A gelding is a castrated animal—usually, a castrated male horse. The word comes from the Old Norse geldr ("barren"). A horse is usually gelded to make him more placid, making him easier to control. Geldings were once prized by classical steppe warriors for their silence.

In horse racing it is a reasonably big risk to castrate a horse as they lose their breeding value. However, it may be considered worth it if the animal's passion is stopping him from running to his full potential. Several Kentucky Derby winners have been geldings, including 2003 winner Funny Cide. One of the greatest racehorses of all time, Phar Lap was a gelding. In Europe geldings are excluded from most big races, including the Classics and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, so it is an even bigger risk.

Under National Hunt and Showjumping rules nearly all horses are geldings as it is a health and safety risk for them and people.

See also

• eunuch, ridgeling, and steer
• Spaying and neutering (for animals)

horses | Horse racing

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