Hock arthritis- would you buy

[I don’t like mondays]

If the perfect horse came up for sale, but they recently found mild hock arthritis and injected (v recently), would you consider it? Horse is older (so not an unusual thing to have) but £2-3k below it’s market value. My head is saying no (because there’s no way of knowing how long the injections will last), but heart says maybe (because all other boxes are ticked and I don’t have a 5 figure budget). Thanks

 

[9tails]

Depends on the job you want the horse to do. If it's gentle hacking 2/3 times a week and being a cuddly pet, I probably would. Though I'd want to ensure plenty of turnout. If you want to do schooling or jumping, then no.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I would consider it, vet it first though, and thoroughly get it explained to you if there any other lamenesses etc

 

[I don’t like mondays]

Depends on the job you want the horse to do. If it's gentle hacking 2/3 times a week and being a cuddly pet, I probably would. Though I'd want to ensure plenty of turnout. If you want to do schooling or jumping, then no.

Thank you. It’s a for low level pony club, hacking etc for a teen

 

[Squeak]

I think I'd be slightly concerned if it was the first time that it had been injected that there was no proof of it going out and doing the job you need for a prolonged period since the diagnosis. Do you know what led it to be diagnosed and what level it was working/ competing at?

I'd also be wary given your recent bad experiences of horse buying that you might be better off staying away from known issues.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

I would consider it, vet it first though, and thoroughly get it explained to you if there any other lamenesses etc

Thanks BB. They said no other lameness and horse didn’t go lame just short behind

 

[I don’t like mondays]

I think I'd be slightly concerned if it was the first time that it had been injected that there was no proof of it going out and doing the job you need for a prolonged period since the diagnosis. Do you know what led it to be diagnosed and what level it was working/ competing at?

I'd also be wary given your recent bad experiences of horse buying that you might be better off staying away from known issues.

Thanks Squeak, I think you are right. I’ve had such a bad time of it lately I can’t face another broken one :-( I also agree that there’s no knowing how successful the treatment is longer term

 

[Barton Bounty]

Thanks BB. They said no other lameness and horse didn’t go lame just short behind

That could be a positive then, I am sure there are tons of horses out there with arthritis going unnoticed, mine included he was a racehorse and has clicky joints. make sure you talk to their vet if you can and ask about any history of anything. ?

 

[I don’t like mondays]

Thanks for the sense check everyone ?. I think I need to keep looking (and maybe up my budget in time)

 

[Squeak]

Thanks for the sense check everyone ?. I think I need to keep looking (and maybe up my budget in time)

It's tough with prices being so high at the moment but I think it is the right decision for you and good luck with your search, I hope you find the right one soon.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

That could be a positive then, I am sure there are tons of horses out there with arthritis going unnoticed, mine included he was a racehorse and has clicky joints. make sure you talk to their vet if you can and ask about any history of anything. ?

My other pony had hock injections after coming up short behind. He’s an older chap but the best pony ever and has been great after being injected. On the other hand I’m worried about another broken pony :-( To be fair my last 2 broken equines were under 8 years old

 

[Barton Bounty]

My other pony had hock injections after coming up short behind. He’s an older chap but the best pony ever and has been great after being injected. On the other hand I’m worried about another broken pony :-( To be fair my last 2 broken equines were under 8 years old

Wide berth then and keep looking ?

 

[Pinkvboots]

It would depend how old and how bad?

Both mine have mild changes in the hock but they are medicated when they need it which has not been that often, Louis first lot kept him comfy for about 3 years his just starting to look a bit stiffer so am having it done again he is 18 this year and my other horse is 19 this year.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

It would depend how old and how bad?

Both mine have mild changes in the hock but they are medicated when they need it which has not been that often, Louis first lot kept him comfy for about 3 years his just starting to look a bit stiffer so am having it done again he is 18 this year and my other horse is 19 this year.

aged 18 and mild

 

[Rowreach]

There are so many unknown and potential problems with any purchase, I would avoid something that was a known issue personally. I've had a few with arthritic changes (hocks, SI, stifles) and it's a miserable progressive problem which yes, can be mild and manageable, or can be quickly degenerative and result in an animal in great discomfort and useless for the purpose you want it for.

