Posted: 27th May 2015 | Back to news feed
Here Cyden Dressage Stallions owner and rider Lara Dyson helps dispel some of the myths about allowing stallions time in the field.
All horses must be allowed time to just ‘be a horse’, including stallions and high value competition horses. In order to be afforded this luxury they must be able to enjoy time in the field.
A common misconception is that stallions cannot be turned out in normal fields and must be confined to a stallion pen, to reduce the risk of them getting to other horses nearby and also to avoid injury from any over exuberant behaviour.
Keeping a stallion stabled for long periods and in isolation from other horses is both un-natural and can contribute to them becoming difficult to manage, particularly if the only time they leave the stable is to be ridden or to perform stud duties.
This is not meeting the needs of the stallion as a horse and for a young stallion to become a well-rounded manageable animal, he must learn how to behave around other horses, and this includes grazing in a field un-distracted by horses in neighbouring paddocks.
A stallion paddock must be securely fenced with solid post and rail that is sufficiently high, high hedges around the perimeter are useful to screen out the stallions view of other horses.
A calm mature stallion might not find it upsetting to be able to see other horses but a young or highly strung stallion could become overexcited leading to unruly behaviour.
At Cyden Dressage in Lincolnshire, home to KWPN-approved Cyden Cadans M, KWPN-approved Cyden Bodyguard Moorland and NWPCS pony stallion Cyden Oostings Amigo, turn out is one of the most important parts of their routine.
All three stallions are turned out in normal fields with Lincolnshire post and rail fencing. The stallion pen is only used for any particularly hyperactive horses, be they stallions or not, to ensure they can’t pick up too much speed and injure themselves, and also for any new stallions, until they prove they can go out quietly in the field.
Bodyguard and Amigo have the very rare luxury for stallions, of being able to live out 24/7 during the summer months, both thrive on this freedom.
Their fields are adjacent to one another, so they can see each other but they are unable to touch noses, to prevent any squealing.
Bodyguard happily lives in a five acre field that runs alongside a bridleway, with a tall established hedge blocking his view of any passing riders.
Knowing your stallion is vital in any situation, and while 24/7 turnout suits Bodyguard and Amigo, Cadans prefers the comfort of his stable over-night.
Offering her thoughts on turning out stallions, Lara said: “For me turnout is highly important as you cannot expect them to perform to the best of their ability and concentrate, if the only time they come out of the stable is to be worked. “
“With stallions this can lead to dangerous behaviour, they need time to be horses, look at their surroundings, and have a roll and graze.”
“If regular turnout is built into their routine from being a
foal, even as a stallion they will grow up to be sensible and enjoy this time to relax, “added Lara.
Frozen semen is available from all three Cyden Stallions, Cyden Cadans M, Cyden Bodyguard Moorland and Cyden Oostings Amigo.
For Further information contact Lara Dyson on 07920 452739, visit www.cydendressage.com or like the Cyden Dressage facebook page for news of all three Cyden Stallions and other horses and ponies for sale.
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