*help pleaase* would you buy....

[katsa22000]

A horse with mild arthritis so mild lameness?

Horse is 15, i've shared him for a year and a half already but would now be buying the other half. He was two-stage vetted, and the vet said he has something like very mild arthritis and to just put him on bute for heavier work.
He is completely happy in his work etc. I was just wondering if this would put any of you off at all? Or if not how you would like to deal with it?

thanks x

 

[naza]

depends how much the price? and what you wnat to do? bearing in mind the horses age, it will proboaly get worse? i personally wouldn't.

 

[hadfos]

Personally no i wouldnt buy!Not getting any younger and probs will only get worse with age,possibly cost you a fortune in the long run

 

[herewego]

I agree with minnie moo, wouldnt either

 

[LauraB123]

I agree. It really could end up costing you a fortune.

 

[soulfull]

sorry no, sounds like you are fond of this horse but it will still bring tears in the end.

 

[competitiondiva]

agree that it will only get worse, will cost and you won't get insurance cover for it as its a pre-existing condition, so it all comes down to what you want him for and what you can offer him once it gets too bad to ride? If money to maintain him is no object and he meets your requirements now and for the next few years or so and you can cater for him once retirement comes then maybe, if not then no....

 

[katsa22000]

Im buying him to kind of generally ride, and low level compete as I have done since i first got him. He really is being sold to me very cheaply so that's not an issue. Also the vet didn't seem too worried about it- he's literally just a little lame on small circles and footy on gravel. Would none of this change anything? Sorry I just really don't want to lose him... thanks guys x

 

[jodie3]

If you are already riding him and he is coping with what you are doing I would probably go for it and put him on something like Cortaflex.

 

[merlinsquest]

Not only did I buy one with arthritis..... but paid top dollar for him too (undiagnosed obviously, but with hindsight it was there all along).

But to be honest, I dont regret it at all

Yes it was heartbreaking to be told he had arthritis.... and it is severe according to the x rays and vets diagnosis..... but he has stayed in full work for the last 5 years that I have owned him, with no pain killers and just on a joint suppliment.

Your insurance wont cover him if you take out a new policy.... but if he has an existing one then you may stand a chance.... however if they can prove it pre exists the last renewal date then they will wriggle out of it that way anyway

If you know, trust and love the horse.... and the price is right, then I would say you could do worse.

Just make sure he is up to what you want to do with him.... and wont fall apart as soon as you buy him.

Arthritis is not always the end of the world.... I would rather have my naughty boy with his wonky leg, than another sounder horse that tried to put me on the floor or bite/kick etc.

Good luck with what you decide

 

[katsa22000]

Thanks so much MQ that really is what i wanted to hear

He is insured atm and hopefully we can continue that. I definitely know love and trust him and he has taught me so much. Even my parents love him and they aren't really horsey

thanks again x

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

I'd certainly buy him if you know him already, warts and all. Let's be honest, ALL horses bring tears in the end simply because we live longer than they do.

 

[Divasmum]

No.

 

[merlinsquest]

No worries..... its good to get differing opinions

Hope it goes well and you have years of happy riding ahead

 

[JanetGeorge]

[ QUOTE ]
I'd certainly buy him if you know him already, warts and all. Let's be honest, ALL horses bring tears in the end simply because we live longer than they do.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ditto! My OH's HW hunter had arthritis when we were given him - he was 13. He's 19 now and still hunting. He was diagnosed with high articular ringbone 2 years ago, but changed his joint supplement from Cortaflex (which he'd been on until then) to Riaflex Complete and it made a world of difference! He has low level Danilon through the hunting season - and is kept in light work and not turned away during the summer. He's been a fantastic horse for OH - and should continue for at least another season or two!

 

[AmyMay]

Yes, I probably would - if the horse ticked all the boxes for me, and was being offered at a nominal sum.

 

[marmalade76]

I would buy him. I think most horses of his age will have at least touch of arthritis.

 

[Barneykins]

I would buy him - we all get a lil creaky when we get old. As long as you are aware & sensitive to it (and dont suddenly start jumping 5 ft) he'll be fine

 

[Magicmillbrook]

Mine had mild arthritis at 13, at 20 she is still able to be ridden, she works about 3 times a week, hacking and low level RC stuff. We have her on cortalflex, warm up and cool down well and make sure we are careful not to jump on hard ground or trot too much on the road. I also found having her turned out 24/7 made a world of difference, we havent had a 'lame day' for 2 years.

Only downside is insurance - but then if she/he is old you would have limited cover anyway. So my adive is - if the price is right, go for it.