Stallion Help?

Question
Hi my name is Sierra and I am 16 years of age.I am struggling with the decision on whether to buy a weanling stallion Irish Sport Horse and keep him a stallion. I want to know whether a stallion could be the right horse for me. I consider myself to be an advanced (not pro) horseman and I truly have no fear of horses but do keep myself in check and aware of the power and risk that comes with handling horses. My goals and reasons for wanting a stallion are to achieve my goal of becoming a pro jumper and my reason for wanting him to remain a stallion is so that when/if he becomes a great jumper I would be able to breed him. I have not been in close contact with stallions and do not know all of the negative and positive behaviors of stallions and you can only research so much. Are you still able to gain somewhat of the same bond with a stallion that you can gain with a gelding or mare? What methods are used to keep stallions from becoming completely mare obsessed? Should I keep him isolated from mares? And if so what age should he be reintroduced to mares? What is your personal opinion of owning a stallion and using him as a performance horse? Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Sierra!

Owning a stallion is a complicated situation.  From what I remember of my showing days, individuals under the age of 18 yrs. are not allowed to show stallions and some shows won't even allow them to participate.  So, I first recommend you carefully review the rules and regulations of any disciplines where you would consider taking a stallion and make sure you would both be eligible.

As for day to day work, they require a level of vigilance that some owners would find overwhelming.  I cannot even begin to list all the pros and cons.  You said "I have not been in close contact with stallions".... so I recommend you intern yourself out to a barn that has one and watch and learn.  No one can "tell" you if you are a stallion person.  You just have to be around some and get actual hands-on experience.  There is really no other logical way to approach this.

Lastly, my personal opinion of owning one is that I like them very well.  I have one myself, an Arab that I broke to ride and have owned for years.  He is actually very easy to own and is well socialized but, I do not trust him blindly.  While he requires little correction now, I still keep him under my thumb.  I personally feel the younger you obtain one and form a bond, the easier it is to train and understand him after that.  Most people own them for their superb athleticism and intelligence and have the necessary dominant personality to control such a willful beast.  And that is the most important component.....the human must understand the stallion's mind and be dominant to him 100% of the time.  Then and only then, can a true relationship be built.

Good luck and remember to always wear and ASTM/SEI approved helmet!

Solange