02/13/2026
โ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ฌโ โ ๐๐๐ญโ๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฏ๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง
โGelding scarsโ have become a hot topic on social media and within the massage and bodywork world. While the discussion often comes from a genuine place, the terminology and understanding surrounding it can be misleading.
The label of "Gelding Scar" in reality is not the accurate term.
Letโs break it down.
Any incision through tissue creates a scar. By definition, every gelding has a scar from castration. The presence of scar tissue alone is not abnormal โ it is part of normal healing.
What matters more is how the surgery was performed and how the individual horse healed.
Years ago, a few european osteopaths brought to the United States a deeper anatomical and physiological understanding of castrationโs and long-term effects. They recognized that some geldings develop internal and external restrictions depending on:
โขThe surgical method used
โขThe tools and amount of traction applied
โขThe degree of tissue trauma
โขPost-operative healing
โขThe mobility and health of anatomical structures that remain connected after removal of the testicle and epididymis
Structures still connected through the vas deferens, vascular supply, neurological pathways, fascia, and associated connective tissues can influence the lumbar spine, diaphragm, sacrum, hind limbs, bladder, kidneys, and urethral region and more.
When excessive traction or force is applied during surgery, especially to structures still attached, tension patterns and pathology may develop. These often lead to very typical "symptoms" such as:
โขDifficulty engaging the hindquarters
โขShortened stride or Toe dragging behind
โขDifficulty with or maintaining one canter lead
โขโBunny hoppingโ at the canter
โขResistance to lateral work
โขEar pinning when asked to engage hind end
โขDifficulty lifting through the sternum
โขSensitivity along the ventral midline
โขTightness through the psoas region
โขhead tossing
& more...
These are not โmystical scar adhesions,โ but biomechanical and physiological responses within interconnected systems.
Everything in the body is connected. Restrictions do not exist in isolation.
Through training in European Visceral Equine Osteopathy, we assess if internal structures may be involved. If deeper visceral structures are involved, superficial massage of the scrotal area will not resolve the restriction. It requires anatomical knowledge, palpatory skill, and an understanding of how internal mobility influences the entire system.
There are osteopathic approaches that can improve mobility of structures affected by castration.
As with any restriction, we must assess the whole horse โ not just the incision site.
If you are interested in a comprehensive assessment or would like to learn more about how castration may be influencing your geldingโs biomechanics, feel free to reach out. We are happy to help!