• Question: Why does my horse get excited when he sees mares, even though he is a gelding?

    Asked by to Natalie on 25 Jun 2014. This question was also asked by .
    • Photo: Natalie Pilakouta

      Natalie Pilakouta answered on 25 Jun 2014:

      Good question! Part of that could be attributed to “pure instinct” but another explanation might be that the male is still producing testosterone even though he has been castrated. Sometimes some of the testicular material can be left behind, so testosterone continues to be secreted (but usually at lower levels compared to a stallion). It also depends on how long it’s been since the castration, because it takes some time for hormone levels to drop after the horse is castrated (the testosterone doesn’t leave the body immediately).

      I hope this helps!!

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