Gelding A Horse In Training

[LKR]

How long, after gelding, can the horse return to training?? A friend is thinking of gelding his 2 year old who is at the track, in training.

[MidnightHill]

I would imagine that they would only miss a day or 2. When they are gelded it is VERY important that they stay moving (preferably at a trot) to encourage draining and prevent the incisions from closing and creating an infection. As for galloping it could be a few days - but losing general under tack time would be EXTREMELY minimal.

[majxmom]

LKR:

My advice is that the first 5 days are so important to a successful gelding. I hose them 45 minutes and walk them by hand 45 minutes FIVE TIMES A DAY for five days. That means it takes up your whole day. But they never build up any swelling or have any complications. And have mercy, do it after fly season.

I have seen trainers send them to the track two or three days after gelding. I think that's too soon. You don't want to sour their attitude toward the track by forcing them out with a rider when the naughty bits are extremely sore. The five day treatment always works well and they never turn a hair afterward. I saw a trainer have a horse gelded, then he hosed him down for maybe ten minutes max twice a day, and then hung him on the walker. The new gelding then proceeded to stop the walker at every opportunity because he was too sore to walk and needed encouragement. Eventually the swelling built up into the abdominal cavity and he nearly died from the swelling-- not from infection-- all because some lazy jerk couldn't exercise a little horsemanship and have compassion for this colt and give him enough care. He wound up being turned out and then given away. Poor thing.

[ratherrapid]

30 days.

[doublete]

It depends on the horse's reaction, but honestly you CAN return them to training within a few days. I've gelded a 6 y/o that I hosed twice a day for 15 mins each time, and rode at the walk and jog for 30 mins. He healed nicely and quickly. If you can send them to jog a mile that is best, because it will cause them to drain.

[ratherrapid]

yes, you "can", and the horse can't scream or talk.

[Tucumcari]

A relatively quick return to training starting by jogging a mile. Walk in the afternoon to help with the swelling. when you do start galloping go easy for a few weeks to allow for more healing. Your vet can guide you through that just ask questions