As spring begins to show its face across Staffordshire, we all start looking forward to lighter evenings and warmer days. It’s also the time of year when we see a noticeable hormonal surge in both mares and entire males.
This is often when owners begin to notice that their colts are thinking a little less about good manners and a little more about the mares on the yard. Many colts start life quietly at the bottom of the pecking order, but as testosterone levels rise and the weather improves, they begin to “find their confidence” and start looking for love on the yard.
This is usually when we receive a spike in questions about castration (or “getting him cut”). In this blog, we aim to answer some of the most common questions we’re asked by horse owners across Staffordshire.
To cut or not to cut?
One of the most common questions we hear is whether an owner should geld their colt. Every case is slightly different, but the reality is that the majority of male horses in Staffordshire are geldings — and for very good reasons.
Key considerations include:
- The knowledge and experience required to safely handle a stallion
- The fact that many Staffordshire livery yards will not accept entire males
- The inability to field stallions with mares or mixed groups
- The welfare implications for entire males when turnout and social interaction are limited
In our experience, stallions are far less forgiving of mistakes made by inexperienced handlers. Even in capable hands, they can become a liability to themselves and others if they are unable to live a normal life, carrying out behaviours that mares and geldings can do without restriction.
If you decide not to geld, the decision should be based on practical and objective reasons rather than emotional ones.
Ask yourself honestly:
- Is his conformation ideal for his breed?
- Does he have a calm, trainable temperament, or has he inherited negative traits?
- Is he an outstanding example of his breeding and type?
- Is there a genuine market for his offspring?
- Is he likely to perform competitively and attract interest as a breeding stallion?
- Do you have the time, facilities, experience, and handling ability to manage a stallion safely?
- If the answer is no to any of these questions, then gelding is strongly advised.
If the answer is no to any of these questions, then gelding is strongly advised.
What Time of Year Is Best to Castrate?
Timing is important. We generally recommend castration when:
- The colt can still get regular turnout and movement
- There are fewer flies
For most owners locally, this means early spring, autumn, or winter. Castration can be carried out during the summer months, but there can be a higher risk of post-operative complications such as swelling and infection.
There is no upper age limit for castration. Older stallions can be gelded successfully, although recovery may take longer.
When it comes to how young a colt can be gelded, the key question is simple:
👉 Are there two descended testicles?
Testicles usually descend between 6 and 12 months of age. If both have not descended by 18 months, the colt is likely a rig (cryptorchid) and will need referral to a clinic for surgical removal of the retained testicle.
How Is Castration Performed?
Castration can be carried out either:
- Standing under heavy sedation (most commonly performed on yards across Staffordshire)
- Under general anaesthetic, depending on the individual horse and circumstances
Before castration, there are several key points we will assess or discuss with you:
- Is the colt vaccinated against tetanus?
- Are both testicles present?
- What is the worming status?
- Is fasting required?
- How well can the colt be handled?
Tetanus Cover – Essential
If your colt is not already vaccinated, tetanus protection is vital. Vaccination can begin from five months of age and can be given before or at the time of castration.Tetanus is fatal in the majority of horses and is caused by bacteria found widely in Staffordshire soil. It can enter the body through wounds such as foot abscesses, cuts, or surgical sites — including castration wounds.
One Ball or Two?
It is essential that two testicles are present before field castration can take place. If there is any doubt, we can examine the colt beforehand. Castration cannot be completed in the field if both testicles are not descended.
Worming and Castration
Although it may seem sensible to “get everything done at once”, we advise not worming within 72 hours before or after castration.
Castration is a stressful event involving sedation and tissue trauma. Combining this with worming increases stress on the system and the risk of complications. Worming can resume once recovery is underway.
Feeding Before Surgery – Updated Advice
Starving horses before surgery was once common practice. However, current evidence shows that maintaining normal feeding reduces the risk of post-operative colic.
We therefore advise keeping the colt’s routine as normal as possible in the 24 hours leading up to castration.
Castration Before or After Weaning?
Whether to castrate before or after weaning depends on your facilities, management system, and the individual foal. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, and we are always happy to discuss this on a case-by-case basis with Staffordshire owners.
Handling and Preparation
Colts that are accustomed to basic handling — being caught, led, and wearing a headcollar — cope far better with castration and recovery.
As a general rule, handling foals of both sexes from day one results in calmer, more manageable youngsters later on.
What Happens During the Procedure?
- The colt is heavily sedated, meaning he is relaxed and less aware of his surroundings
- Antibiotics and pain relief are given before surgery begins
- The area is thoroughly cleaned
- Local anaesthetic is injected into the skin, testicle, and spermatic cord
- The testicles are removed using an emasculator, which crushes and cuts at the same time
- The instrument is held in place for a minimum of three minutes to ensure proper clot formation
Aftercare and Turnout
We recommend:
- Stabling overnight
- Turnout the following day to encourage movement
Movement is essential to reduce swelling and infection risk. We also provide five days of anti-inflammatory medication as part of the castration price.
⚠️ Colts remain fertile for up to eight weeks after castration and must not be turned out with mares during this period.
Turning out with sensible older geldings is often ideal.
Post op complications:
No one ever wants to think about what can go wrong but it is important that you are aware of the risks.
Bleeding
A small amount of dripping is normal. If bleeding resembles a fully open tap or cannot be easily counted, contact us immediately, on 01782 898102.
Herniation
More common in heavier breeds, herniation occurs when abdominal contents protrude through the surgical site. This is rare but requires urgent veterinary attention.
Infection and Swelling
These often go hand in hand and are reduced by early movement. Any excessive swelling, discharge, heat, or dullness should be reported promptly.
Final Thoughts…..
Castration is one of the most common procedures we perform across Staffordshire and, when properly timed and managed, has a high success rate with minimal complications.
If you are considering gelding your colt and would like tailored advice, please contact Little Rock Equine Vets Ltd on 01782 898102 and our team will be happy to help. We regularly carry out castrations for horse owners in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and into Cheshire, and we’re always happy to help.