22 year old pony to buy or not??

[Mince Pie]

I am going to stick my neck out here and say that she doesn't need feeding up. The lameness may well be arthritis at her age so circles are a no-no but slow gentle hacking should be fine - pick your ground though, nothing to deep or boggy.
I'd keep with the yard you are on but really make an effort to find her a friend. Also try and find someone experienced so they can help you as you sound quite novicey? Bear in mind that you will need to source hay/feed/bedding etc. Also from the sounds of the guy I would ask about who is responsible for maintenance

ETA: at her age I doubt you will get insurance for any vets bills resulting from illness - only those resulting from accident, so please make sure you can afford any bills that may arise.

 

[mailme1918]

ive put her on hard feed mostly for suppliments.
to be completely honest this had all happened fast she kinds found me and ive been sucked in.. through pity and hope that she would be an ideal first pony
yes im a novice at owning only ever part loaned due to work and kids
im not well off but comfortable and this is why im trying to make the right decision.

 

[Mince Pie]

Id suggest trying to put £100-200 aside pcm towards any vet bills just to be safe

 

[Highlands]

Get check out and buy! Pay what the bridle is worth (£20) and if I was you get a synthetic saddle fitted or a treeless ( not my thing) and enjoy! Build her work up slowly, ride her regularly and find a small Shetland or something . Good luck!

 

[Gloi]

I have a 24 year old pony who is fit as a flea and will go all day
However there are a lot of warning bells ringing here. I think the owner is taking you for a ride expecting you to pay that amount for an unsound old pony when people can't give them away at the moment.
I would definitely have the vet out to her to check out the lameness and to do her teeth if you are going to be keeping her but if the vet considers her unsound with arthritis she may always have to be kept on bute or similar and may deteriorate to the point where you can't ride her, if she is actually sound enough to be ridden now.
Before even paying for the vet I would try and find a knowledgeable person who is from somewhere other than the yard she is on to take a good look at her and give you an impartial assessment. I know you like her but if you are going to get a pony you want one that will be fun to own not one that will just be a drain on the finances. (edit. I just noticed you were getting somebody over, do take their advice and don't let your heart rule your head too much)
If you need third part insurance join the BHS, you are very unlikely to get insurance for vets bills for her.

 

[EstherYoung]

You don't have to get a full vetting to get a vet's opinion. For a relatively small amount of money, if you can find a pragmatic vet, they will give you an opinion on how advanced her arthritis and other age related issues are. You can then make a decision based on facts.

Don't pay money on a saddle that doesn't fit.

Nb I haven't lunged my old boy (now 27) for years. It's the one thing he can't cope with very well any more.

 

[mailme1918]

hi everyone just an update on Angel.
so I ve had a professional freelance instructor up today who knew angel previously she cannot believe how much weight and condition angel has lost now her coat is coming off shes looking thinner and thinner hip bones ribs this is because she has nt been fed anything accept grass and has lived out unrugged her autritis had got worst as he stopped the suppliments when he stopped riding her.
she has had rain scald that is healing ok due to being unrugged I know some people don't rug but at 22 she needed it .
I ve been advised to get her weight on her and no riding just walking in hand to loosen her joints and build muscle
she walks fine on grass but as soon as concrete she struggles this is either her arthritis or a bit foot sore from being trimmed after not being trimmed for a long time
so agin angel may be able to hack in the future but maybe be able to walk on hard ground which means riding in the field only
I ve been advised that this is going to be a long process 6months+
the owner has been made aware of all of this including the need for a dentist
the out come!! ive been offered angel FREE but instead on £100 but her still wants £150 for tack
or I can continue the loan at half price!
or walk away..
im so confused after measuring her shes turned out to be 13hh but instructor said once she s built up that is fine for me
so what do I do? its a huge gamble but im scared to walk away and her end up being left out in the field alone again and unfed and cared for or do I take her and hope that I can do something with her I just don't want to be left with a pony that cannot be ridden as thins is not why I got involved with angel I know I need to thing with me head and not my heart but its so hard im scared she ll end up being sold to some one who will decide they don't want her then send her to auction and end up with the meat man.
if I do take her I may end up in debt up to my eye balls with a pony I cant do anything with.

