Did any one know this service existed! Qualified 301(c) organization giving free Stallion to gelding services.
I have to say I have never used them but please let me know if you call or talk to them or use them at all.
Contact information
Susan L. Lurz, Director
Stallion To Gelding Support
P.O. Box 214
Ferguson, NC 28624
336-973-5501
http://stalliontogeldingsupport.org/ Attached are FaQ from their webs site
Q: Is this service really free?
A: Yes. SGS pays your veterinarian directly. SGS will not pay for any additional procedures or after care, hospital care, IV fluids or anything beyond the normal gelding procedure. No procedure will be paid for where one or both testicles have not descended. The owner is responsible for all care after the gelding procedure has taken place. This service is offered to those who could not otherwise afford the cost of the gelding procedure, while funds are available.
Q: Who is SGS?
A: Stallion to Gelding Support is a program funded by the Horse Protection Society, a non-profit organization founded in 1991 and dedicated to the welfare of horses. To learn more about HPS please visit our website by clicking on the following link: Horse Protection Society
Q. Who qualifies for free gelding service?
A: In order to help reduce the number of unwanted births and end equine overpopulation, SGS funds are designated for those whose stallion is currently being used for breeding and for any stallion in direct contact with a mare, thus producing unwanted foals.
Q: I cannot afford to geld my horse. How can I receive free gelding services?
A: Simply complete the application and mail it directly to SGS. You must also provide a recent photo of the stallion you wish to geld. Upon approval of the application, SGS will contact your veterinarian of choice to make the necessary arrangements. SGS will then send you confirmation that you can now contact your vet to select an appointment day and time that is convenient for you.
Q: Can I choose my own veterinarian or does SGS choose one for me?
A: You choose the vet you are most comfortable with.
Q: How old does my stallion have to be in order to be gelded?
A: A stallion or colt can be gelded at any age, however, gelding at a young age (usually less than one) is ideal. A stallion gelded before he is one year old will grow an inch to an inch and a half taller than a stallion gelded later in life. Six months is an ideal age for the horse to achieve maximum growth. It is best to discuss the procedure with your veterinarian to make sure your horse is a viable candidate.
Q: When is the best time of year to geld my horse?
A: Many farms will geld their stallions in either winter or spring months. There are less insects and the cooler temperatures can help minimize the swelling.
Q: Can my horse go back to his regular routine after he is gelded?
A: No. Immediately after surgery he should rest in his stall for 24 hours. It is not recommended to turn your horse out to pasture for at least six weeks after being gelded. Check with your veterinarian for the follow-up care of your horse.
Q: At what age can a colt impregnate a mare?
A: A colt can impregnate a mare as early as 9 months old so it is best to geld him at an early age if it is determined that he will not be used for breeding purposes. He should also be separated from mares for at least four weeks after surgery.
Q: Will gelding my stallion calm him down?
A: Removal of the testicles eliminates the major hormones that drive the male sexual and aggressive behaviors. So, after gelding, the behavior of most horses changes. There is a certain amount of "quieting down" that takes place after the procedure but this can vary with each horse.
