The Stallion: A Breeding Guide for Owners and Handlers [Hardcover]

At first glance, this book seemed like an even-handed, objective look at the stallion's role in horse breeding. What it turned out to be was more of a successive list of reasons to never go near a stallion!

The book's opening remarks are that you should never trust a stallion. Whilst I can appreciate the author's own point of view on this matter, I have to disagree with it. The most basic foundation for a good, working relationship with any horse is trust, and it needs to be two-way. Shortly after this, a paragraph heading is "When it comes to discipline a stallion, knock the hell out of him". If I saw anyone doing this to a stallion, or any horse for that matter, I'd would probably knock the hell out of THEM! Again, I understand the author's point and he is right, inasmuch as it is often necessary to deal firmly with a stallion if they step out of line, but there are very few offences I can think of that would warrant a beating.

Beyond the first chapter, the book enters into more details about the breeding routines of the stallion, appropriate techniques for artificial insemination, sample collection and teasing. The author also cites economic data referring to the drawing up of stud contracts, and the financial implications of owning a stallion, all of which was accurate and concise. This part of the book was extremely well written, and was structured in a more objective manner than the introductory chapter was.

Overall, if I ignore the first chapter, this book is extremely interesting. The author is clear and to the point in each example used, and the diagrams and drawing are all accurately represented. However, I cannot get past the overtone set by the introduction, and I sincerely believe that there are better ways to live and work with a stallion than the author has portrayed in this book. Experienced owners and breeders will find the book informative, and beginners will also find the book very useful. A recommended read, but caution is advised should you attempt to replicate the authors' somewhat brutal approach to handling your stallion.

It is indeed true that this author doesn't talk about how to raise a mannerly stallion. The book doesn't make any promise of that. The stated purpose of the book is to educate people who own or deal with mature stallions at stud, and are thus beyond the early, formative years.

It is also true that he mentions instances when he dealt with dangerous stallions. In one of those instances, it took force to get the stallion to mind his manners. It would not be fair to mention this without saying that this horses's sire was the extremely aggressive Native Dancer. A dangerous horse, as the book details, but also a very valuable Thrououghbred and almost priceless at stud as a sire of racers. Therefore, certain behaviors were overlooked, then corrected at great risk. The process reads like a great battle. Not all stallions need this sort of correction, but the necessity existed under the circumstances. In nature, a mare would discipline a rude stallion, but many modern hand-breeding techniques rob her of the ability to do so. The handler must protect her and reprimand a stallion who tries to take advantage of her. In terms of harshness, a mare is capable of inflicting great harm with a kick, and she would not be looked upon as cruel. The author does not believe that stallions should be abused. He believes that handling should be firm and decisive, but for the sake of obedience and safety rather than cruelty. Even a hot-blooded horse can be controlled if proper horsemanship is employed.

The author's anecdotes are interesting, amusing, and relevant. The chapters included recommendations on teasing, horse selection, adequate facilities, artificial insemination, and breeding contracts. There is a wealth of information in these pages for the prospective stallion owner or handler. I would highly recommend it for those purposes.

The first portion of the book deals with handling stallions. In this section, the author offers sound advice, as well as sobering situations that he has faced. I wholeheartedly approve of it, because people ought not enter into stallion ownership or handling without knowing what can go wrong. As beautiful and vital as these animals are, romanticizing about them without accepting their potential for danger is an extremely unwise thing to do. If it discourages some people from being involved with these horses, then maybe it is for the best.

The sobering realities in this book are tempered with a lot humor and good information for people who have a sincere interest in working with stallions. I highly recommend it.

Dr. McCall explains in a clear easy reading style everything you need to know if you are considering buying or keeping a stallion. He covers stallion behavior and how to deal with it, breeding, physiology, and the economics of standing a stallion. He draws on his 30 year experience managing stallions to illustrate the points he makes in the book. An excellent book that provides good insight into dealing with stallions.

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