 

[hnmisty]

If you've been offered her for free, I'd take her. Tell the owner to keep his badly fitting tack, if her saddle doesn't fit then why buy it? Get one fitted by a decent saddler, it will save all sorts of problems cropping up later.

Tbh, if you get her, and it turns out she's going to cost you a fortune in vets bills (and you can't afford to pay), then it may be controversial, but I'd consider having her PTS. It would be the most responsible thing to do in the situation, and you would've given and old girl months/years of love in her final days. Both my ponies ended their days with me, but I know what happened to them, and I know they weren't left to suffer at the end. I wouldn't change that for anything.

If her teeth are in bad condition, then that will help explain why she has lost so much condition. Get her teeth seen to, and you will see an improvement.

If you can accept that all you will be able to do with her is go for nice plods around the lane (and maybe only for the next year or two, before you end up with a retired horse) then do it.

 

[Tammytoo]

If you've been offered her for free, I'd take her. Tell the owner to keep his badly fitting tack, if her saddle doesn't fit then why buy it? Get one fitted by a decent saddler, it will save all sorts of problems cropping up later.

If her teeth are in bad condition, then that will help explain why she has lost so much condition. Get her teeth seen to, and you will see an improvement.

If you can accept that all you will be able to do with her is go for nice plods around the lane (and maybe only for the next year or two, before you end up with a retired horse) then do it.

I agree with this. Your instructor who knew her in the past will be able to kep you on the straight and narrow. Most feed companies have nutritionists who will give you free feeding advice if you ring them. Allan and Page have a great range of fibre based feeds for oldies and laminitics.

Please keep us updated.

 

[AmyMay]

You've been offered her for free - take her.

How did you get on with the vet assessment of her?

 

[squidsin]

God it's a tough one. My head says to tell you 'don't take her' - which is a load of cobblers because I definitely WOULD take her! Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Honey08]

Looking at it from a head point of view, you aren't going to be able to ride her for quite a while, and even then it may not be that often or as fast as you wanted. She may take a fair bit of money to fatten and fitten her. She may not come right.

From the other side, your instructor thinks she will come back. When the grass gets going she may come back quicker than you think. She is free.

I would be inclined to take a chance, but I already have horses to ride and my own land, so its different for you. You could take her for the summer, see how she goes on and make a decision in winter if to PTS or carry on - if you could go through that.. You're probably right that the farmer would just leave her as she is if you don't buy her.

She is more of a charity rescue type horse with a possibility rather than the first pony to ride that you wanted.. Difficult one.

What area are you in?

 

[mandwhy]

I think you will regret it if you walk away now. You're involved and I think you know this pony deserves your help - it doesn't sound like she'll get it anywhere else and she doesn't even have any other horses nearby bless her.

Agree with previous comment that if she ends up having a lot of medical issues in the long run then you can have her put to sleep. I know it sounds harsh and you might find it upsetting to think about but it is something you need to have in mind with an oldie.

Glad she is now free, sounds like a long haul ahead but to be honest it can be great to have that non riding period when you first get to know a horse. Great for bonding and time to save for a saddle! Don't buy ill fitting tack, you can get a second hand synthetic fitted. This owner is lucky really, he is not doing right by this horse and now he has someone prepared to take the problem off his hands, once you take her he won't be paying out for bedding and obviously no mucking out. Responsibility gone!

Even if you don't take her on, try to find a way to make her life better. You could buy another horse and keep it at this place (the setup does sound pretty good with turnout etc) and offer to look after the pony as a companion. Alternatively you could see if any of your friends would like a companion pony. I just hate to think of her living out her last days miserably as I'm sure you do too!

I hope it works out and look forward to an update!

