Hock arthritis- would you buy

[rara007]

Depending on price, I’d consider it for a confidence giver, assuming you’d cope with only having one year and then the inevitable choices that have to be made around old horses. Of course you could have 6 years of fun with him still, but it’s an unknown.

 

[Birker2020]

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.

Same here, my previous horse diagnosed with arthritis at around 11, had various treatment plans and ended up having chemical arthodesis aged around 14 which worked amazingly, was still able to compete SJ, fun rides, ODE's, and loads of hacking etc.

Stopped riding aged 23 3/4 after last couple of years just as a very light hack and was pts 6 months later with different problem altogether.
There is lots that can be done, but there is always the exception to the rule so I'd want to see xrays first and expert vet opinion.

 

[Sossigpoker]

The average age for horses to have arthritis treatment (usually hocks ) is now around 6.
So so many horses won't "pass" a vetting because of their hocks , and I wonder how many have had their hocks injected without telling the buyer.

If the horse is 18 , I'd be amazed if it didn't have hock arthritis at the very least.
If the horse is sound and vet is happy at the vetting,.then I don't see the problem.
But you do have to remember that any horse of that age will require maintenance and that you may need to treat the hocks regularly. This wouldn't be covered by any insurance and a lot of companies will only insure an 18 year old for external injuries.
Also , will you have a plan in place for when the horse starts to slow down with age? This could happen in 2 years or in 10 years ! Can you keep him as a happy hacker of a companion?