The Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology in Poland and the University of Veterinary Science in Austria has published new research on stallion welfare in relation to husbandry practices, behavioral management, and reproductive health. The Equitation Science International group makes a good synopsis of the value in full article linked below.

It is so important for all of our animals to live enriched lives that meet their psychological and physical needs, but this research brings attention to the often neglected social needs of stallions. In natural settings, stallions have opportunities to interact with other stallions and mares. In domestic settings, this has to be done strategically but it can be done. We had two stallions who lived harmoniously together for years and with different opportunities for them to “talk” to mares.

Providing this social enrichment to a stallion’s life is not only essential for their well-being but, as the article discusses, it can also improve the quality of a stallion’s semen, support healthier behaviors, and even mitigate frustration or boredom related aggression. Altogether, this research further endorses that a happy stallion is more fertile and easier to manage, a win-win for stallions and their owners.

Read the research article, “Importance of the social environment for reproductive and general welfare of domestic horse (Equus caballus) stallions” from Górecka-Bruzda & Aurich 2025 here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159125003259