Help with buying a horse!

Littlemissmoneypenny

Littlemissmoneypenny

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Hi,

I've just started looking for a new horse, and found one I really like. I've ridden him twice and did some jumping. I put down a deposit subject to vetting and had him vetted on Friday. However the vet said he was lame when he trotted him up and his leg was warm. This was odd as I rode him the night before and he was fine. The vet said he was no worse after the flexion test and tested him for a abscess and said he doesn't have one. Vet said he could have knocked himself over night, and maybe to leave it for a week or so and try it again. So the vetting couldn't be completed after this, but his eyes, heart, lungs etc are fine.

Anyway I spoke to the seller the next day and he is sound again and is going to be shod early this week. Now I'm not sure what to do as I really like him and he felt right but don't equally want to do something stupid! I still want the full vetting to be complete of course but interested to find out why he was lame.

Any advice appreciated! Thanks
 
hi just read your post. i really dont think the horse will not be lame after 1 day even if it was just a knock in the stable ext it would still take at least a few days. as for making a decision ... do you have anything in writting saying you have paid a deposit? you should go back after he has been re-shod and try him out again and if he is call the vet out and get them to complete the check. but just be careful it is nothing permanent in his leg. i had a mare on loan last yr and everytime i rode her (even light hack) she went lame for a few days - a week due to an old injury. dont do anything rash as this may cause you problems in the long run but if the vet check comes good and you still want him and all is well then go for it. if the owner sells before you have bought him she/he will have to give you back your deposit as she is selling him from under you as you have a verbal contract and money has changed hands, but if you decide you dont want him anymore (unless stated in a contract) she/ he doesnt have to give your deposit back. oh and if you can get his (the horse's) vets number from them ring and explain you are interested in buying and would like to know if he has any previous lameness/ colic ext. i hope this helps you a little? and good luck x
 
Maybe get a different vet out to see what they think?

I would warn you however, that buying a horse is a very risky process and i really really dont want you to make the same mistake i did. I bought a horse that i had fallen head over heels with, she was completely sound for her vetting and passed with flying colours other than the vet saying that her pelvis was slightly out. However, she quickly said that most horses arent completely level and that it doesnt look like it would affect her at all (i wanted to do mainly dressage and some sj) and as a first time buyer, i jumped at the chance to own such a lovely horse and bought her.

After 3 weeks, she went lame with a Sacroiliac Injury and ive now had her 4 months and havent been able to ride her for over 3 months of that. Ive spent over £1000 in vets bills and the insurance wont cover me as it was mentioned in the vetting. Im no where near the end of this either, thinking were going to have to turn her away for a year now.


Im not trying to scare you, but if i could go back, i would look for a horse that was in PERFECT health and might have something like leg splints but thats about it becasue there is NO WAY BACK. If you do go ahead with the sale, please please have a contract drawn up. Say that you are concerned about the lameness shown and say that for the first month or two if the lameness returns you can return the horse for the full amount you paid. If he/she is relunctant to agree to this, they do not have confidence in this horse and the injury is probably a recurring probvlem that you could do without.

There are plenty of horses out there so plase do not rush into this one just because you love the horse. You will love any horse that you buy. If i were youi would leave it well alone (depending on how much you were paying for him). Its just not worth the risk.

Sorry :( But good luck if you go ahead!!
 
The thing I want to add about a vetting, is try to be there to watch the vetting and take note of what your vet says. I have bought a horse who behaved a little strangely during the vetting, my vet said she was obviously quirky. I dismissed this and now 2 weeks on I have a horse I can barely brush or stroke - nightmare !
 
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