Revisiting Clinical Stallion Sexual Behavior: Applying Ethology in the Breeding Shed

•Horses evolved as an open-plain grazing, herding prey species.•Sneak breeding is a natural alternate breeding strategy for stallions.•Ethology can explain certain breeding problems of domestically managed stallions.•Applied animal behavior science is useful in addressing breeding behavior problems.

An understanding of basic ethology and applied animal behavior science concepts can provide valuable insight into the most of the common breeding behavior problems of domestically managed stallions. Based on that insight, recommendations can be made for resolving or more efficiently managing those problems. The shy or intimidated breeder is presented as one example illustrating this approach. For many such stallions their behavior appears to reflect the key behavioral characteristics common among open-plains grazing prey species. For a subset, elements of their behavior with a mare can be recognized as the alternate male breeding strategy of sneak breeding. With this understanding, science-based management and handling changes can be made to reduce inhibition, build confidence and motivation, as well as promote specific natural male-female interactive behavior sequences that will enhance sexual arousal and response.