A stallion should be trained when he is a two-year-old to listen to and mind his handler. If this is not done and the animal is used to breed mares, you may have a very difficult time in controlling this stallion when you use him to hand-breed. But even a well-trained one will sometimes think he is the boss and want to do the job his way!

There are three methods used to breed mares. Pasture breeding is one in which the stallion is turned out with a number of mares and they run loose in a pasture. A second method is artificial insemination of the mare, commonly referred to as A.I. The semen is collected from the stallion and is infused into the mare at the proper time during the heat cycle. The semen may be “fresh” or it can be frozen and used later. The third method involves introducing the stallion to the receptive mare and allowing him to breed her at that time.

This method is commonly known as “hand-breeding.” When the stallion is presented to the mare he is allowed to “tease” her to determine if she is in heat and will receive him.

Improperly trained stallions, when taken to a mare, often are or will become uncontrollable. They can go up in the air by standing on their rear legs and literally try to rape the mare. In the act, they usually break away from the handler and the situation will become very dangerous for all concerned, even the stallion, who could be kicked by the mare and seriously injured. The best-trained and managed stud can become unmanageable at times and present a great problem for his handler.

I receive a number of calls from individuals who want to know how to train a young stallion for hand-breeding. I get a like number of inquiries from people whose stallion has become unmanageable or who have purchased one that they cannot control when brought to a mare for the breeding process.

The most important tool, which can be used in training these stallions, is known as a “breeding bridle” or “stud bridle.”

The series of pictures, on this and the preceding page, will show you what it is and how to use it. The use of the “stud bridle” is an old, old method used to train the stallion for hand-breeding. Pete Bonthuis, who worked for me when I raised a large number of foals, used the bridle in training and it was always on the stallion when he went to the mares.

This is a picture of what is called the “stud bridle.” It is simply a bridle with a bit, which is put on the stallion’s head only when the animal is to be taken to the mare. The lead consists of a regular 20 inch chain and snap fastened to 15 feet of 3/8 inch nylon rope with a knot in its end so it does not slip through your hand.
Here are two examples of the bridle. The one on the left is one I used on all of my stallions. The right hand one is only a few years old. You must only use straight bar bits on these bridles. I show two kinds here. The left one is the old fashioned “log bit,” on the right is a readily available bit sometimes called a “carriage bit.” Never use a snaffle or curb bit. They will wreck your stallion’s mouth when you “lay into” the lead rope. These straight bar bits will train your stallion and leave him with a soft mouth.
A stud bridle should always be used when taking the stallion to tease or service a mare. This is the only time you should use it. If you use it at this time, and this time only, the stallion will know what’s going to happen and even the tallest one will lower his head to receive the bit and bridle, as you see in this picture.
The bridle is in place in this picture, and an ordinary lead shank has been placed through the bit ring, under the jaw, and snapped into the bit ring on the right side. This probably will work when using the stallion on mares, especially if he is well trained and an older horse. However, some stallions have been used this way for several years and, for one reason or another, have become unruly when presented to mares. In that case, the short lead shank and rope will not control them.
This picture illustrates the snap and chain attached to the 15-foot rope being passed through the left hand bit ring. The chain from the short lead can be seen.
This picture shows the chain being passed over the stallion’s neck at the withers and the rope is being pulled through the bit ring.
This picture illustrates the rope and lead chain coming down the right side of the stallion’s neck. The lead chain is passed through the right hand bit ring under the jaw, where it will be snapped into the left bit ring.
This picture shows the chain through the right bit ring and snapped into the left ring. The hand is between the lower jaw of the stallion and the lead shank chain.
The long lead and chain are now in place. You will notice the rope where it passes over the neck of the stallion, is at the base of the neck by the withers.

If this stallion should become unruly when he approaches the mare, he will go up in the air and be on his hind legs. That’s the moment you should give him a command such as “come back here” and at the same time haul on the rope! His head will come down to his chest and he will sit right down. Usually one application and he will be ready to listen to you. Do not be afraid to use this method to correct those studs who are savage in their teasing habits and who become uncontrollable in the breeding process. It will work!

The stallion you see in these pictures became unruly during the breeding season this year. The owners outfitted him with this bridle and gave him the appropriate lesson at the right time. He is again very easy to use in the hand-breeding operation and minds very well.