Gracie Beddow
Gracie Beddow asked P.C. Cast:

In Wind Riders you call male horses either Stallions or geldings. When you say gelding do you mean a gelded horse, or is that just a term they use to describe a horse not eligible to become lead stallion but can still breed? And if so, do they neuter canines too? (I have a gelding named Oz, so I know geldings are just as great as stallions, but I was surprised they would neuter them? Probably a weird question, sorry.)

P.C. Cast Hi Gracie, that's not a weird question at all - at least not weird to a horse person (and I'm a horse person). Yes, gelding means a gelded male horse. The Lead Mare Rider and her mare decide, along with input from the Herd Stallion, which males should be gelded and which should be used as breeding stock. It makes no sense to have a bunch of stallions/stud horses hanging around and never let them breed. If you're ever had a stud horse (ungelded male) you know what a pain in the ass they are. So - they're gelded and still very valuable to the herd. Same with male canines who will not be bred. They would be neutered.

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