Bought pony in foal?!!

[Nikkimac23]

So we have had our pony a month

when she came we were told she was over weight as she had been turned out all summer and not done much

now people keep commenting she looks in foal and I’m past myself

we were told she was with mares and geldings since March when she came to them

these pics show her when she arrived and now (bottom pic) my imp is she’s loosing some belly

if she were in foal she would be at least 9 months

thoughts ?? Petrified novice owner

 

[emilylou]

Probably not

 

[shortstuff99]

I wouldn't say in foal from this pics but a blood test would confirm. Is she young?

 

[Nikkimac23]

It had never crossed my mind until someone else mentioned it and I felt her overall condition and weight was improving
But the comments set my mind racing

it’s like having a new baby this pony worries me sick ?

she’s 4 xx

 

[shortstuff99]

Definitely sure that she is 4? Looks a younger to me in those pics.

 

[tda]

Definitely sure that she is 4? Looks a younger to me in those pics.

Baby tail? Unless somethings chewed it off. She's got a lot of growing to do regardless

 

[Nikkimac23]

Definitely sure that she is 4? Looks a younger to me in those pics.

That was the vets opinion in July x

 

[Pinkvboots]

I think she looks younger as well she has quite a lump on her croup as well.

 

[DabDab]

That was the vets opinion in July x

Doesn't she have a passport?

She doesn't look pregnant to me either, she looks like a 2yo with a gassy belly.

Vet check for pregnancy would be the best way forwards though.

 

[Horseysheepy]

She definitely looks more like a 2 year old!.

 

[Barton Bounty]

Kinda bizarre shape for a 4 year old but might be very bum high, does look kinda like a lump as pink said. Her back end is considerably leaner that the front which would point to some growing to do

 

[Wishfilly]

I'd get a vet out and get a second opinion re age. You could also ask them about pregnancy at the same time.

I agree she doesn't really look 4 to me, but it may be the angle of the photos.

 

[Starzaan]

I agree she definitely doesn’t look four. I’d say rising three at the oldest. She is also a very peculiar shape.
She doesn’t look in foal, she just looks like a baby with a grass gut.

 

[nagblagger]

I thought she looked only 2 and bum high Grass belly or worms?

 

[AmyMay]

Deleted

 

[Nikkimac23]

Yes she is passported and aged by vet at time of issue

 

[DabDab]

Yes she is passported and aged by vet at time of issue

Do you mean that she was passported for the first time by you this summer?

 

[Nikkimac23]

Do you mean that she was passported for the first time by you this summer?

No by the previous keeper

 

[AmyMay]

No by the previous keeper

Has your vet seen her?

 

[Nikkimac23]

Has your vet seen her?

No we haven’t had reason to have her seen until now

 

[Starzaan]

No we haven’t had reason to have her seen until now

Did you have her vetted?
I would definitely get your vet to her asap. She definitely doesn’t look four.

 

[shortstuff99]

Have you got a picture of her teeth? I would definitely be having a second opinion of how old she is.

 

[Nikkimac23]

Have you got a picture of her teeth? I would definitely be having a second opinion of how old she is.

No I’ll take one when Im
Down tomorrow

 

[AmyMay]

No we haven’t had reason to have her seen until now

It’s always a good idea to have a new (unvetted) horse looked at by your vet. A health check of sorts. That way they can also advise on any worming programme you might want to follow etc.

 

[irishdraft]

She looks extremely croup high which generally indicates a youngster probably younger than 4 but cobs can have that look sometimes but not quite as noticable. I wouldn't have thought she was pregnant from the photos & definitely not 9 months x

 

[Nikkimac23]

Thanks for all the replies
The opinions on not being pregnant is reassuring
Obv concerned that she’s younger and just want to do right by her
We were told her bum had shot up over summer she’s 13.3 and hoped she would grow a little bit more but always thought cobs took longer to go up and out so was never really alarmed by it
Really appreciate all the advice

 

[Nikkimac23]

Not a great pic but best she was up for today

 

[bonny]

Not a great pic but best she was up for today

Need a side on shot to tell with any accuracy

 

[LadyGascoyne]

She does look young, and although it is hard to tell from that photo, the incisors look quite short and like they aren’t touching top to bottom yet.

I do think you need your own independent vet assessment asap. I think you’ve posted before about your daughter riding the pony, and about the pony being funny about her front feet being picked up. Did you have the pony vetted before you bought her?

Her hind-end conformation, reluctance to pick up front legs and possible young age would make me question whether she has the strength and maturity to be ridden.

 

[shortstuff99]

Yes I would be seeking a second opinion, I would be surprised if she was 4 years old.