
If the surgeon failed to remove either the testes or an associated structure, the horse theoretically could continue to produce testosterone. The standard theory is that the veterinarian didn’t cut out the entire testosterone-producing structure during the castration procedure.īut, was the castration a failure, or is the “proud cut” theory a myth. If, after castration, a horse continues to display signs of stallion-like behavior, it is likely due to a failure to remove both testicles, and the horse is still producing testosterone.Īs explained earlier, geldings displaying stallion-like behavior are considered “proud-cut” horses.
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Even horses with good bloodlines are castrated if they are too hot for their purpose. Geldings are typically much easier to handle and train, so if a horse is not a stud prospect, owners castrate them. But if you wait too long, you run the risk that castration won’t stop the stud-like behavior. However, you never want to castrate a horse before both its testicles have entirely dropped into its scrotum. Younger horses typically have fewer complications and recover quicker than older horses. Horses of inferior bloodlines are the most likely candidates for castration.Ĭolts are customarily castrated while young some as early as three months.

Horse castration is used to control breeding and reduce aggressive behavior. Castration is the removal of the testicles and their supporting structures, such as the spermatic cord and epididymis. GeldingĪ gelding is a male horse that’s been castrated.

There could be a few reasons for this phenomenon, but before we dive too deep into “proud cut,” let’s look at the gelding process. A horse is considered “proud cut” if it’s been gelded but continues to act like a stallion.
