Horse with history of Bone Spavin - Could He Drive? Please Help!

[Vixxy]

Hi

I own a horse (160 cm Dutch Sports Horse 9 yrs) who has had bone spavin in both hocks, it was found 3 yrs ago with an old owner and he seems to have recovered well and is not at all lame since I have owned him, unless lunged on tight circles then he appears to be a bit weak on his movement behind, but not lame, obviously I have avoided doing this.

I have a illness (Lupus imunne system attacks my muscle) myself which is making riding almost impossible for me, because of this I am thinking of taking up driving. There is a guy close by who has been the Scandanavian champion at Marathon driving and he has offered to teach me to drive.

Could my horse with history of bone spavin drive without making his illness bad again? I do not know much about driving, or how hard it is on a horses back end... is it worse for him than being ridden or about the same or as I am hoping a little easier?

I would like to drive on a hobby basis, perhaps some showing and eventually cones if I like it.

Please give me your opinions, at the moment he is up for sale due to me giving up riding... and it is heartbreaking, I simply cant stop crying after every phonecall about him and wonder if there is a way I can keep as a driving horse instead of losing him.

Thank You

Karen

 

[cellie]

Hi I have just had surgery done on my horse for spavins.I was told that once the bone has fused he can return to all disciplines.If your horse had it 3 years ago I would assume if he is sound that the bones have fused.I cant imagine driving would be a problem when I have been told that I can jump again after fusion .If your really unsure you could phone the vet for a chat Im sure he would be happy to confirm .Hope you dont have to sell and it works out.