The Gelding Project:
Helping the Unwanted Horse One Stallion at a Time
Free Castration Clinic
(click for printable .pdf)
The Minnesota Horse Welfare Coalition, the Minnesota Horse Council and the
Animal Humane Society, in cooperation with the University of Minnesota, will be
offering a free 1-day castration clinic on May 15, 2010 at the Isanti County
Fairgrounds in Cambridge, Minnesota. The unwanted horse is the single
biggest welfare issue facing the horse industry today. The goal of the Clinic is to
reduce the number of unwanted horses in Minnesota. Up to 24 stallions will be
gelded on the day of the Clinic. This clinic is the second of its kind to be offered in
Minnesota. Additional free clinics will take place in different regions of Minnesota.
Whose horses qualify for clinic services?
• Certified equine rescues www.mnhorsecouncil.org/certified-stables-list.php
• Stallion owners who cannot otherwise afford the cost of the gelding
procedure, who have been invited to participate by their veterinarian or
have been referred by an Animal Humane Society Humane Agent.
• Jack (male donkey) owners are also eligible.
Requirements for Surgery:
• Stallions must be halter broke with 2 descended testicles.
• Colts must be at least 4 months old.
• All stallions must be in good health and be held off feed for 12 hours prior to
the procedure.
How it Works:
• Contact Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota Extension at
612- 625-6776, or krishona@umn.edu to learn more about the free
castration clinic, complete the application process and schedule an arrival
time. www.mnhorsecouncil.org
• Castrations must be scheduled in advance.
• Upon arrival, review and sign the surgical consent form.
• The procedure will be performed by University of Minnesota veterinary
students under the close supervision of area veterinarians.
• Geldings will be closely monitored by the veterinary team following the
procedure.
• Each horse will also receive tetanus immunization unless it has been
vaccinated in the last 6 months.
• Owners will be asked to complete an evaluation before departing.
• Trailer parking will be available on site.