Gastric Ulcers / Re-starting help

[express_75]

Hi all

Basically, bought a stunning 7yr old Sec D gelding at the cob sales last month, had been ridden the last two summers then turned out from sept-may
Total gent in everyway so very happy and encouraging. Let him settle for a couple of days, then did some lunging etc, walking in hand. Had a saddle company saddle adjusted for him and with help from my friend, managed to get on him. Walked around on the lunge both reins and left it at that.

Anyway, to cut a long story short...had his back done as noticed some tension whenever the saddle was placed on him, gave him a week to chill out then tacked him up, lunged him then did the leaning over a few times before getting a leg up, was about to sit on and he freaked out, reversing very fast, eyes wide open and genuinely scared. Poor thing I though, this isn't right so googled his previous owners name and actually found some info on him. She had previously tried to sell him last summer and mentioned in his ad that he has suffered gastric ulcers, which has delayed his education. This was not disclosed at the sales.

So, I have this pony, who I have booked in to get scoped next week and I don't know if It will all work out as hoped for as never had a horse with ulcers before.

I have him on a gastric supplement until he's seen as he seems a lot happier. I've also laid off the saddle as no point in stressing him further.

Do horses with ulcers have a nervous disposition? I don't find him nervous or spooky but this was in his description just not the ulcers.

I can't believe that someone would sell a pony, knowing that it needed treatment and obviously the stress of the sales has triggered an attack.

Sorry for long post but need to know if there is light at the end of the tunnel? I just want him to be happy and enjoy a ridden life (if possible) If he does have issues with mounting then I'll be more than happy to get a professional involved as don't fancy being decked in the process.

thanks

 

[be positive]

My concern would be that his education has been delayed due to an underlying condition that the ulcers are a symptom of rather than the ulcers being the primary issue, unless they are due to former poor management or his nervous disposition, it may be that he has had them to a certain degree since weaning especially if he was kept in a lot as is often the case with producers of Welsh cob colts.

I can believe that someone would put an untreated horse through the sales, probably most that end up in sales have some problem or other even if it is just they are a "problem" to their owners for no fault of their own.

If he were mine I think I would get a basic workup done possibly with back xrays at the same time as scoping just to rule out something causing them otherwise you could end up spending a fortune on gastrogard only to have them flare up once you start working him again, as you are likely to be funding the treatment yourself now you know it is preexisting it makes sense to ensure you are not wasting your time and money on treatment.

 

[express_75]

Yes, agree with everything you've said be_positive. I just wish she had been honest with me.
I spoke to Brightwells and there's nothing they can do. I haven't the heart to sell him on so I'll be trying my best to find out what's up with him.
He's very fat and has really small pony size droppings. He's far from greedy and he's looking too well for something that's fended for itself for almost 9 months.

Bit of a chicken & egg situation really - are the ulcers because he's a nervous type or did he already have ulcers?!
I do know how much cobs are pumped up as youngsters and that could also have happened.
He was cut at 3 then backed & ridden on then previous owner discovered ulcers.
Anyway, vets Monday to scope.
Will let you know the outcome.