There are MANY stallions out there that would make nicer geldings - it's a fact of life, just like the age old saying, "just because it's got the bits and pieces to be a broodmare, doesn't mean she should be a broodmare" - same with stallions. Some people see their colt and just can't call the vet to call them out to do the gelding job on them, so they stay as stallion's when they really do not have the breeding value there.

Now - if you really want to get a stallion and a nice one at that, be prepared to cough up a bit of money for one... it is a gamble. And if you really want to work with your own stud, then I suggest going out and trying to get a job with a stud and learning how to handle them and seeing for yourself what they are actually like to work around.

I have a stallion here, with a colt that will be staying a stallion for awhile to see how he performs etc etc. My guy has being well trained but still has his days when he can be a super handful - they are ALL the same. The worst time is of course at breeding season and when you're out and about and people walk mare's near them etc etc. You need to have the training at home with them and set the boundaries - ie: no screaming out when you're working with them, no hanging "their junk" out when you are working with them, all those sorts of thing, if you have a handle on it at home, then you will still be tested when you go out to a show, but you'll have half a handle on it at a show.

The best advice I got with stallions is; "You always need to be one step AHEAD of them" - thought wise.

EG: You're leading him from his yard to the stable - simple task yes? But, look ahead, ok, I've got two mares to walk past, one is IN season, the other isn't, and there are three geldings to walk past as well, so as you come up to the first mare, have control, make him look the other way, keep his attention - next mare, again, more attention is needed because she is in season, then keep ahead of him with the geldings and put him in his stall, LOCK the door, double check the lock then go away.

It's not just a *walk out, chuck a lead rope around their neck, walk in, throw them in the stable and walk off* again deal. Don't get slack around them, because the moment you get slack and complacent is the moment they take control and bugger off and then you've got a loose stallion on your hands.

Ok - I AM making them sound like a nightmare aren't I?

They are and they aren't. You just need to be careful and respectful of them and keep up with their training. Learn their idiocyncies too - my stallion? He is like a gelding to handle if he is in work, the moment he has a few days off work? He is a nightmare through and through. So I know... if he has had a few days off, then I may need a chain or bit with them - if he hasn't, then I can lead him around with a halter. Rules at a show though remember state (at least here) all stallions MUST have a bit IN their mouth when at a show etc etc.

I may get shot down for saying I lead my stallion around with a halter, but I have a handle on him still - and as I said, if there is a mare around or something new, then I know when I need the chain or bit. It's a matter of KNOWING your stallion knowing how they react, what they will react at and then of course, expecting the unexpected.

I do suggest getting some expirence with a stud if at all possible.

I hope that helps and doesn't frighten you off completely.