Failed Flexion test

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MistyMoomin

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Can any one help? I have been to see a horse to buy, before I went I was told that he wouldn't pass the vetting on flexion behind, due to previous shockwave treatment on suspensory desmitis, the horse was delightful, a push button ride, I would get a stage 2 vetting before proceeding any further to assess just how lame the horse is on flexion but is it worth me going down this road? He is 9yo so not aged. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
 
What are you buying the horse to do and do you mind me asking how much his price tag is? Both those will affect my answers.

I was given (as in free) a 6/7yo that sounds like it had the same injury as the horse you describe. We are talking about a classy horse that had BE winnings. I have had 5 years of fun and experience with this amazing horse before he reinjured the suspensory. He is now essentially a field ornament.

I would do it again, but I wouldn't be paying money for such a horse.

Key questions I would ask are have they scanned since the shockwave and what did the ligaments look like?
Has the horse returned to full fitness and prior work level?
 
As B and J says you need to find out what the latest scan showed, I would be tempted to get it scanned now. Also it would have to be meat money. If the horse is the slightest bit lame I would walk away. Hind suspensories do not heal by themselves, they either have to have Shockwave or be operated on. As this horse has already had shockwave he might not be able to have it again. You wouldn't get insurance either as it is a pre exisiting condition.

If the suspensory has healed I don't think that he should still be lame on a flexion - that is a question you should ask your vet now before you book the vetting, they would probably be able to give you some advice whether to go for it or not.
 
Thanks for your prompt advice! He is not lame to trot up but is about 3/10 lame on flexion on both hind legs, the owner appears to be honest with me and to want a good home for him, I am told that their vet has advised that he would make a good riding club horse but can't continue to jump 1.40 as she has been doing. I am told the ligaments had some inflamation but no damage, apparently they have been to some shows since the treatment and have done well in all classes, he looked well and fit but it is difficult to judge when buying a horse as we all know!
 
Talk to your vet and proceed with caution. My boy had a similar injury aged 5yrs. I chose not to jump again once it had healed as the vets belief was there was far more chance of it being reinjured this way (that and he wasn't showing much talent for jumping!). He is now 10yrs and has never had a problem with the hind since although I doubt he would pass a flexion test on that leg. He has regular physio as he can still compensate slightly and therefore cause tension in his back. It honestly depends how much you are paying and what you want to do. Beware insurance will probably exclude the injury.
 
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