From stallion to gelding

[prizmbluekigers]

We have come to the decision to geld Fit when the weather cools down. He is a very nice looking fella, but I have seen nicer stallions and that is what the breed needs, the very best of the best to continue the line. He isn't too bad for a $625.00 horse though is he? Gleding or stallion, he was my first Kiger and will always be precious to me. We have 2 yearling fillies from him who are developing nicely and we will sell one and keep one as soon as I can decide which is which.

There were multiple factors that helped us make the decision and I am not a spring chicken any longer (just a big chicken sometimes ). It would be preaching to the choir to list all the things related to keeping a stallion, from his perspective and ours so I'll just say we will both be happier if we can go through life without having to be on high alert all the time. We have always tried to raise or Kigers allowing them to be a herd when possible - (winter months), so each summer he goes into a separate pasture and poor fella is surrounded by mares on each side of us and across the street. Of course he considers all of them to be his and complains when one or more of them leave his sight. I noticed another change in his behavior as he approached 6 this summer. His is becoming more dominant and I have needed to be 10 feet tall several times recently to back him down when he is agitated.

After he is gelded and recovered he is going to a professional trainer for 60-90 days. I have done okay so far and he was ridden at the clinic two weeks ago, but I am not the person to take him on from here. Now I have to pick a trainer. I liked Todd Titus who rode him and had to contend with his stallion behavior in the clinic. My fault for not socializing him more than I have, but without a trailer we were limited. I learned with Fit that stallion ranch behavior is much different than show behavior. He couldn't figure out what to focus on so he tried to interact with everyone. I have a couple of questions related to gelding so I will post those elsewhere and appreciate any suggestions. We are shopping for a trailer now so by spring I hope to be able to get him to many of the activities in our area.

[dunbnwild]

What a beautiful, kind face he has! I'm sure he will be much happier with his herd.

I've always wanted a Kiger stallion for my girls, but I wonder how well it would really work out. I also wonder if I would ever be able to part with the babies

Too many tough decisions!

[fantasykiger]

He is a lovely boy, I have always loved Kiger Stallions myself but know my limits. I have always said a great stallion, makes an even better gelding. As a gelding he has no limits where he can take you undersaddle.
I am just so pleased you will be able to continue to be his mom and keep one of his up and coming daughters as well.

[stlkigers]

Fit is gorgeous and I don't blame you for the gelding decision....He will probably be an awesome gelding and so much happier.

Angela

[DianneC]

I don't see a huge difference in Chinny, but he was pretty mellow as a stallion. It has mellowed him even more, although he though he should try to breed Lark last week. The change in hormone levels is hard for about a month as their body gets used to it. Kind of low energy, so let him get through that so the trainer has something to work with is my opinion. He still has his herd and is protective of it, Smoke was the same, even after nine years. I guess its a guy thing.