Handling the Breeding Stallion

Stallions are the focal point of equine breeding programs. These stallions have become sires strictly because of three traits established before entering a breeding career:pedigree, performance, and conformation. Handling methods applied during these formative years are quite varied, and they can have a dramatic and sometimes formidable effect on a stallion's behavior in a breeding environment. This paper addresses principles of stallion handling that may yield a more safe and serviceable stallion.

1. Effective Connection is the Key

Volumes have been written regarding methods for communicating with horses, and working clinics on the subject have been popularized in recent years. The concept is simple-use a mindful approach to interaction with your horse, realizing that they cannot speak your language but that they do respond in some manner to virtually everything that you say or do. The key is to channel their energy in a positive way by a straightforward mechanism-connection. What is connection, you ask? Some type of vague term applied only by "horse whisperers"? When does one begin this process? Where does one begin?

The bottom line is that your horse knows how to read you, so you must become skilled at reading your horse. Connection, in this context, simply refers to establishing a two-way communication between man and horse. Horse behavior is an acquired trait, and horsemanship skills are required to mold a horse's behavior into one of favorable quality. To develop a unique language that both horse and handler understand, we need to learn to think as they think, hear what they hear, and see what they see. This process begins by monitoring the actions of the horse in your presence, however subtle they may be, so that you may refine these actions to capture the horse's mind and body.

In my view, the three "Rs" that apply to horse education are: (1) respect, (2) responsiveness, and (3) radiance. In other words, the culmination of training methods should result in a horse that is respectful of its handler and responsive to subtle cues, while remaining vibrant, curious, and energetic (as opposed to subordinate or distrusting).

These training methods are most easily applied when horses are young and before bad habits have developed. Nonetheless, one can teach older horses new tricks. It only requires the three "Ps": (1) patience, (2) persistence, and (3) positive reinforcement. The term positive reinforcement is not applied correctly in the eyes of learned behaviorists. We use pressure and release tactics to train horses, (i.e., negative reinforcement training methods). Nonetheless, positive reinforcement methods, such as a pat on the forehead for a job well done, are interjected into the training process to create a positive learning experience. Often, older horses have been allowed to repeatedly exhibit inappropriate behavior or have been subjected to excessive or overzealous reprimand for misconduct. Either of these scenarios generally requires significant retraining to erase the presenting problem, while simultaneously creating a positive learning experience.

Although the general approaches discussed above apply to all domesticated horses, the focus of this paper is the breeding stallion.

2. General Principles for Handling Stallions

First Interaction

First, one is ill advised to apply generalities to all stallions, because each is, and should be treated as, an individual. The presenting behavioral traits of stallions can range from that of extreme timidness or withdrawal to that of unruliness or viciousness. Actions on the part of the handler should be based on the presenting behavior of the stallion. This is where the "feel" component of horsemanship comes into play. Learn to read movements and gestures of a stallion when approaching him. Watch him in a paddock setting. Watch his behavior when entering his stall. Is he timid, frightened, anxious, or aggressive? Get some historical information regarding the stallion's behavioral habits before your first encounter with him. Does he strike or bite at his handler? Does he wheel and gesture to kick when entering the stall with him? Has he been exposed to previous handling techniques, and, if so, what kind? In other words, learn all you can about the stallion before directly interacting with him.

Second, never be absolutely trusting of a stallion in any situation. Stallions have hurt scores of handlers. Some of these stallions were generally considered to be well mannered and trustworthy but have attacked handlers without provocation. To avoid this situation, always be on guard around a stallion by taking a "better safe than sorry" attitude. This does not imply that one should exert force with a stallion to show dominance. It only means that becoming too relaxed, lackadaisical, or distracted in the presence of a stallion can lead to disaster and can be averted in most instances by paying close attention to the stallion and the other activities occurring in close proximity to the stallion.

Restraint

A key element of stallion handling is minimal but effective restraint. My first choices in equipment are a well-fitted leather halter and a chain/leather shank. I recommend a 30-in chain attached to an 11-ft leather lead strap with a leather button secured to the end of the shank (Fig. 1). Most halters only have crown adjustment points. The crown strap should be adjusted so that the two stays connecting the nose strap, cheek pieces, and chin straps are immediately below the lower end of the facial crests (Fig. 2). The halter (including the nose/chin straps and the throat latch) should not be too loose or tight on the stallion's head. I prefer stays that are made of round brass stock rather than flattened stock, because they more readily accommodate a shank snap (Fig. 3).

