Do All Male Horses Have Balls? An Equine Expert Explains

The short answer is no, not all male horses have testicles. While a normal, intact male horse, also known as a stallion or colt, should possess two descended testicles, certain situations can alter this. The most common reason for a male horse not having testicles is castration, a procedure that removes them. The resulting horse is called a gelding.

But the nuances extend beyond a simple yes or no. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of equine anatomy and reproductive health, covering everything you need to know about testicles in male horses.

Why Some Male Horses Don’t Have Testicles

The primary reason a male horse would lack testicles is due to castration. This procedure, performed for centuries, is done to:

• Control Behavior: Stallions often exhibit aggressive and territorial behaviors, which can make them difficult to manage, especially in communal settings. Gelding drastically reduces these behaviors, making them safer and more cooperative.
• Prevent Unwanted Breeding: Castration eliminates the possibility of unplanned pregnancies.
• Improve Trainability: Geldings are typically more focused and easier to train than stallions, as they aren’t distracted by hormonal urges.
• Medical Reasons: In some cases, castration is necessary due to medical conditions like testicular tumors or injuries.

While most male horses destined for riding or companionship are gelded, some are kept intact for breeding purposes. These stallions are carefully managed and handled by experienced professionals.

Understanding Cryptorchidism: When Testicles Don’t Descend

Sometimes, a colt (young male horse) may appear to lack testicles because they haven’t fully descended into the scrotum. This condition is called cryptorchidism, or “high flanker”. It occurs when one or both testicles fail to descend properly during development.

Cryptorchidism can be:

• Unilateral: Only one testicle is retained.
• Bilateral: Both testicles are retained.

The retained testicle(s) can be located anywhere along the path of descent, from inside the abdomen to just outside the inguinal canal (the opening in the abdominal wall through which the testicles normally pass). Retained testicles are non-functional (cannot produce sperm) due to the higher body temperature inside the abdomen. However, they can still produce testosterone, so cryptorchid horses may still exhibit stallion-like behaviors. Surgical removal is recommended to prevent potential complications like testicular cancer and to eliminate unwanted hormones.

Identifying a Gelding: What to Look For

While the most obvious sign of a gelding is the absence of visible testicles, it’s not always that simple. Especially in young or overweight horses, the surgical scar from castration might be difficult to see.

Here are some clues that a horse is a gelding:

• Behavior: Geldings are generally calmer and less aggressive than stallions.
• Physical Appearance: Geldings often have a less muscular neck and shoulders compared to stallions.
• Absence of a Sheath: While geldings still possess a sheath (the protective covering of the penis), it is often less prominent than in stallions.

If you’re unsure whether a horse is a gelding, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian for confirmation.

FAQs: All About Male Horses and Their Testicles

1. What is a male horse with no balls called?

A castrated male horse is called a gelding.

2. Can you see a horse’s testicles?

In a normal colt or stallion, the testicles should be visible within the scrotum. However, they can retract them or appear less prominent depending on age, breed, and individual anatomy.

3. Do horses have 3 genders?

While technically horses have two biological genders, male and female, the terms used describe different stages of development and reproductive status. These are:

• Filly: A female horse under four years old.
• Mare: A female horse four years old and older.
• Colt: A male horse under four years old.
• Stallion: A non-castrated male horse four years old and older.
• Gelding: A castrated male horse of any age.

4. How can you tell if a horse has been castrated?

The most reliable way is the absence of testicles. However, a veterinarian can perform an examination or hormone test if there’s doubt.

5. Are all male horses castrated?

No, not all male horses are castrated. Those intended for breeding are kept intact as stallions.

6. Do gelded horses still mate?

No. Since geldings have no testicles, they can no longer produce sperm and are therefore infertile.

7. Can a female be a stallion?

No. A stallion is, by definition, a male horse. The female equivalent is a mare.

8. Can a gelded horse still get an erection?

Yes, a gelding can still get an erection. Castration removes the source of testosterone, but doesn’t completely eliminate the physical capability.

9. Can male horses have babies?

Only an intact male horse (a stallion) can sire offspring. A gelding cannot.

10. Can a gelding get a mare pregnant?

In theory, a very recently castrated gelding could still get a mare pregnant due to residual sperm in his reproductive tract. Therefore, it’s recommended to keep recently castrated geldings away from mares for at least 40 days. After that, they are infertile.

11. Do female horses get gelded?

No. The equivalent procedure for female horses is called spaying, but it is less common due to its complexity.

12. Is gelding painful?

The procedure involves some discomfort, but pain management is a crucial part of modern castration practices. Veterinarians use anesthesia and pain relievers to minimize the horse’s suffering.

13. Are male horses stronger than females?

Generally, stallions tend to be slightly larger and more muscular than mares, giving them a slight strength advantage.

14. What is a stallion’s child called?

A young male horse is called a colt, and a young female horse is called a filly. Once they reach maturity, they are called stallions and mares, respectively.

15. Are race horses allowed to mate?

This depends on the breed registry. For example, Thoroughbreds must be conceived through natural mating, while other breeds allow artificial insemination.

The Importance of Understanding Equine Anatomy

Understanding the basic anatomy and reproductive status of horses is essential for anyone involved in their care or management. Knowing the difference between a stallion, gelding, colt, filly, and mare will help you make informed decisions about their health, training, and overall well-being. Further resources on animal welfare and best practices in equine care are readily available.

Educational Resources

If you are interested in the broader field of learning, especially relating to Games Learning Society, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website to find out how game based learning might be able to enhance the teaching and learning of animal welfare, anatomy and more.