Stud

Question
We have a 5 year old stud. He is a Mustang/ Quarter horse. We bought him because he needed a home. He was little for his age. He breed our Arabin/Paint last year. The filly was born on May 14th; Our stud has always been lovable; my husband could work with him. But just about 3 weeks ago, our stud reared up and pawed at him. He hasn't done this before. My daughter and I can feed him and he don't do anything. But he does with my husband; whether in the pasture with him or outside the fence feeding him. The stud doesn't do it all the time. So I am confused and need help. People have told my husband that it's too late to geld him and it wouldn't help. But we really don't want to geld him either. We want to train him to be able to ride. He is not in the the mare or filly. Thank You for any help and advice you can give me.

Answer
Hi Suzanne,
               I know that you did not want to do this but the best and safest thing would be to castrate this guy. Even at the age of 5 it will help. I have castrated studs up to 20 years of age and have seen a change in behaviors. This stallion feels that you are part of his herd and he will attack your husband as a stallion would attack another stud.  Being isolated as he has to be from your mare does not help his mind set. A stallion at the best of times can be dangerous. As a gelding he will make a much better riding horse that you can bring everywhere.

Lisa