Figure 1. A photograph of an 11-ft leather lead shank with a leather button secured to one end and a 30-in chain affixed to the other end.The leather buttons aid the handler in maintaining a grasp on the lead shank should a stallion rear or try to escape.

Figure 2. Photograph of a properly fitted halter on a stallion. Most halters have only crown strap adjustments, but some also have chin strap adjustments.The halter should not be too snug or too loose.The crown strap should be adjusted so that the two stays connecting the nose strap, cheek pieces, and chin straps are immediately below the lower end of the facial crests.

Figure 3. Photograph of two halters. The one on the left (A) has a stay made of flattened metal, whereas the halter on the right (B) has a stay made of round brass.The round metal stays allow a more secure fit for a shank snap.

The chain shank is very versatile, because it can be snapped into the lead snap ring, fitted under the chin over the bridge of the nose, or fitted through the mouth for increasing levels of restraint (Fig. 4). The halter and attached lead should only be fitted to the stallion's head when the stallion is in a confined area. In all instances, the handler should stand at the side of the stallion when securing the halter and attached shank. Unless the shank snap is simply secured to the lead snap ring, the chain should be placed through the left stay, then under the chin, over the nose, or through the mouth. Then, the chain should be placed through the right stay and affixed to the cheek ring on the right side or through the right cheek ring and affixed to the right stay (Fig. 5). If the stallion is unaccustomed to chain or bit placement in the mouth or if he resists this effort because of previous negative experiences, it will be necessary to take the extra time to make this a comfortable experience for him. Repeatedly ask for him to open his mouth and accept the chain by placing the left middle finger in the interdental space to open the mouth. In all instances, avoid forcing the chain into the mouth, because this is inevitably met with resistance by the stallion; then, the problem will only worsen with time.

Figure 4. A series of photographs from the left side of the stallion that show chain placement methods for the increasing levels of restraint possible with chain lead shank .A, snap in lead ring; B, chain under the chin; C, chain over the nose; D, chain through the mouth.

Figure 5. Photographs from the right side of the stallion that show chain snap placement in (A) the right cheek ring or (B) the right stay. If the snap is placed in the right stay, the chain should first pass through the right cheek ring.

Some stallion handlers prefer Chifney bits for restraint (Fig. 6). These bits are easily affixed to a halter or can be fitted with a head strap. I do not advocate use of these devices for breeding stallions, because the protrusion of the bit frame underneath the chin can be inadvertently bumped on a mare or dummy mount and distract the stallion when breeding. Many stallion handlers use various bits that can be fitted to the stays of a halter (Fig. 7) or that can be attached to a head strap. The mouthpiece can be broken or solid, beveled or round, steel, brass, or rubber, and some have players or rollers in the central portion of the mouthpiece. An advantage of bits over a chain is that they can be secured to the halter by standing only on the near (left) side of the horse, thereby reducing the risk of personal injury when passing to the right side of an aggressive or frightened stallion.

Figure 6. Photograph of a Chifney bit. The mouthpiece may also have a small port.The side rings are snapped to the stays of a halter.The chin ring can be snapped to the lead snap ring of the halter or left free for lead snap placement.

Figure 7. Photograph of straight bar bit that can be secured to the stays of a halter.

In my view, it is inadvisable to use a rope halter and attached lead (like those sold for "natural horsemanship") for breeding stallions unless they are extremely docile and their mannerisms in a breeding environment are well known. Remember, the only thing predictable about a stallion is its unpredictability.

3. Preparatory Training Methods

A breeding stallion should readily exhibit two important maneuvers on command before engaging in the breeding process:stop and back. The maneuvers should be taught in an area free of distractions, especially other horses. In fact, the rudimentary aspects of these maneuvers can be taught right in the stall. The stallion can then be walked into a more open space for more extensive training. The area should be free of obstacles to avoid injury to the stallion or personnel.

Before beginning the training process, remember that the stallion will not learn well when distracted, tired, mad, hurt, or frightened. It is important to get the stallion in the proper frame of mind before initiating specific training techniques.

When handling a stallion, allow him to work on a slack lead rather than applying constant contact. If he charges ahead of the handler, a sharp jerk on the shank should correct this behavior, but the shank tension should be immediately released. The process can be repeated until the stallion responds properly. Allow the stallion an opportunity to make, and learn from, mistakes.

