The Stallion: A Breeding Guide for Owners and Handlers

By James P. McCall

Book Overview

Here is an exceptional reference that details how to conduct a successful breeding operation -- even on a small scale. Dr. McCall puts in perspective everything from disciplining and handling a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0876059876
• ISBN13: 9780876059876
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Howell Book House
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.0" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

A touch of realism

It is indeed true that this author doesn't talk about how to raise a mannerly stallion. The book doesn't make any promise of that. The stated purpose of the book is to educate people who own or deal with mature stallions at stud, and are thus beyond the early, formative years. It is also true that he mentions instances when he dealt with dangerous stallions. In one of those instances, it took force to get the stallion to mind his manners. It would not be fair to mention this without saying that this horses's sire was the extremely aggressive Native Dancer. A dangerous horse, as the book details, but also a very valuable Thrououghbred and almost priceless at stud as a sire of racers. Therefore, certain behaviors were overlooked, then corrected at great risk. The process reads like a great battle. Not all stallions need this sort of correction, but the necessity existed under the circumstances. In nature, a mare would discipline a rude stallion, but many modern hand-breeding techniques rob her of the ability to do so. The handler must protect her and reprimand a stallion who tries to take advantage of her. In terms of harshness, a mare is capable of inflicting great harm with a kick, and she would not be looked upon as cruel. The author does not believe that stallions should be abused. He believes that handling should be firm and decisive, but for the sake of obedience and safety rather than cruelty. Even a hot-blooded horse can be controlled if proper horsemanship is employed. The author's anecdotes are interesting, amusing, and relevant. The chapters included recommendations on teasing, horse selection, adequate facilities, artificial insemination, and breeding contracts. There is a wealth of information in these pages for the prospective stallion owner or handler. I would highly recommend it for those purposes. The first portion of the book deals with handling stallions. In this section, the author offers sound advice, as well as sobering situations that he has faced. I wholeheartedly approve of it, because people ought not enter into stallion ownership or handling without knowing what can go wrong. As beautiful and vital as these animals are, romanticizing about them without accepting their potential for danger is an extremely unwise thing to do. If it discourages some people from being involved with these horses, then maybe it is for the best. The sobering realities in this book are tempered with a lot humor and good information for people who have a sincere interest in working with stallions. I highly recommend it.

realistic

Dr. Jim shows he has 30 yrs+ of experience with stallions. This is not a training book, more of a warning. This is a very good management book for commerical ventures. He follows the laws of nature with stallion behavior. Has good examples of breeding problems and solutions. Overall this is a good, fair and realistic book.

An excellent guide for first time stallion owners

Dr. Jim doesn't sugar coat anything in this book. It allows the potential stallion owner to take a good look at the entire picture of stallion ownership...from dangers associated with handling stallions, to collection, to an in depth profit/loss review. I found it very informative, and it gave me a good foundation of things I hadn't thought of in regard to owning my own stallion. Dr. Jim has a very light way of writing. I appreciate him sharing his years of expertise in this area.

Wonderful eye opener

I was considering purchasing a stallion two years ago and bought this book to help me get a better understanding of what would be involved. This book changed my whole outlook. I finally did purchase my first breeding stallion with my eyes open to everything that would be involved.

great guide for those considering a stallion

Dr. McCall explains in a clear easy reading style everything you need to know if you are considering buying or keeping a stallion. He covers stallion behavior and how to deal with it, breeding, physiology, and the economics of standing a stallion. He draws on his 30 year experience managing stallions to illustrate the points he makes in the book. An excellent book that provides good insight into dealing with stallions.