Keeping Geldings Side by Side
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We are getting two more horses and I was told to put the mares side by side—but no one seems to know if the geldings can be put side by side. Can two geldings who have never seen each other be put beside each other in the stalls and runs?
- Luey
Most geldings do just fine side by side, Luey, and they may even become best friends! I suggest you “howdy” the horses by holding their first meeting from either side of a barrier where they can see and smell each other, but cannot touch each other. This will give you the opportunity to observe their behavior. It is normal for them to nicker, whinny and grunt.
While their ears might be pinned during the initial meet, the ears should move forward or to a neutral position in a short time. Keep an eye out for an escalation in arousal that does not decrease over time. It is only in these rare cases that you should consider not housing the horses in adjoining stalls.