Buying a foal

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genandtom

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Would anyone buy a foal where the mother is chronically lame, arab mare with very long pasterns, swollen fetlock on off hind, aged 5yrs, unbroken and this is third foal. Foal is lovely, passed vet but does have slightly upright hooves plus a few other observations which vet says are not likely to cause problems for hacking or low level dressage. Early weaning and reduction in mare cubes will help stop oversized pasterns, reduce the risk of upright fore feet and becoming over at the knee. I have not bought a foal before, are these comments normal for one so young or should I stay clear?
 
I'd want to know what was causing the mare's chronic lameness. The way you have described the mare is hugely negative which makes me think you've already made your mind up. But if (big "if") the mare is lame due to an injury and she doesn't pass on her long fetlocks then the foal may be worth looking at. If she's not lame due to an injury I wonder why she's being bred.
 
I would steer clear personally. There are plenty more foals out there. AND horses cause us enough heart ache and make us soend enough money without starting with a problem
 
genandtom said:
Early weaning and reduction in mare cubes will help stop oversized pasterns, reduce the risk of upright fore feet and becoming over at the knee.
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Says who?? If the dam is unsound at 5 - almost certainly because of her conformation faults - what makes you think foal won't go the same way? I personallywouldn't touch it with someone else's bargepole!
 
I wouldn't touch with a barge pole - the fact the owners have had 3 foals and the mare is only five, has poor conformation and is lame says it all really, sounds like the foal has been bred purely to make a fast buck with no actual plan as to the outcome!!:(

And early weaning and reduction in mare cubes will not miraculously cure all its conformational faults or stop it growing into what it is designed to!!! Foals inherit 50/50 from sire and dam and more often than not it is the bad bits they inherit - hence using the best stock only when breeding! It will however save the owner having to pay to feed it if it's weaned early!!!!! If they're fobbing you off with that idea then I'd run screaming for the hills!!!:D

When buying a foal you need both parents to be very good examples of whatever breed or type, you need to see both parents, and any previous offspring from that mare if possible. Take someone with you who knows what they are looking at with regards to foal conformation - it is possible to tell how a foal will turn out but it is down to experience with seeing tons of foals and see how they turn out as adults - it's all to easy to just see the cute foal that is in front of you and not the adult horse.
You also will need to ask how they wean, how long after it is weaned can it go - a good stud should let it settle for at least a month after weaning so it can be handled without mum, feet/worming/microchip and gelding if a colt/practice loading etc. If they want the foal to go straight after weaning - are they trying to cut costs?!!
 
I'm afraid I agree with the majority, there are plenty of foals around at the moment from mares who are sound, so to buy one from stock that does sound inferior would be a bit of a gamble to say the least.
Can I ask what sort of price they are asking? I'm selling foals from mares without problems at less money than previous years due to all the prices locally having dropped. Make sure you don't pay very much for this foal if you decide to buy it.
 
genandtom said:
. Foal is lovely, passed vet but does have slightly upright hooves plus a few other observations which vet says are not likely to cause problems for hacking or low level dressage.
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It sounds like your vet is telling you that this is the foals maximum potential ? Then factor in everything else that can go wrong in the next three to four years and you really are asking for trouble and heartache.

I would give it a miss and look for something else from a reputable stud / breeder where you will get good advice and a fair deal.
 
Thank you all for your help and advice, which I think I already knew but just needed a nudge. As much as I feel sorry for both foal and mum I cannot take on something that potentially could cost me alot more than the £800 asking price!

I have alot to learn as do clearly the owners of the mare as I believe the poor mare will be in foal again next year. Bring on the BHS and their campaign to Think before you Breed.
 
genandtom,

you wouldn't have to add an awful lot more to the £800 asking price to find a foal, or possible even a yearling, and it wouldn't arrive with all the flaws which you've found. Such a foal probably wouldn't be out of the top draw, from the point of view of breeding, but careful selection would find you something suitable.

I feel sure that there are those on here who would head you in the right direction.

Alec.
 
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