P.s. lunging not ideal with arthritis, look up some in hand and 'ground work' activities instead

 

[debsflo]

A lot of horses have come out of winter looking poor so now she is being properly fed,rugged wormed teeth etc m sure you will notice a difference. My mare is 21 and i would never lunge her. Stick to walking in hand,if shes only just had her feet done she may be a bit sore and stiff. You sound really sensible and i think she has fallen on her feet if you keep her. Sounds like its all been a bit of a shock but id liken it to having a new baby. it will get easier over time.

 

[Amy567]

Am I right in saying that this is a cob (good doer type) in a 6 acre field on it's own.... and it needs hard feed too? I would say get vet, I honestly think there could be an underlying illness, not just arthritis. Then again, bad teeth could be the cause too. But from experience of horses with arthritis, and horses of that age... I'd steer clear myself, sounds like a huge vet bill to me. Or she just needs to be retired IMO. And if you do get her, please get her a companion too, just a little shetland or something, it'll make her happy.

 

[mailme1918]

hello everyone thanks for all you replys
ok so I ve decided to take Angel I am awaiting him to sign her over then I can have a vet in to sort dental and health check I am not willing to do this til she is legally mine as I refuse to pay treatment for his horse once shes mine she will have anything she need.
I know I am in for a lot of work with Angel to bring her health and fitness back but shes sooooo worth it she has manners to die for and is so gentle
she looks forward to my 2/3 visits a day our little in hand walks round the field and she enjoys having food supplied daily as well as a nice clean stable.
im now collectin rugs for her as she has suffered rain scald and I want to prevent this also due to her age come winter shes jusy not managing to hold her weight.
ill try and answer a few questions asked in replys
im in Lancashire north west.
yes 6 achres but 4 achers are closed off at present I will be moving her to that field soon and resting the smaller 2 achre one shes lost weight and condition due to no feed, hay jusy what grass she can get. no rugs and we had 6 foot snow drifts up there this year I don't have a clue how shes survived
companion ... im on th look out for either some one to move on this yard with me or I may take a filly some thing young to keep her company and for me to have when Angel needs a quiter life as either retired or lead rein for my lad.
her stiffness is improving with more exersize we do brisk walking for me and Angel tents to want to jig jog with me.
I know Angel is not what I set out looking for but she found me and im gonna do the best I can by her cause after the lonely unfed cold few years shes had shes worth it.
more pics to follow x

 

[debsflo]

great,look forward to the photos....

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Just be careful introducing her to better grass, you don't want her to get laminitis.

Get some electric fencing, so you can give her a small section of the 4 acres, rather than the whole thing. Possibly only putting her on it for a few hours and then back on the well grazed area, the rest of the time.

 

[mailme1918]

Just be careful introducing her to better grass, you don't want her to get laminitis.

Get some electric fencing, so you can give her a small section of the 4 acres, rather than the whole thing. Possibly only putting her on it for a few hours and then back on the well grazed area, the rest of the time.

hello I ve been doing a lot of thinking electric fencing is not really an option I ideally want to rest the smaller field as it needs it and let her on to the 4 acre but now im worried about laminitis although shes never had this I obviously want to prevent it. I ve been advised she defo needs to gain weight
was thinking a grazing muzzle? to stop her overly pigging out on the fresh grass??
what are your views on these
on all the time? or just in the day or not at all?

 

[oldie48]

As an owner of an old horse (25) who is still in work I've found the following really helps to keep him happy. six monthly teeth checks, a good farrier, a sachet of bute daily during the cold weather as he has some arthritis in his hocks, regular gentle exercise and feed appropriate to the level of work he's doing. I would never lunge him. A couple of years ago I noticed he was drinking more water and his coat was not as good as it had been and he wasn't keeping his weight on although he still looked OK, I had him tested for cushings and he tested positive. He's now on prascend and it's made a huge difference to him for the better. I think you might be wise to have this pony tested as you say she's thin but has a pot belly. Unfortunately untreated cushings, which is very common in older horses and ponies, can lead to laminitis which can be devastating. Good luck with your pony but be prepared for her to cost you a lot of money, my old boy costs lots more to keep than my younger horse!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I'm not a grazing muzzle user (well I don't use them on my horses ) so I can't really advise on their use. However many on here do use them and hopefully they will comment.

