Does a horse needing cortisone injections have a value?

Bens_Mum

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This is not a horse that's for sale currently so I'm not advertising! A friend has been told about the possibility of a horse that may be retired at the end of the season that recieves cortisone injections to its back. The horse has an old injury which has started to cause discomfort (age 13) and the injection has been given. The horse has gone as far as it can in Sj and is out of lower level classes on points. The question is would this horse have a value based on it having a problem that would presumably deteriorate over time? I thought it was being offered on loan but now it sounds like they may want money for it and it got me thinking! Its sound on the jabs and cortaflex and could be competed non affliated depending how sound it stays. Any opinions appreciated!
 
It depends entirely on what the underlying condition is and future prognosis.

My friend's eventer has injections around every 18 months, and as he is a schoolmaster she gets decent offers from people, but his condition won't degenerate and he has a lot to offer (but isnt for sale under any circumstances).

What's this horse's underlying issue?
 
They may be looking for a token amount rather than loaning so that it does not come back at a later date.
If it does the job for you, which it may well do for several years I dont really see what difference it makes whether you loan or buy as the main costs with horses are the ongoing ones, the purchase price is usually only a small part. The only thing will be that you, not the original owner will at some time have to make a hard decision but that can happen with any horse at any time.
 
Can you have a physio look at the horse pre purchase and possibly speak to the vet treating the horse at the moment, id imagine arthritis will be present and reduced movement due to fibrous build up, the physio or an equine bodyworker might be able to see the extent of the problems.
Again you buy it, its youre responsibility, you might be very lucky, or you could be buying a shed load of problems. The price would need to reflect this
 
Thank you all. Its not for me but I will pass on the advice. I totally agree about the gamble which is why the idea of him paying much for it seemed insane although tbh its a nice horse obviously joint supplements and jabs aren't. Cheap before all the usual costs of a sound horse!
 
I think it should have a value for someone looking for a horse to learn jumping on, if they have common sense.

So many horses of that age probably would benefit from cortisone injections and joint supplements, and are slightly lame anyway, but the owners are oblivious. And this one is being treated for an actual past injury, not something like spavins which are endemic. Many showjumpers and eventers have their hocks injected anyway to "enhance performance".

I actually don't think its too much of a problem for someone looking for a schoolmaster type at a good price.

Would be interesting to hear how often he is getting the injections.
 
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