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lucyjane96

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Hi all. I'm looking to buy a 2 year old arab x. She was born in a little garden. When she was let into a large field she went slightly stiff in one leg when trotting. Apparently this is because she is lacking in muscle and its like running a race without warming up. Apparently it very occasionally comes back and is only slightly noticeable. Would this put you off??
 
Personally, I'd ask a vet as well, it could be something skeletal if she's not had much room to move about and stretch those growing bones as well as muscles.
 
If it was just the one off from being confined and then hooned about when let out you could maybe understand. But for it to keep coming back doesn't sound good, I'd too get a vetting for the horse or just walking away.
 
My view is why buy yourself trouble when it comes along in wheelbarrow loads for free? Either have her vetted at your own expense for your own peace of mind or walk away. The alledged opinion of the owners friend who may be a vet wouldn't cut it for me. Sorry - that probably isn't want you want to hear.

Afterthought:- If the animal has been born and raised in an enviroment which would prevent movement to the extent that there is muscle wastage, it is also likely that the development of the feet could be compromised. There would be major alarm bells ringing in my head! You could be buying yourself a whole load of heartache and expense.
 
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Sorry I don't wish to be rude but are you quite experienced with horses as this isn't a question a reasonably experienced person would ask? If you are not experienced are you sure you really want to buy a 2yr old Arab x. Apologies if this post has offended you, it is not my intention.
 
lucyjane96 said:
The horse for sale is less than £500. It was a simple question of would it put you off. Its a rescue case. If I was to pay £2k then yes I'd be straight in with a vetting.
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If its under £150 then go for it with no vetting - you'll get the same for meat if you do need to get rid.

Otherwise if spending any more, then do get 2 stage vetting done, you know it makes sense :)
 
Yes would put me off. Without a vet looking and giving advice you could be buying a horse that will bring alot of expense and heartache.
 
lucyjane96 said:
The horse for sale is less than £500. It was a simple question of would it put you off. Its a rescue case. If I was to pay £2k then yes I'd be straight in with a vetting.
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Yes it would put me off without a vetting I would not touch it with a barge pole .unless of course you have very deep pockets and would not blink at the odd 5k here and there for the potential vets bills you might be taking on .
 
Yes it would put me off, it hasn't had the opportunity to grow properly as a baby and is already showing signs of trouble. You'd be mad not to be put off.
 
lucyjane96 said:
The horse for sale is less than £500. It was a simple question of would it put you off. Its a rescue case. If I was to pay £2k then yes I'd be straight in with a vetting.
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Have I understood right here? This 2yo has been kept in a garden until last month? She was then let out in the field and appears to have some sort of injury/issue?

Honestly, I would walk away from this one. The price tag may only be £500 but the potential costs of future vet bills, treatment, physio and the heartache of potentially losing a youngster who has not been allowed to develop properly could be limitless.

If it was me, I wouldn't touch with a bargepole. If you are determined to have the filly, get an independent vetting.
 
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Yes, it would put me off. Lot's of nice youngsters out there for relatively decent price that don't have histories of strange lameness or muscle wastage. Sorry.
 
I would run. It's not only the expense of vets but the emotional trauma you'll put yourself through. Having to put down a horse is traumatic, whether it cost you £50 or £5000. Why buy one with pre-existing issues. There are so many sound ones in need of a home.
 
lucyjane96 said:
The horse for sale is less than £500. It was a simple question of would it put you off. Its a rescue case. If I was to pay £2k then yes I'd be straight in with a vetting.
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unfortunately, a £500 horse costs the same in vet bills & to look after as a £5000 one........and please, know that you will not be able to re-sell it if you change you mind.
 
Is the lameness stifle area? My mare had a slipping stifle after box rest was muscle wastage and loss of the fat around the joint that caused it and was relatively easy to treat. Just exercise/oil in feed. Would make sense if this foal has been kept in a small area too.
But at the same time could be alot worse! I wouldn't buy without a vetting its a big gamble to take when there are perfectly sound foals around. Go into it with your eyes open :)
 
It isn't a rescue if you are handing over cash, it is a purchase. Follow the usual advice for purchasing a horse and get a vetting.

If its welfare is seriously compromised then report it, don't encourage them to buy another by paying for this poor horse. Buying poorly kept horses just rewards the behaviour and feeds the cycle.
 
Kat said:
It isn't a rescue if you are handing over cash, it is a purchase. Follow the usual advice for purchasing a horse and get a vetting.

If its welfare is seriously compromised then report it, don't encourage them to buy another by paying for this poor horse. Buying poorly kept horses just rewards the behaviour and feeds the cycle.
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My sentiments precisely - there are plenty of people who should be locked up, not the poor animals they own.
 
Yes, it would put me off, but if I really liked her I would still get her vetted even if she was free. I've learnt the hard way. My last 'free' horse ended up costing me around £10 k in vet bills.
 
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