Every horse/pony owner should keep the possibility of laminitis in the back of their mind. Sadly it is something that you will need to think about preventing, but that's far better than the alternative (pony develops laminitis).

 

[mailme1918]

I don't really want to use one but feel that if she goes to the other feild it would be a safer option for her.
We've been having our daily brisk walk round the big feild. Today I washed her feathers and shes quite scabby not on her skin but like the scabs have come off abd stuck in her feathers. . So im guessing not only has she had rain scald but mud rash too.

 

[oldie48]

With regard to moving her so she's with other horses, although I would never choose to keep a horse on it's own, if the mare seems happy enough on her own and is used to it then she's probably OK where she is. As an old horse she'd probably be bottom of the pecking order and might get bullied by other horses. At least on her own she gets the best grass etc My old boy was never turned out in company until he came to me because he was a b....... to catch, so he was used to being on his own. although he's been with other horses for the past 14 years he's still completely settled in the field on his own and he's a rather flighty TB. Also, my horses pooh has been a bit sloppy recently but that's because the grass is growing and is quite rich after winter grazing, it's settled down quite quickly and your mare's should too. I wouldn't use a grazing muzzle and feed hard feed. Cut out the hard feed completely, she doesn't need it if she's not really being worked but still give a supplement. I use Blue chip dynamic, expensive but really good for horses who are stiff. Just mix it with a little chaff and water.

 

[hnmisty]

With regard to moving her so she's with other horses, although I would never choose to keep a horse on it's own, if the mare seems happy enough on her own and is used to it then she's probably OK where she is.

I use Blue chip dynamic, expensive but really good for horses who are stiff. Just mix it with a little chaff and water.

My pony lived on her own, she had sheep for friends (and was very protective of them), she didn't tend to like many other horses. I think that like some people, some horses aren't too fussed about company.

I fed the same pony Blue Chip original, and it was fab Helped with her stiffness- aged 35, we cut out her bute as the Blue Chip had done wonders.

 

[mailme1918]

Hello. Shes on hard feed due to being very underweight. The other feild has been closed off so has the better grass in it the smaller one shes in niw has been used all winter although there is still some grass in it. Were walking daily to build her up muscle wise.
I dont want to turn her out on the big feild and risk laminitis.

 

[JFTDWS]

She doesn't look very underweight in the photos, though photos can be deceptive. I personally wouldn't be feeding the mix, unless they're very deceptive indeed. I certainly wouldn't feed short feed and muzzle - grass does far more for horses than any feed. Have you condition scored her using the WHW guide? edit: having watched the video, I think she would actually be on a diet with me

She looks sweet and could well be a nice hack for a few years yet with the right management, depending on what the vet says regarding the lameness issue.

 

[mailme1918]

hi she has a a low belly but is boney on top hips flank sunk in im guessing most is due to not being wormed or fed.
the vet is coming Thursday 16th for a health check and teeth done I will get advice feed wise as more I get rid of that winter coat the thinner she looks her belly hangs low and she has slight sway back. ill get some more pics on.

 

[oldie48]

I'd def test for cushings. If you google "free cushings test" you'll find a voucher that will let you get the anaysis done free.

 

[mailme1918]

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[mailme1918]

also no lameness lately im thinking maybe was foot sore from having feet trimmed as she had nt had them done for a long time. does keep right leg turned in when stood being groomed ill get a pic of that she kinda tucks it under her and puts weight on it,
she has also been a lot happier and brighter not as depressed looking prob from having 3 visits a day feed water clean bed and endless grooming which makes her fall asleep ha our walks round the fields are going great to shes not as stiff. im getting some really nice greetings off her to when I pull up which is lovely.