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Veterinary sciences2026; 13(7); 660; doi: 10.3390/vetsci13070660

Behaviour and Movement Activity of Stallions and Geldings in Group Housing.

Abstract: There has been little research on the social behaviour of stallions and geldings kept together in group housing systems. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in behaviour and movement activity between stallions and geldings kept together in group housing. Behavioural observations and GPS measurements were conducted in Germany from July to September 2024 in four mixed groups of horses in Germany. The groups comprised 35 animals, 18 stallions and 17 geldings. The horses were observed for three consecutive days over eight hours per day. No injuries or stereotypic behaviours were observed throughout the observation period. Stallions displayed significantly higher levels of affiliative, agonistic, dominance, ritualised, reproductive and play behaviours than geldings (all < 0.05). However, attack, threat, comfort, avoidance, and resting behaviours, as well as movement activity did not differ significantly between stallions and geldings. Greater space availability per horse was associated with increased comfort, resting, reproductive and play behaviours, and dominance behaviour decreased and attacks tended to decrease with increasing space availability. The horses moved an average distance of 2.36 km during the observation periods.
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Publication Date: 2026-07-07 PubMed ID: 42514669PubMed Central: PMC13417708DOI: 10.3390/vetsci13070660Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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Overview

  • This study examined the behavioural differences and movement activity between stallions and geldings kept together in group housing systems.
  • It aimed to provide insights into social interactions and well-being of male horses in mixed groups, using observational and GPS data.

Introduction

  • There has been limited research on how stallions (uncastrated male horses) and geldings (castrated males) behave when housed together in group settings.
  • Understanding differences in behaviour is important for managing horse welfare and designing optimal housing systems.

Methods

  • The study was conducted in Germany from July to September 2024.
  • Four mixed groups containing a total of 35 horses (18 stallions, 17 geldings) were observed.
  • Each horse group was observed for three consecutive days, eight hours daily, to collect behavioural data.
  • In addition to direct behavioural observation, GPS devices recorded movement activity to measure distances traveled.
  • Behaviours monitored included affiliative (friendly), agonistic (conflict), dominance, ritualised, reproductive, play, attacks, threats, comfort, avoidance, and resting behaviours.
  • Space availability per horse was also recorded to analyze its impact on behaviour.

Results

  • No injuries or stereotypic (repetitive, abnormal) behaviours were observed, indicating generally good welfare in group housing.
  • Stallions exhibited significantly higher levels of:
    • Affiliative behaviours (e.g., grooming, social bonding)
    • Agonistic behaviours (e.g., competition, dominance displays)
    • Dominance behaviours (asserting hierarchy)
    • Ritualised behaviours (structured social interactions)
    • Reproductive behaviours (mating-related activities)
    • Play behaviours
  • Behaviours that did not significantly differ between stallions and geldings included:
    • Attack and threat behaviours
    • Comfort behaviours
    • Avoidance behaviours
    • Resting behaviours
    • Movement activity (distance traveled)
  • Space availability influenced behaviour:
    • More space per horse was linked to increases in comfort, resting, reproductive, and play behaviours.
    • Dominance behaviours decreased with more space available, suggesting less competition or tension.
    • Attacks tended to decrease as space increased, although this was not statistically significant.
  • The average distance horses moved during observation periods was 2.36 kilometers, with no significant difference between stallions and geldings.

Discussion

  • The higher rate of social and reproductive behaviours in stallions aligns with their intact status and natural hormonal profiles, which influence dominance and mating behaviours.
  • The lack of significant difference in attack/threat behaviours indicates that stallions are not necessarily more aggressive when housed with geldings, which may support mixed group housing from a safety perspective.
  • The positive effect of increased space on comfort and resting behaviours highlights the importance of providing adequate area per horse in group housing systems.
  • Movement data showing similar activity levels further suggests that both stallions and geldings engage similarly in exploration and locomotion within the group setting.

Conclusion

  • The study provides valuable evidence that stallions and geldings can be housed together without increased aggression or welfare concerns when sufficient space is provided.
  • Differences in specific social and reproductive behaviours reflect natural physiological differences influenced by castration status.
  • Offering ample space is critical to promoting positive behaviours and minimizing dominance-related tension in mixed groups.
  • These findings can inform best practices for group housing designs aimed at maintaining social harmony and well-being among male horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Apitzsch RC, Handel S, Krueger K. (2026). Behaviour and Movement Activity of Stallions and Geldings in Group Housing. Vet Sci, 13(7), 660. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13070660

Publication

Veterinary sciences
ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 7
PII: 660

Researcher Affiliations

Apitzsch, Rhoda C
  • Faculty of Agriculture, Economics and Management, Nuertingen-Geislingen University, Neckarsteige 6-10, 72622 Nuertingen, Germany.
Handel, Sarah
  • Faculty of Agriculture, Economics and Management, Nuertingen-Geislingen University, Neckarsteige 6-10, 72622 Nuertingen, Germany.
Krueger, Konstanze
  • Faculty of Agriculture, Economics and Management, Nuertingen-Geislingen University, Neckarsteige 6-10, 72622 Nuertingen, Germany.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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