Stallion Handling Tips with Armin Arnoldt

WHAT SPECIFIC TACK WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR USE WITH STALLIONS?

Around the farm, any well-fitting leather halter with a shank. I do recommend a stud chain, over the nose, on a stallion at all times. Under the chin is not my type of thing – I find it almost encourages them to go up instead of down, although it all depends on the horse.

At a show, or any time you’re out in public, you do want to make sure that your stallion’s presentable. You never know when a future client with a mare is watching, or even just somebody with an interest in breeding – they will form their opinion just seeing your horse walk around.

When showing in hand, always us a a snaffle bridle to show that he is kind and can actually perform in that. If you present your horse to clientele, or at a breed-specific event like a keuring, licensing or demonstration, it can be a well fitting bridle specific to your discipline.

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WHAT ABOUT IN THE BREEDING SHED?

When we are collecting, we always use the same halter and chain. Stallions in general are very smart – more aware of things. I have some horses we collect in a nylon halter because it will carry the scent. Whatever you use, you should use it only for that reason. There are even special breeding halters available that have rings on the noseband.

WHAT ROLE DOES BODY LANGUAGE AND POSITION PLAY?

You should always portray confidence. The only time you actually step in front of a stallion is when you are actually presenting him in front of a judge or panel. You step in front of the stallion and basically become a wall, in clear view. Any other time, you should be at his shoulder. When you walk or trot your horse in hand, never go past the nose. If you run in front of him, you might become a toy.

You must also be consistent in their daily routine. For turnout, take them into the paddock, make sure they look at you – then release.

HOW DO YOU DISCOURAGE NIPPING?

Never hand-feed treats! It doesn’t mean our stallions don’t get treats – we give them bucket treats all the time. Some horses become like crocodiles and look constantly for you to give them a treat. If you carry a treat around with you all the time, the stallion will figure out which pocket it’s in, and don’t be surprised if you’re running along with them and they reach around and find that pocket – with you attached to it!

HOW DO YOU PREVENT A STALLION FROM BECOMING A HANDFUL?

If you don’t have a confident person handling the stallion, or a person who thinks of them as their ‘pet,’ that can cause problems. We love our stallions, but you have to be aware that they are stallions. The only time that you don’t have to worry about what he’s going to do is when he’s in his stall.

It doesn’t matter if the handler is five-foot nothing and a hundred pounds – it’s not about strength. There is no way you can physically restrain them. Their respect has to come from you treating them properly – and the chain on the nose is a really good tool to let them know that playtime is not on right now. But it shouldn’t be abused, either. As a handler, if you have a bad day, you’re better off to go have a coffee and not deal with your horse.

WHAT ABOUT OFF-PROPERTY?

When I go to a show, I will inspect the stabling before I get there – where can I park, how do I get into the barn, which aisles do I have to go through, are there mares – that kind of thing. It is a lot of leg work, but you don’t want to set your horse up for failure.

If you’re in public with a stallion and something goes wrong – even if someone with a mare or another horse runs into you – the person at fault is normally the one with the stallion, because people assume they are more professional. As the handler you must have that stallion under control at all times.