Horse with stringhalt...

[StephK]

Hi I'm looking at buying a horse shes hunted alot an a great jumper the owner of her has told me she has stringhalt in her back legs?? I'm not very familiar with this should I stay away? She's 9 an a thoroughbred. Appreciate any advice thanks

 

[TinselRider]

If it is in BOTH back legs then yes I would stear clear!

Lord has mild Stringhalt in his back leg, it is more persistant when he is being slow and when he is in stressful situations. Also after he has been worked hard it is more noticable. It causes him no problems though and as long as I warm him up properly he can still work as any other normal horse and he has one of the most powerful jumps I have sat too!

We have a "sick note" to compete as I get the usual "errr your horse is lame! you shouldn't be riding it" when infact he is NOT "lame" (have sevral refrences from very highly sought after vets should anyone wish to argue the fact ) on the leg although some DO class stringhalt as a lameness.

I would go look at it but make sure you get a vet to check it out first

 

[Letslip]

Agree with boogles that if severe in both legs would stay away, however do know a case of a national hunt horse who had severe stinghalt in both hind legs yet was very successful.

My girl also has mild stringhalt in one hind leg and becomes more obvious when stressed and tight however if she is really working from behind it does get less noticeable. I have had a few issues with unaff dressage where judge has marked us down because of the stringhalt however keep getting told that if I went affiliated it probably wouldn't happen as much!!!!! Not sure about that as if it showing then it does interrupt the tempo and regularity of foot falls which you are marked on.

Would also be worth finding out what caused the stringhalt if known and definitely have a chat with your vet and see what they think re it and the horses suitability for what you would be looking to use it for, i.e. if very bad and want to do dressage then probably stay away however for jumping would certainly look at it becuase as long as it can jump then you are not judged on regularity of the footfalls

 

[Orangehorse]

Stringhalt is a technical unsoundness, although lots of horses have been very successful despite stringhalt, in fact my best horse had stringhalt. Mine only had it in one leg and it was fairly mild, it mostly wasn't noticeable once he was warmed up and out of the stable although he could sometimes take a funny step. He was a great hunter, show jumper and eventer.
If you were into serious showing or serious dressage then no, but if you are looking for a fun horse it would suit.

I would be a bit wary though if it is in both legs as I would be wondering what the cause is and also just how bad is it. Some stringhalt horses are very obvious and really slam their legs down. It also depends on the price. Would need to know what the vet says.