confirmation question

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lesleypt

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Can you offer some advice, please?

I looked at a lovely young tb mare today who is only 3 years old, she is still growing and slightly croupe high at the mo. Only shod at the front currently.

She is an ex racer, but only run flat 5 times and her legs feel clean.

But, she is slightly over her knee, has anyone ever had problems from this in youngsters?

Can you offer ant advice?
Thanks
 
At her age the growth plates in her legs have fused, so her legs wont change. Over at the knee, although not pretty, is actually preferable to back at the knee which is weaker.

ETA. Has she been let down (shoes off & turned out for a few months) now that she's finished racing?
 
She only came off the track in august, she had her shoe size changed up one last week on the front, off at the back. Its only on her right fore.
 
Because racehorses are backed and shod so young (remember they don't mature faster than any other breed). It is really good for them to be let down before retraining starts. If she was mine, I'd turn her out (no shoes) over winter and bring her back into work in the spring.

Have a think about it, it's quite a common thing to do as it's good for them mentally and physically.
 
Would this affect her jumping later on? Its not bad, but ive not had one with this fault before, other faults yes, but not knowledgable on oatk
 
Well she rode sound, and walked/trotted up good. No obvious signs or feelings of problems in her legs. Just read a lot about suspensory ligament and tendon issues.
 
I'm a huge fan of ex-racers, so probably very biased, but you could always phone your Vet to have a quick word with them about it. If she retired sound from racing, she can't be too delicate. :)

If you aren't sure about her after consulting a Vet, then look for a different horse.

I would also recommend that you get at least a 2 stage Vetting even if the horse is cheap (as many ex-racers are).
 
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Sorry about that, just being pedantic:D It depends on how over at the knee she is, but I'm assuming that as she was raced, the owner/trainer didnt think it would be so much of an issue, otherwise they wouldnt have invested time and money in training her for the track. If it's only slightly over you may not have a problem, but I would get your vets oppinion to be on the safe side.
 
:)
I have emailed the owner and asked a few questions, she seemed honest enough when I was there.
Could the change in shoe size be causing some discomfort, resulting in oatk?
 
Could the change in shoe size be causing some discomfort, resulting in oatk?
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No, it wont cause OATK. It does however make me want to see photos of her hooves. ;) EG, does she have flair? Are her heels under-run, does she have long toes?
 
No her feet looked good, the seller suggested she had been shod in shoes too small as many racers are, and she's a bit sore behind, but I could see no real issue at all. Its a 2 hour drive so no pics I'm afraid :-)
 
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