Before purchasing a stallion you must carefully consider the different management that an entire requires. A stallion can be unpredictable and difficult to handle if incorrectly managed. He needs firm boundaries and confident, but fair handling to thrive. A stallion can be easily distracted by his surroundings and as his handler you must be able to divert his attention back to you and your objectives. Before buying a stallion it is important to honestly evaluate the facilities you have at your disposal. Stallions need secure, safe fencing, of an appropriate height. Your stallion paddock needs to be separate from the mares, to prevent unsettling and teasing him. You must also think about companionship for your stallion. Are you going to turn him out alone or perhaps next to a gelding? Some stallions can be territorial, but even if they cannot be turned out with a gelding it is nice for them to be within sight of other horses. In terms of stabling, most stallions can cope on a mixed yard but for some, consideration does need to be made so that they are not stabled directly next to or opposite a mare. If you keep your horses on a livery yard, it may be very difficult to find a yard able to satisfy all of these requirements, let alone be happy to take on a stallion. The training of a stallion should not be that different to the training of a gelding or mare. However you need to be aware that your stallion may lose attention if in the ring with another horse and he needs to learn as a young stallion to concentrate on his rider and get on with the job in hand, otherwise he could quickly become dangerous in a crowded warm up arena. If you are planning to use your stallion for breeding it is best that he has a set routine for each job, including completely different bridles. It is also good practise for the stallion to have a different handler for covering. Stallions are quick to learn the association of each different bridle and this way he never associates anything to do with riding with covering.

Driving and Towing instructor Tracy Hammond ADI, answers. In order to ensure safety for both you and your horse on your journey there are certain safety factors that should be followed.

Try and get into the habit of hitching up correctly by doing it in this order. It'll soon become routine!

1. Reverse your tow vehicle ready to hitch up, but stop when you are about one metre away. Put your handbrake on and go to the trailer.
2. Make sure the trailer handbrake is on. This is because if you were to misjudge the distance and hit the trailer without the handbrake on it may be pushed into or over something or someone.
3. Reverse back to the final position ready to hitch up. This is easier if you have someone to guide you, or there are mirrors available that fix on to the trailer to help.
4. Walk around the trailer, check the tyres and lights look ok and you have the correct number plate on.
5. Lower the coupling head on to the tow ball and check it is locked in position by winding the jockey wheel until the ball and head rise without parting, lifting your vehicle up.
6. Raise and stow the jockey wheel safely.
7. Attach the breakaway cable to a secure point on the towing vehicle. Ideally there will be a separate attachment for the cable, rather than putting the cable round the tow ball, but if there isn't this will suffice.
8. Connect the electrical cables.
9. Release the trailer handbrake.
10. Check the lights and indicators are working on your trailer.
11. Having parked ready to load up, get the ramp down and check the floor for any weak points or rotting.
12. Load up and have a fun day!

If you can do this every time you hitch up then you are making your journey safer and more comfortable for you and your horse, lowering the risk of an accident

For more information contact Tracy on 07973 529290