CPL in Shires -- how common?

[ohclementine]

Hi all! I am looking at a 17hh Shire that is under the age of 8. He is lovely for trail and driving, quiet temperment, and perfect for our family. A neighbor down the road just lost her Belgian to CPL and she strongly recommended against purchasing a draft. In the last 4 years we lost two ponies to Laminitis (one was older and had Cushing's, and the other was a shetland and his loss came out of nowhere at age 8). So we've sort of been through the mill with health issues. I'd love to hear others' experiences with Shires specifically -- not sure it matters but he is branded with a Z on his hip (out of Holland I believe). I located his last owner who is a local vet and dentist, and he vouches for his temperment, recently did his teeth and said he is absolutely lovely and perfect for what we want. I am so torn. I know any horse can have issues ranging from colic to many other conditions. We would do a thorough PPE, check legs well, and xray front hooves to be safe. Any advice, thoughts?? TIA!

 

[OrangeAndLemon]

If the horse has no existing signs of CPL, you can offer a home with all year round turnout and regular exercise then I wouldn't discount a heavy horse.

My friend has a 21yo Shire and I absolutely adore riding her when I get the opportunity. No CPL but she has a bit of arthritis so needs regular exercise but she is amazing.

 

[ohclementine]

Met the horse yesterday and he is absolutely lovely (of course!) I will have him vetted and do xrays of feet. He was in excellent condition, beautifully groomed, hooves looked great and so did feather area/skin from a non-vet perspective. Horse was in your pocket sweet, rode him on a trail and he didn't put a foot wrong. Clearly bonds with his humans - just lovely, lovely!! If we do purchase him I will post pics

 

[U.N.Owen]

Very exciting for you and I look forward to seeing pictures!

 

[paddy555]

CPL and Belgian Drafts

Well 10 years ago l posted my delight/excitement of buying a yearling Belgian Draft filly. Horse and Hound Forum members, may remember the thread. Not all Ardennes are Fat. Well 10 years on, after a huge battle with CPL. Which when l bought her , had never heard of CPL. PTS age 11 years last...

forums.horseandhound.co.uk

haven't read this thread for a while but just remembered it. Don't know if it will help.

 

[SEL]

My ex yard owner recently lost her shire in his late teens

CPL is pretty common, but I found when I had my Ardennes that if you feel its flaring up then get the legs clipped out pronto.

For me keeping legs clipped and keeping on top of worming and mite treatment massively helped. I wouldn't turn down a horse unless the CPL was already well advanced.