even if it requires an experienced hand to maintain control.
I'm sure there are points I missed but I must beg off! It is almost 3 a.m.!! I would be happy to continue another time if you care to write again. You can contact me through allexperts again or email me at: PalaminoK8@aol.com. Mention horses in the subject line so that I dont throw you out with the spam please!
 Thank you for your question. I would love to hear more of your thoughts on this.
         Sincerely-K8

Answer
Dear Karen- Hello again!Your question has no real definative answer. Many colts are sent to the track, race for 3-5 years & are then gelded if they are not good breeding prospects. I have known a horse that was gelded at age 11 to no ill effect. He had the most wonderful neck I've ever seen in a quarterhorse. Most people geld pleasure horses around age 1 because of course the process becomes more complicated (and more expensive)the bigger the animal becomes. Some wait to get more defined necks or other secondary sexual traits. You never mentioned breed but I think this is a thoroughbred. (Please excuse my trouble placing the names you mentioned.  You can't imagine how many names I/ve looked at! LOL)
Anyway, if your colt is well behaved now and you think you can devote the time to develop him now before you go off to school, I would hold off on gelding him. Why not save the potential? There's no going back on this issue. Part of your training program can be to look for an ideal situation for him while you're away. Maybe you can lease him to a trainer, or maintain an interest in his breeding if you do end up selling him. Have you considered an equestrian college? You could both go to school!
Of course I've never even mentioned a vet check. You should make sure your vet knows that you are considering this colt for a breeding career and every exam should include an "equipment" check.
Well...once again I am burning the midnight oil much too far into the night. Write again, please. It's been fun exploring this w/ you. I hope my thoughts will help you form a plan. Thank you for your questions.

         Sincerely Yours-K8