Assessment and Modification of Behaviour of the Stallion

Disorders and problems associated with stallion behaviour are not rarely observed. They can be categorized in breeding behaviour problems and issues of performance stallions. Assessment, interpretation und modification of such problems require a profound knowledge of physiology and behaviour of stallions under domestic housing and management conditions as well as under free-running conditions. Thus there exist quite remarkable differences.

Breeding stallions
In a lot of cases behavioural problems of breeding stallions are “man-made” and originate from wrong manipulations and unnatural management. Good handling of breeding stallions involves correct work with the stallion in nonsexual situations to establish mutual respect and working commands, but very respectful direction of the sexually aroused stallion, precopulatory behaviour to be allowed and supported, use of positive reinforcement, respecting the strong individuality of males, and providing of ample room. Common serious errors are not allowing the stallion to touch the mare during teasing, overcorrections, punishing mounting without erection, rushing the stallion to dismount after ejaculation or aversive conditioning of periodic spontaneous erection and penile movements known as masturbation (McDonnell, 2000). Beside handling experiences, season and reproductive hormones, stimulus mares, socio-sexual environment, housing, genetics, diet and exercise conditions are considered as factors affecting stallion behaviour. […]