When a stallion is under control at a walk, stop with a loose lead, expecting that the stallion will stop simultaneously. If he continues to walk, apply a sharp jerk on the shank with sufficient force to stop the horse in his tracks. Repeat this procedure until the stallion stops immediately on a loose lead when the handler stops. This process teaches the stallion to read the body language of the handler and to respond accordingly. After the stallion has mastered the stop, work on the backing maneuver by turning toward the stallion and walking parallel to his left side. If he does not back, apply pressure with the shank to encourage him to back. This process should be repeated until the stallion backs on a loose lead when the handler turns and walks toward him. With time, these maneuvers become automatic to the stallion.

Lastly, teach the stallion to back in a circle by walking toward his left shoulder and encouraging him to move the forequarters to the right (with the hindquarters moving to the left) while backing (Fig 8). This maneuver is very important, because it prevents a stallion from circling with forward motion around the handler when excited in a breeding environment; additionally, it helps assure proper alignment of the stallion with the mare or breeding dummy before mounting.

Figure 8. Photograph showing technique for backing stallion in a circle to his left. Walk toward the shoulder of the stallion to initiate this maneuver.I do not recommend placing a hand on the shoulder to achieve the desired effect.

A stallion should never be out of control in a breeding shed. The two most common problems encountered are charging the mare or dummy mount and circling around the handler during approach to the mount. These two problems can be averted or corrected by ensuring that the stallion is responsive to the cues for stopping and backing as described above.

As with other animal training techniques, a key element is to avoid mixed signals during the training sessions. It also is important not to constantly "pick" at the stallion, because it will dull their senses. When a correction is made, leave the stallion alone to become comfortable in the "safe zone" that you create for him. On a similar note, do not offer treats to a stallion during the training process. This practice, sometimes called a form of positive reinforcement, only encourages the stallion to enter "your space" and to become "nippy" or "mouthy". The reward for the stallion should simply be release of pressure.

The purpose of the preparatory training session(s) is to teach the stallion to listen to, and respond to, the handler in a relatively distraction-free setting. Some stallions, especially those that are fractious or overly aggressive, will require some round-pen training without a lead so that they may "connect" with the handler. Stallions that are responsive in the round pen are universally more cooperative when in hand. It is also beneficial to teach socialization skills to stallions by applying the same groundwork techniques when in the vicinity of other horses. After many years of exposure to breeding stallions, I would consider Western performance stallions (cutting, reining, roping, ranch, and reined-cow horses) to be the best behaved. It is customary for trainers to teach these stallions to maintain a cooperative attitude in the midst of other horses. This form of discipline is usually started a young age (i.e., as yearlings or 2-yr-olds) and is instilled through daily exposure to this setting. Stallions managed in this manner usually display excellent obedience when breeding. Dr. Sue McDonnell, a close friend and renowned horse behaviorist, recently asked me who I would consider to be the consummate stallion handler. After giving it considerable thought, I am unable to list a specific person; rather, I would select the accomplished Western-performance horse trainers. These individuals develop a unique bond with a stallion that can only be borne by early, constructive, and continual contact, both on the ground and under saddle. In my view, the product is the ultimate rapport between man and horse.

4. Breeding-Shed Exposure

When a stallion has passed these initial tests, he can be introduced to the breeding environment. An important training tip is to introduce a stallion to one new thing at a time. For instance, allow a stallion to become accustomed to the floor surface of the breeding area and then to any unique structures in the breeding area (such as the teasing stocks, breeding dummy, and mare-breeding cape) before introducing him to a mare in estrus.

The approach to training a breeding stallion depends on the stallion's specific mannerisms in the breeding area. For instance, a timid novice stallion will be handled differently than a stallion that requires retraining because of overly aggressive behavior. Nonetheless, the objective is to train the stallion to be eager and confident but immediately responsive to the commands of the trainer when breeding a mare or mounting a breeding dummy.

First, the stallion should show strong interest in a solicitous mare but should yield to a command to control his approach to the mare. This response is paramount to the safety of the stallion, mare, and all personnel in the breeding area. To ensure that this feature is intact, it is wise to first approach an estrous mare that is in a stall or behind a padded tease rail as opposed to one that is fully exposed to the stallion (Fig. 9). When the stallion develops an erection, it is an excellent opportunity to teach the stallion to tolerate rinsing of the penis with water. To perform this procedure, the stallion should be backed into a padded corner for restraint to reduce the likelihood of hindlimb injury (Fig. 10). The first penile washing should be done with very warm water, using a towel as opposed to a water hose, because the massaging nature of the towel on the glans penis stimulates sexual excitement. Stallions readily accept this procedure when they know it is a comfortable experience.

Figure 9. For a stallion's first exposure to an estrous mare or if the stallion is expected to be unruly, it is wise to begin the approach process by first exposing the stallion to a mare protected within a stall or by a padded teasing rail.

