Gelding is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian that involves the removal of the testicles of a male horse. This procedure is also performed on other equines such as donkeys, mules, and ponies. Gelding is done to make horses more even-tempered, easier to handle, and safer for beginner riders. Geldings are preferred over stallions for working purposes because they are calmer, easier to handle, and more tractable. Gelding also serves as an effective way to avoid unwanted offspring and ensure that only the best horses are kept for breeding purposes. Gelding is a relatively simple procedure carried out by a veterinarian. The horse is sedated, and local anesthesia is administered for a standing castration, or a general anesthesia is used if the horse is to be castrated lying down. The procedure involves removing the testicles, epididymis, and a portion of the spermatic cord. Gelding has been carried out for centuries, and written work by Aristotle mentions gelding as early as 350 B.C.E.