Mares and Geldings

I wanted to post my opinion on something I have a good deal of experience with; keeping mares and geldings together.
First things first - it can be done. We've had our horses in mixed herds for years now with the only exception being for a couple of years at Kestel where we had an all boy's herd.
Secondly, there is an old myth that says if you have a mixed herd, geldings should never outnumber mares. Perhaps in large and frequently changing groups this may ring true but from personal experience we know that several geldings can get along just fine with fewer mares.
We have 3 geldings and 1 mare all living quite contentedly in the same field. This is because a horse's social heirachy dictates there to be 1 lead stallion in the herd and lower ranking stallions that are tolerated as long as they don't try to dominate or mate with the lead's mares.
With geldings, this is taken to a greater degree because the lack of testosterone allows them to also form bonds with other geldings without constantly thinking about rivalry.
That's not to say geldings don't also think about sex because anyone who has owned one will know they still get aroused and that many will also mount other horses - mares and geldings alike. They are just generally less inclined to be so high strung over it.
Our herd has Tralee sitting pretty at the top as herd leader. He used to regularly mount Nell but has recently lost most of his libido. He used to be quite rough but has become more chilled since Kel arrived, allowing the youngster to do most of the work for him. Kel has pushed Rocky out of the second in command spot and has tried it on with Nell but that may be more coltish behaviour than rigginess. They have quite a tight bond now and Tralee is most of the time, willing to allow that. Kel is still very young and not much of a threat to the leader and is therefore tolerated like a young colt. Rocky is less liked by Kel but still ranks third because he acts more dominant towards Nell. He has never shown any inclination towards mares so is never a threat to Tralee. He is mostly on the outskirts of the herd and less bonded to the others but still important in the herd dynamics. He has the role of a submissive stallion who is usually lower than the higher ranking mares. Nell sits at the bottom of the pecking order but is now more protected by Kel, making the whole group calmer and happier. She has been subordinate in all herds she's ever been placed in and is probably happiest like this. She takes the role of the lowest ranking mare - a follower not lead.

On another note on the general day to day life at the stables, Kel and Nell are sharing a stable. The tie up area is just too wet to be used so they're now official bunk buddies.