Figure 10. For rinsing a stallion's penis, he should be backed into a padded corner for restraint to reduce hindlimb injury. The handler should not hold the stallion by the halter during this procedure, because it stimulates head motion of the stallion and allows the stallion's handler less freedom of movement.

When aggressive mannerisms of a stallion are controllable in the presence of the mare, it is permissible to place her on the breeding-shed floor. If the stallion is to breed the mare or if the mare is to be used as a mount source for semen collection in an artificial vagina, she should be properly outfitted and restrained to reduce the likelihood of injury to the stallion or the semen collector. Application of a lip twitch and breeding boots is recommended. Mare hobbles are sometimes used but are inadvisable if a mare is not accustomed to wearing them. It is also wise to fit the mare with a breeding cape if one suspects that a stallion may savage the mare during the act of mating.

Before allowing the stallion to mount a mare or breeding dummy, make certain that the area is free of obstructions, has a non-slippery surface, and has a perimeter fence or wall. An outdoor paddock with a grass surface serves this purpose well. A breeding shed floor must have good footing for horses and personnel. Stone dust, clay, dirt, and tan bark are commonly used as floor surfaces. All furnish a non-slippery base but are difficult to clean. Artificial floors have been installed in some breeding sheds. These floors are usually made of a durable and easy-to-clean rubberized material. Some types do not provide good footing, especially when wet.

The stallion's approach to a mare (or breeding dummy) should be controlled at all times. The preparatory training methods help ensure that control is not lost; however, the distraction of an estrous mare on the open floor increases the level of difficulty in commanding a stallion's attention and respect. Begin the approach at a slight angle to the left of the mare's hindquarters and ~20 - 25 ft from the mare. Advance slowly, and frequently ask the stallion to stop and back if he becomes hurried (Fig. 11). Do not allow the stallion to circle in an attempt to come within reach of the mare. If he begins to circle while advancing forward, back him in a circle by walking toward his shoulder, as discussed above.

Figure 11. When approaching a mare on the open floor, ensure that the stallion is under control at all times. He should have good libido but should respond to cues to back when in close proximity to the mare.

Good libido is sought, so it is not appropriate to reprimand the stallion simply for vocalizing and becoming excited. Remember not to use continual tension on the lead shank. The objective is to ask the stallion to approach the mare in a deliberate, but controlled, fashion. Concentrate on knowing how and when to right wrongdoings. Timing and severity of corrections are critical to developing an energetic but well-behaved stallion. Learn to read the stallion and correct misdeeds at their outset but do not overdo punishment in the presence of the mare. If the stallion seems to be uncontrollable, remove him from the breeding environment and go back to the basics of stopping and backing until you are convinced that the stallion is attuned and responsive to your body language. When you are in the breeding shed with the stallion, you should have the sensation that he has one eye on the mare and one eye on you, and therefore, he is incessantly asking your permission to go forward.

When the stallion establishes contact with the hindquarters of the mare without charging forward, allow him to mount the mare at will. Position both the mare and the stallion to help assure proper alignment during the mounting process. Do not tolerate any transgression, such as striking or vicious biting. Leniency with bad behavior will invariably lead to accentuated forms of the problem. When the stallion is mounted on a mare or dummy, maintain him on a loose lead as much as possible (Fig. 12). If corrections are needed, such as with savagely biting the mare, apply disciplinary action but then release the pressure. On the completion of mating or semen collection, allow the stallion to dismount slowly; then, back him from the hindquarters of the mare.

Figure 12. When a stallion is mounted on a breeding dummy or mare, maintain him on a loose lead and only make corrections when needed.

As discussed above, the basic concepts of stallion handling can be applied universally, but specific training strategies should be tailored to individual stallion behavioral traits. For instance, shy stallions may warrant some tolerance in misbehavior so as to not dampen their interest in breeding. As they become more aggressive breeders, one can fine tune their mannerisms in the breeding shed. However, overly aggressive stallions may require more forceful reprimand. For instance, stallions that have developed tendencies to rear, strike, or bite at handlers when in the presence of a mare will require remedial training before reintroducing them to a mare.

5. Conclusions

Reading script does not translate to immediate proficiency in stallion handling techniques, but, with practice, adeptness will be forthcoming. Begin with a seasoned and well-mannered stallion to develop a feel for the desired product. Seek guidance from professional horsemen and stallioneers when perfecting your skills. The reward will be quite gratifying. You and your client will have a safer and more serviceable stallion. Make it fun, not fearful, for the horse and handler.