I have an 18 year old pony who I retired at 6 due to arthritic stifles. He's as happy as larry being a companion pony, but had a very shortlived career as a PC pony which was what I bought him for in the first place.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

There are so many unknown and potential problems with any purchase, I would avoid something that was a known issue personally. I've had a few with arthritic changes (hocks, SI, stifles) and it's a miserable progressive problem which yes, can be mild and manageable, or can be quickly degenerative and result in an animal in great discomfort and useless for the purpose you want it for.

I have an 18 year old pony who I retired at 6 due to arthritic stifles. He's as happy as larry being a companion pony, but had a very shortlived career as a PC pony which was what I bought him for in the first place.

Thanks Rowreach. You are spot on. The pony sounds ideal but you are right, there are too many unknowns in this case, plus horse isn’t that cheap to take a calculated risk (plus my heart can’t take any more poorly ponies)

 

[ihatework]

Yes I’d consider it based on various factors. But then I see many horses medically managed and competing at high levels successfully and happily, so my attitude may be considered somewhat lax

 

[minesadouble]

If you feel what you are looking for will be hard to find I would consider it with Veterinary advice.
If not I would look for another.

I bought a 15 year old Connemara who had has her hocks medicated, as a schoolmistress for my youngest daughter last Summer. She passed a 5 stage vetting and has proven worth her weight in gold already.

 

[TheHairyOne]

Not sure I would even consider it for a teen unless the horses current workload is significantly higher than the new riders ability. Otherwise i can see this ending in horse becoming less capable and rider wanting to do more.

Ofc this does totally depend on the jockey.

The flip side is safe and sensible for 12 months might trump all other concerns.

 

[Pinkvboots]

It would depend how old and how bad?

Both mine have mild changes in the hocks but I don't do loads with them now and they are 18 and 19 this year, both have had steroid in the past but I have just had one done with the arithmid gel.

 

[Pinkvboots]

aged 18 and mild

Years ago my friends grand daughter she was 8 been scared to death by small wizzy ponies and needed a totally safe reliable pony, they ended up buying a 14.1 18 year old NF type and she immediately felt safe on him he was a bit stiff and he had regular arthritis treatment and lasted until he was 26, he was an absolutely lovely pony and she did local showing classes on him and won for years.

Off course it's a risk buying an older pony especially with issues but at least they have disclosed it! Is the pony in regular work?

 

[Zoeypxo]

I wouldn't be massively concerned at 18

 

[spotty_pony]

For a horse of that age, arthritis of some sort is to be expected. If he is responding to having them medicated and is suitable for the job you want him for, it wouldn’t put me off. If anything, you may be able to get a reduction in price for the fact that he has this, possibly.

My boy diagnosed with hock arthritis ten years ago when he was 13. He has them medicated every 2 years usually and is still in work now aged 23 - even still hunting on quiet days. As long as it’s managed correctly, it’s not a complete no go.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

Years ago my friends grand daughter she was 8 been scared to death by small wizzy ponies and needed a totally safe reliable pony, they ended up buying a 14.1 18 year old NF type and she immediately felt safe on him he was a bit stiff and he had regular arthritis treatment and lasted until he was 26, he was an absolutely lovely pony and she did local showing classes on him and won for years.

Off course it's a risk buying an older pony especially with issues but at least they have disclosed it! Is the pony in regular work?

Yes in regular work, doing the job we want (confidence giver for a teen for pc)

 

[I don’t like mondays]

This is so tricky!! It’s really good to have different views though. I took a chance a few years ago on a pony who was 20 (on the advice of folks on here) and he’s the best pony I’ve ever owned and still going strong

 

[Rowreach]

Yes in regular work, doing the job we want (confidence giver for a teen for pc)

It probably comes down to the purchase price then.

 

[I don’t like mondays]

It probably comes down to the purchase price then.

Not cheap, but then nothing seems to be in this market. Mid 4 figures

 

[Rowreach]

Not cheap, but then nothing seems to be in this market. Mid 4 figures

That sounds about right.

 

[Nicnac]

At 18 and just diagnosed it wouldn't bother me too much but a younger rider may not enjoy having to manage their hocks? I'd ensure I had full vet history and xrays as how else was the arthritis diagnosed? It's not the purchase price it's the ongoing cost as injections may increase to every 6 months and wouldn't be insurable as existing condition.

 

[ihatework]

At 18 and having worked most of their life (I assume) very few horses will have clean hocks / other joints.

For me, the fact the horse is still working at 18 is positive.

Anyone buying an 18yo has to go into it that they are buying experience to learn on, not years and years of competing or a guarantee of money back on resale.