Deformed horse - WWYD?!

Just to throw a curve ball in. My horse has a wonky pelvis (right tubular sacrasomething I can't remember the name of is higher than the left by a fair bit). He passed a five stage vetting when I brought him 10 years ago. He's had 1 time of lameness in the time I've had him (touch wood) and that was down to an abscess. He hacks up to 3 hours at a time happily, he jumps up to 1.15m courses, and we'll have a go at 1.20/1.25 courses at home, he competes in all RC activities, is great fun to take out mock hunting and even scores around 65% in prelim dressage. He also does pretty well as a working hunter. You may find he can lead a useful life for low level RC activities. If you don't want a world beater, and just a nice all rounder, if he's fine in every other respect I'd take a punt on him.
 
Apache's Queen said:
I've already said that I was stupid to not notice, so don't need a further bashing thanks. This is the first time I've bought a horse and as stated, I was totally wearing rose-tinted specs and fell for him. However, I don't feel so bad not noticing when a trained professional didn't notice either, but admitted he had got it very wrong a week later.

He has seen three vets and a physio and so far they are all of the same opinion - horse is stuffed.
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I didn't mean to bash you really, sorry, I am sure you are very upset and disappointed. I really meant it can't be that bad if it wasn't spotted so often. My mare had a stifle op years ago and was mechanically lame afterwards, as she couldn't bring that leg so far forward, the vet was happy she was not in pain and could keep being ridden. FWIW I wouldn't keep a lame horse if it meant I couldn't have a sound one, I am more wondering if perhaps you could try to get him sound enough to lead a useful life. I don't mean spend a fortune, I mean decent nutrition and a fitness plan designed around his issue and then see if he can deal with it.
 
I dont understand the inconnsistancies in yor posts, OP - ie in your first post you say the previous owner used him 'for hacking and SJ' and in a later post you say he 'struggles to walk in a straight line out hacking and cant bend in the school'...... I dont see how he could SJ if hes that bad? Also, in your first post you said hed seen '2 different vets' and a later post states '3 vets and a physio'........
 
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OP, if you could keep him until next Spring, he may be a good candidate for the blood bank. It really is a lovely life for them there but they only have one intake a year (spring time). You say he is a big lad; they need to be 16hh or more. At least then if he is not in pain he has a chance of a happy life.
 
I feel very sorry for you, you must be so disappointed. you go out to buy a RC horse, fall in love with something, have it vetted then find it's not suitable for the job. Lots of us keep retired horses (I do) but generally they have been loyal friends and we love them and are happy to stick with them through old age, ill health or unsoundness. You are not in this category. why not pursue your claim against the vet and you should get your money back, give the horse some time to see if it could be a hack. If it could then see if you can find a suitable home, if you can't then PTS. i think you'll feel better about things if you give him a bit of a chance or you wouldn't be posting on here, he'd already be at the knacker's yard. Don't beat yourself up about not realising he wasn't quite right, anyone who has bought a number of horses has at some time bought something with an issue that only showed up after a couple of months or so, if they haven't they have been very lucky!
 
Horrid situation for you OP.

If based on the vets advice you cannot ride this horse, then I certainly would not criticise you for having him put to sleep. You can't sell him or loan him, you can't sensibly keep him as a pet. I'd have thought if the vets are talking about compensation then it must be a pretty serious condition and PTS would be a lot better option for him than many others.

Since you asked WWYD I would probably try and give him the nicest couple of months I could, then get a close friend to be with him when the deed is done. He won't know anything about it. x x
 
One suggestion and I have only skimmed thread so may already have been given - he could be perfect for riding for the disabled, therapeutic horse handling for autistic kids, that type of thing, if he is good with people and kids. Worth considering...
 
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