Horse Buying Woes

[Luci07]

I would talk to the owner about a loan or small payment. For me, a horse that makes you want to ride and is safe is worth a risk. However, I would caveat this by having another conversation with the vet to ensure he is clear about what you wanted to do, and also..what could the worst outcome be. Might even pick the brains of a specialist TB rehab organisation to see what they think. His breeding is immaterial albeit interesting but has no impact on this horses worth. If the horse is not deemed fit for standard hacking he doesn't have much of a future so the owner may well help you in trying to find a positive outcome. Normally, I would walk away of my vet failed but if you want a nice hack on a horse who puts a smile on your face, I think it's worth delving deeper. Do remember that all these issues would have to be declared to an insurer as well so take that into account.

 

[Asha]

I would keep on looking. You have a decent budget for a good RC all rounder. If you want to do a bit more in the future, you need a horse that will happily take you there. The vets words would always be nagging me, and when the time came to try a bit more, I would be worried that something would go wrong, as opposed the 'whey hey feeling ' we are off xc

Good luck with your search

 

[TBmum]

I bought my ex racer from field with no vetting and she's a star! How about getting a second vetting done and see if you get the same results from a second one? If that's not an option then I would definitely speak to the vet that has vetted the horse to see what he thinks these failings could turn into in the long run for the work you want to do?

 

[YasandCrystal]

Thank you. It was a very unpleasant time and the second I've lost to EGS so it's always at the back of my mind.

Did the vet advise if there was anyway to rule out (or indeed in!) what he thinks the problem is? You should probably walk away but I never tend to do what I should do.

Here are my two girls. One Irish and one Welsh . The coloured is the safest horse I've ever owned, although sporty and fun with it. The palo was a pity purchase who is proving to be a bit special and giving me a lot of pleasure finding out what I've actually managed to buy

Beautiful horses and how happy do you look!!

 

[ladyaga]

If you felt safe, I would BUY. Vets will never pass a horse, they will always find something to cover them selves for the future. I would buy him, safety is paramount, and he has done a lot in his life, so bound to had bits and bobs, vet is covering him self.good luck

 

[dixie]

I wouldn't buy, he's point out two potential huge issues - the neurological one would be the final nail in the coffin for me.
No good feeling safe on the horse if you cant ride him in a few months. And whilst you don't need a vetting for insurance on a lower cost horse you are still obliged to give them the vetting certificate if you've had one done.
Vets don't tend to pass or fail a horse, they point out current or potential problems. Having said that mine just flew through the vetting, so they are out there.

 

[frostyfingers]

I disagree that "vets will never pass a horse". I bought one recently and the vet pointed out a couple of anomalies, one nothing to do with his health and said that in his opinion there was no reason not to buy and he would be suitable for my requirements. Personally having had a fragile TB who passed a 5 stage vetting and later cost me over £5k in ks surgery and rehab I wouldn't buy it, not even for a reduced price. If the vet says that he doesn't think it's suited to the job you want then I honestly think you'd be mad, you pay a lot for a vetting and to ignore his professional view because you fall in love with it seems very risky to me. I know it's a difficult process but I would hang on in there for something which is up to the job.