April 8, 2011

Geldings Are From Heaven

Anyone that has owned or been around horses knows that stallions and mares are driven by hormones and can be feisty at times. A stallion is an intact mail horse (think male dog that hasn’t been neutered) and usually much more spirited than a gelding (a male horse that has been castrated).  A mare is a female horse of breeding age and can be temperamental during the warmer months when she goes into heat every three weeks or so (think woman with PMS).

Of course not all stallions and mares are a handful and I’ve been around some real sweethearts in both categories, and even a few geldings that have been bonkers. Still, I think my favorite horsey tee-shirt sums it up nicely: “Stallions are From Mars and Mares are from Venus, but Geldings are from Heaven.”

As a general rule, geldings are more even-tempered and less likely to have periods of craziness for no apparent reason. Some geldings are known to still mount a mare occasionally, but they are the exception rather than the rule. Even with that, they don’t usually exhibit the other high-strung tendencies of many stallions.

Notice I said usually.  My first horse, a gelding, was as gentle as they come, but did go after a little mare in heat during one cycle. He chased her around the pasture for hours until I caught him; lathered and appearing several shades darker than normal, I didn’t even realize it was him at first. Kiko had been pastured with that palomino for a year or more, so why the little blonde got his attention that particular time, I’ll never know. He did mount her several times, but since he was gelded he obviously couldn’t breed her successfully.  (You horsey types, I did have him checked and no, he wasn't proud-cut.)

My favorite gelding came into my life several years later, a handsome buckskin quarter horse. I lucked out and found Buck at an auction when a cattle rancher shut down and sold his stock.  Buck had been a working cow horse and could spin on a dime and give you nine cents change.  Since I was a novice rider I never took advantage of all he could do, but being so well trained, Buck was the perfect horse for me.  He was the first choice to carry visiting family and friends, even the kids.  It was a sad day for me when I had to say good-bye due to divorce and relocating.  Here’s Buck, my gorgeous gelding.

Buck at his new home in NC


Leaving MN for NC


My son Paul riding Buck

I miss you, buddy.




I'm taking the A-Z Blogging Challenge, where I will post something from each letter of the alphabet on the corresponding day in April, except for Sunday, on at least one if not all four of my blogs. You can see my other blogs in the sidebar - More of Marie Anne.

13 comments:

Linda Ann - The Mane Point said...

Gorgeous gray gelding ...

I know a lifelong horseman, who says mares and stallions were placed on earth to produce geldings.

On the other hand, my best-ever horses have both been mares. On a good day, a mare can be pure magic. In season, well, that's a different animal altogether.

A Girl and Her eBooks said...

Sorry you had to say goodbye to him :( I love horses and really hope to have the space to have one some day.

Tracy Moore said...

He is beautiful...bet you miss him like crazy. It's been many years since I've had a horse, but still remember like it was yesterday. Wonderful animals.

Amanda Trought said...

Beautiful horse, thanks for sharing

Tracey said...

Aaahhhh..what a touching story. The fixer in me is trying to think of all the ways we can get your beloved horse back! lol.

Theresa Wiza said...

Beautiful photos. I kind of wish we could go back in time to the days when people got around on horses instead of cars. They're such beautiful animals.

Ilene said...

My Dad farmed with horses many years ago. It was very sad for him when the time came to get a tractor, because he had to sell the horses.

Cat said...

Having had rather bad experiences with both mares and stallions when younger, I shy from horses. Never been around geldings that I know. But the pictures show me lovely animals!

Cat

Magnolia said...

I've never ridden a horse in my life. But, my daughter has shown American Saddlebreds for the past 10 years. We bought her this gorgeous 17-something hands saddlebred gelding that we affectionately call Otis. He is the SWEETEST, most LOVABLE horse on the planet. We are now selling him and every time I think about it, I sob like a baby. Hopefully, he will just be down the street though and I can go visit him. Horses are fabulous animals. Just fabulous.

Monica said...

I have very little knowledge about horses and I found your post very interesting and educational. I'm sorry you had to say good-bye to Buck, that must have been very difficult. Hopefully he's happy at his new home. Found you from the A-Z Challenge, I’m now following you on GFC and I hope you have a chance to check out my blog!
Monica
http://oldermommystillyummy.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

When I was a kid I went to Kentucky every summer and looked forward to it. The biggest reason...I'd get to ride "my" horse! I couldn't have one at home, but my cousin had 3 and Missy was mine when I was there. She was the best horse ever. Buck is gorgeous! Sorry you had to let him go.

C and C Antiques and Animals - What a Life! said...

I love your quote about geldings. They too are my preferred mount. Sorry you had to lose Buddy but at least he was with you for awhile.

Tom said...

I grew up with horses and had a beautiful calm gelding named Sam. Before becoming mine he worked as a clerk on the race track, as he was a super calm grey. Also lost him as we moved and didn't have any land.
Great photos of Buck.