To geld or not to geld?

Question
I have recently bought a 3/4 bred Dales colt. He is 10 months and apart from being a bit coltish and nippy, (due to food treats by previous owner) and lacking in respect for my personal space, he seems to have a wonderful temperament.I am working on his ground manners and the nipping is subsiding due to him getting no food treats.

I have seen his sire and dam, both of which were extremely good natured, the stallion being cared for and ridden by a 13 year old girl!(parents must be mad but, hey!)
I am not intending to breed from him as he is only 3/4 bred and wondering when I should geld him as am wanting to keep him entire for a while to help with his physical development. He is quite overtly sexual for his age, and tends to display at any mares in the vicinity (and the slurry tanker which he seems to find arousing!)

I have noticed on other peoples replies you seem to suggest gelding sooner rather than later. I don't mind him becoming a bit of a handful when testosterone starts a-raging, as long as he doesn't become nasty as don't want him to learn behaviours which will stick around after the 'passengers' are removed!

By the way they havent descended yet!!

I know there is no 'right' age to geld but would appreciate your views on the matter

Cheers, Jo

Answer
Hi Jo!

I prefer gelding as early as the colt and vet will both allow.  One must take the season into consideration too.  You do not want to attempt this in fly season or when it is under 32 degrees for more than a few days in a row.  You must cold hose his area and no one wants to do that in freezing temps!!

As for leaving him entire for awhile....a vet told me that leaving him entire will allow him to grow out and more blocky  rather than up and taller.  So.  What do you want?
Tall or husky?  

Also, many people do not know how to correctly manage the blossoming behaviors and can get hurt or if they wait too long, have an "accident"!  LOL!!

Talk to your vet and when they say the time is right, snip, snip, I say  :-)

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

Solange