Hello Everyone, I was hoping to get some opinions on my stallion. He is half egyptian half Polish 2 years old, With a good bloodline incuding on his dam's side Aristo Bask, Ariston, Bask, Hercules, Gay Za Za, GayPolka ++, Arnika. Sire's side includes Hia Sud Addis, Hia Sud Abnus, Ahadd, Adhem, RashadIbnMidnight, Ibn Midnightmagic, Bint Adhem, Saud El Ameer, further back he has Cytrys, Asadd, El Hilal, Sultann, Ibn Moniet Nefous, and a few others. Here are a few pictures of him keep in mind he is only 2 and is in his awkward stage :P still needs time to fill out and grow up some. Well tell me what you think I really want to hear what you have. I am trying to see if he is breed worthy. Well hope to hear a few good things. please be honnest.

What are your aspirations with this guy? Are you intending to breed some of your own mares? For what discipline? Or are you hoping to sell outside breedings?

Sorry, he doesn't really look exceptionally (is that a word?) like stallion material in those pictures. I've also found that adding Egyptian often turns off the breeders of other types (unless it's much less than 50%) and the SE people are that... straight egyptian. Have fun with him, though! He looks very sweet.

I am probably the wrong person to ask opinions on stallions just because I am a big believer in gelding the average looking colt BUT...with all due respect I mean no nastiness... He is cute but not a colt I would keep intact. It does not look as tho' you are set up for a stallion. I have an aged stallion in a 80x 70 wooden fenced pen that is over 6 feet high and with a strand of hot wire.
Have you handled stallions before?
Are you mentoring with a seasoned stallion owner?

As MrsE asked...do you plan on breeding outside mares...your own?...if you do breed your own mares are you financially prepared to feed and give proper care (shots worming trims and so on) to the foal for 5 years?(this is a time frame I tell myself I will have a horse I bred on my place) Do you have the time to handle the foals and properly get them trained to be handled? Are you planning on training your stallion to show?
I ask these questions just because there are a lot of young horses that end up at the auctions becuase the breeder didn't take the time to properly train the young foals. I have been breeding horses since I was 17 and am now 37...I have only bred a very small handful of foals but every foal has sold before they hit their 3rd birthday. My latest filly leads, ties, stands, gets on'off trailer, pick up her feet for cleanings/raspings.
Would like to know more about you and your experience with stallions.
Kind regards!
Shantell

I am looking to do dressage mostly and sport horse type classes. I want to breed him not only to my own mares but to outside mares. His bloodline on his dam's side is strong in the racing area, so maybe some endurance also. Egyptian and Spanish are what I am hoping to breed. This is my starter stallion, I am only 20 years old and learning everything on my own. Im not really interested in doing breed shows, mostly USDF and other Dressage shows, I know he's not perfect but he has good lines and the best temperment I have ever known.

Shantell I have had Knight since he was 5months old, and he is only 2 now, I have a single mare of my own right now but she was breed to a different stallion already, so my colt has not been around a mare in heat but maybe a month before I bred my mare. Knight is very respectful of the fence right now, no matter what fence it is. I have not bred him at all, but I do have a friend who wants a half arab with her paint mare, and the possibility of breeding to a Padron Psychy daughter. I know he's not the best looking but I have seen UGLY horses have BEAUTIFUL foals before. I want dressage mostly thats all I really like doing, and some western pleasure. I do not have a seasoned breeder cause all the ones in my area are snobby and dont care of anyone but them selves, so I am going about this all on my own.

Ahh to be 20 again. Good luck with him.... but be prepared for a serious personality change over the next 2 years.... and as soon as March.... the ole testosterone kicking in for the spring of his 3 year old year.

I've had a few colts and one older stallion. I've had good fencing, so that was never the issue... but they eat more, they are inattentive, will walk a fence every time you change the neighbors, holler at shows until they're taught otherwise, will take longer to train, as you'll constantly need to get their attention back from the goings on.

If I ever did a colt again, I'd buy an older stallion that someone else trained, showed, and put the manners on. And, actually I had that, but he'd still pace the fence at home and ate more than anyone to keep in decent weight.

Unfortunately, you asked for opinions, and probably don't want to hear all this. Really, at the age you're at, as your skill level and knowledge changes, you'll probably see it... he's about a year away from riding and probably almost another year from showing dressage... depending, of course.. and by then you'll know so much more, have read so much more and seen so many more horses. You're probably just starting to develop your eye for what's good.

I have a friend who has a heavily promoted stallion ( big $$$$$$$$$ ad in every magazine every month) Gorgeous as halter horse and Sport horse, fabulous bloodlines. At last count she had sold 0 ZERO breedings to him and was out a freaking FORTUNE in trainer costs and advertising etc.
Just food for thought!
A good stallion makes a GREAT gelding!!
Gina

Please also consider in this economy there are really nice horses that people can't get good money for and ordinary horses that can't find a home at all. It is our responsibility as owners and breeders to not breed OK horses but to breed for the very best. Stallion management becomes very serious business and keeping your colt a stud will restrict the fun you can have with him. The dressage world is one of the greatest groups of show people that appreciate the value of a good gelding.
As far as mentors, you are right that there are lots of snobs out there. But there are lots of great people too. This is a perfect forum to ask all the questions and get the help you need.
Sometimes owning a stallion is kind of an ego or fantasy thing. Many of us have been around for many, many years before owning stallions. There is so much to learn. I have a trainer who feels strongly that a horse must prove himself in the ring to keep his (you know whats!) They can't be just beautiful but must be good minded athletes who can contribute to the breed. Both my boys won regional championship this year and the trainer still occasionally comments what good geldings they would make. Yikes he is tough!