A gelding is a castrated male horse, meaning its testicles have been surgically removed. This procedure eliminates the horse's ability to reproduce and generally results in a calmer, more even-tempered animal that is easier to handle and train compared to stallions, which are intact male horses with reproductive organs
. Geldings are preferred for riding and work because they tend to be less aggressive, less sexually driven, and more sociable with other horses. Their behavior is more predictable and they lack the hormonal influences that cause stallions to be more territorial or difficult to manage. This makes geldings suitable for riders of all levels, including beginners, and they are commonly used in various equestrian disciplines due to their steady temperament
. The castration procedure, called gelding, is typically performed by a veterinarian under sedation and local or general anesthesia. After gelding, the horse usually heals quickly and shows reduced stallion-like behaviors within a few weeks
. In summary, a gelding horse is a male horse that has been castrated to improve manageability, reduce aggression, and prevent reproduction, making it a popular and practical choice for riding and work