The first essential is a well fitting halter, usually of nylon for miniatures. Lungeing and halter training should be conducted in an area apart from the breeding area. The stallion must not associate the halter and lead shank solely with breeding. Accustom the young stallion to having his umbilical, scrotal, and sheath area handled during the normal grooming process. Some judges check the testicles on the miniatures by feel rather than sight, particularly on very small stallions, and of course, the genitals are usually washed prior to hand-breeding.
Health is vital for a breeding stallion.
He must be disease-free, and should be free of parasites. An effective worming program is essential, as is a daily exercise program 'for stallions kept in a stall. The pent-up energy, coupled with the frustration of being stalled, can lead to behavioral problems and refusal to perform in the breeding shed. Then work him for another thirty minutes on a lead line or longe line, or put him on a hot walker. A vigorous exercise program, in addition to physiological soundness and control, will increase the libido or sex-drive without causing control problems.