Stallion vs. Gelding — What's the Difference?

A stallion is a male horse that has not been gelded (castrated). Stallions follow the conformation and phenotype of their breed, but within that standard, the presence of hormones such as testosterone may give stallions a thicker, "cresty" neck, as well as a somewhat more muscular physique as compared to female horses, known as mares, and castrated males, called geldings.

A gelding is a castrated male horse or other equine, such as a pony, donkey or a mule. Castration, as well as the elimination of hormonally driven behavior associated with a stallion, allows a male equine to be calmer and better-behaved, making the animal quieter, gentler and generally more suitable as an everyday working animal.

An uncastrated adult male horse.

A castrated animal, especially a male horse.

An adult male horse that has not been castrated, especially one kept for breeding, or an adult male of another equine species.

A castrated male horse.

(Slang) A man regarded as virile and sexually active.

Any castrated male animal.

An adult male horse.

(archaic) A eunuch.

Specifically, one that is uncastrated.

Present participle of geld

A male horse kept primarily as a stud.

A castrated animal; - usually applied to a horse, but formerly used also of the human male.

A very virile and sexually-inclined man or (rarely) woman.

Castrated male horse

A male horse not castrated; a male horse kept for breeding.

Uncastrated adult male horse