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[pgiaco]

Originally Posted by Oaklawnfan

Isn't gelding linked to a ridgeling in some respect? Like to ease the discomfort for the horse?

In some cases. The horse I ran today, Marina Market was a ridgeling and his undescended testicle was causing him a lot of discomfort, hence his descent into the claiming ranks. I claimed him thinking this might be a cause for his deteriorating performances. I asked if they could only remove the undescended testicle, but the vet said no way, at least in his case. After he was cut most of his hind end issues cleared up, and I dare say he is a much improved animal. No, he doesn't wait around for his steriod shot (doesn't get any) and he's much happier because his hind end is not hurting. He is also a LOT kinder to be around now. He used to be a stone killer in the barn, now at least you can get near him and he will only try to take a small piece out of your arm and not try to kick you through the wall of his stall.

On another note, I wish I had gelded Cape of Storms, he is very studdish and real tough in the barn and downright stupid sometimes which is a bad combination. He managed to hurt himself in the barn and now he's laid up for 3 months.

I guess it's a rather long winded way of saying I don't believe in routine gelding, but there are some cases where it is beneficial to the horse and all involved.