If you were offered a yearling for free, would you?

Wagtail

Wagtail

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Top breeding (Orlando, Heartbreaker, Darco). The catch is he has had surgery for OCD in the stifle. He is off box rest and soundness improving every day. What are the potential risks? Would be offering a forever home, but obviously don't want to take on more heartache.
 
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Friend has a mare in at the moment who has OCD in a stifle and shes jumping at 1 star at the moment. We don't know quite how long she will last but shes never lame and has also hunted all winter.
 
No I would not take him , he will cost a lot of money and time to keep until he's ready to work and the gamble is not worth it .
And I get too attached to chance it.
 
MiCsarah said:
Friend has a mare in at the moment who has OCD in a stifle and shes jumping at 1 star at the moment. We don't know quite how long she will last but shes never lame and has also hunted all winter.
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Thanks. From what the vets have said, OCD is more serious in older horses too.
 
I would take him, but then I have land, so it would be worth the wait and risk to me. I think you need to weigh up the cost to you etc.
 
YasandCrystal said:
I would take him, but then I have land, so it would be worth the wait and risk to me. I think you need to weigh up the cost to you etc.
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He's been offered to my sister. I would love to take him but I don't have the land to spare and would mean taking the space of one of my liveries. He would live in horse paradise having the free run of 10 acres and a barn to come and go freely. Shared with three other geldings (a 12.2 hh pony and two young but 'broken' early retirees, hence why I don't want any more heartache for her).
 
Maybe worth posting for opinions in Veterinary - if you haven't already. If you can get a very realistic prognosis - then forewarned is forearmed to make a decision. If your sister's aim would be to do really high level dressage with him for example, then maybe that is a high risk, but at low level the prognosis could be good.
 
I know they say never look a gift horse in the mouth, but as you say there may be the potential for heartbreak down the line.

I've just turned down the offer a of a super and sound eight year old for free because keeping another for the next potentially twenty years or so is a long time.

There are loads of youngsters that are sound and healthy going relatively cheaply, I think the initial outlay would be preferable to the potential of further expenditure and heartache, she'd be better off going for something that doesn't have the 'what iff's' involved I thnk.
 
amymay said:
Yes, I'd have him (if I owned my own land - which you do).
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Thanks, Amymay. I think I would consider it if my sister decides against it. I am very attached to him, having been there from his birth. He's got a really sensible head on him and I had been looking forward to breaking him in when the time came. I think he would be nice and easy. Though I know they can change! However, it would not be financially sensible for me to do due to him taking up the space of a livery.
 
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Wagtail said:
Thanks, Amymay. I think I might have to consider it if my sister decides against it. I am very attached to him, having been there from his birth. He's got a really sensible head on him and I had been looking forward to breaking him in when the time came. I think he would be nice and easy. Though I know they can change!
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Yes, wondered if it was him. In that case, it's a no brainer..........
 
I'm surprised they did surgery so young. Quite a few yearlings would have iffy enough rads that would be perfect at 3. So I may inquire about the situation a little further. For instance I've only xrayed mine after 3 and all have been clean and look good. Warmbloods are slow big growing babies so again I'm guessing he was lame initially to warrant the rads.

Personally I wouldn't. But I have plenty of keepers already. Easy decision for me!

Terri
 
YasandCrystal said:
Maybe worth posting for opinions in Veterinary - if you haven't already. If you can get a very realistic prognosis - then forewarned is forearmed to make a decision. If your sister's aim would be to do really high level dressage with him for example, then maybe that is a high risk, but at low level the prognosis could be good.
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Thanks. The prognosis was 'reasonable' for full athletic soundness, upgraded to 'good' once he came off box rest sound. I have advised her to discuss at length with the surgeon before making a decision.

touchstone said:
I know they say never look a gift horse in the mouth, but as you say there may be the potential for heartbreak down the line.

I've just turned down the offer a of a super and sound eight year old for free because keeping another for the next potentially twenty years or so is a long time.

There are loads of youngsters that are sound and healthy going relatively cheaply, I think the initial outlay would be preferable to the potential of further expenditure and heartache, she'd be better off going for something that doesn't have the 'what iff's' involved I thnk.
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Very true. Thank you. I think it is much harder a decision if you are the type to keep your horses for life.
 
Equilibrium Ireland said:
I'm surprised they did surgery so young. Quite a few yearlings would have iffy enough rads that would be perfect at 3. So I may inquire about the situation a little further. For instance I've only xrayed mine after 3 and all have been clean and look good. Warmbloods are slow big growing babies so again I'm guessing he was lame initially to warrant the rads.

Personally I wouldn't. But I have plenty of keepers already. Easy decision for me!

Terri
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Thanks. Yes, he went acutely lame, quite suddenly and there was a lot of joint swelling. His other stifle was clear. They cleaned up the surface of the lesion.He is now pretty sound on it and there is no swelling.
 
When I was looking for my yearling, I found one I really liked but it had had an op for ocd in stifle. I spoke to my vet, he advised that he should speak to the vet who had done op and visits as each case can have a diff prognosis. After that call I was advised to avoid by my vet, because he said this one was too risky.
Can you get your vet to speak to theirs or speak to them yourself? At least then you would know what risks you ee taking on?
 
Wagtail, what will happen to this little chap if you or your sister don't have him???

I have to say given this particular situation I'd definitely take him. He can happily mooch around until he's 3, then you can break him in. If he doesn't stay sound, then you can have him pts at home.

You are clearly very fond of him, and I can't imagine you allowing him to go off to an unknown fate (sorry for the emotional pressure there.....).
 
amymay said:
Wagtail, what will happen to this little chap if you or your sister don't have him???

I have to say given this particular situation I'd definitely take him. He can happily mooch around until he's 3, then you can break him in. If he doesn't stay sound, then you can have him pts at home.

You are clearly very fond of him, and I can't imagine you allowing him to go off to an unknown fate (sorry for the emotional pressure there.....).
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No, his owner wouldn't do that. She has a friend down the road who could take him for very cheap livery, but that would mean him living out all year round in muddy conditions. I have offered her cheaper livery here for the mare and yearling in exchange for mucking out. So whatever happens, we would always know where he was. Job loss has forced the owner to consider parting with him. It is heartbreaking for her. Obviously, she can't sell him right now. Not until he was broken in and stayed sound, and she can't afford that. If I only had one horse I would take him in a heartbeat. But the cost to me of taking him now, would be his actualy costs PLUS the loss of livery income, so actually DOUBLE. I can't see my husband agreeing to it, nor should he. But we will work something out so that his future is assured.
 
Many WB from abroad are operated on as youngsters and unless you're lucky, you wouldn't be told it had been done at all; it is a routine operation for them.
Anyway, back to the point: knowing how many WB from abroad seem to end up lame with dodgy limbs, then no, I wouldn't touch a WB with a barge pole but it's a very hard thing to do, to walk away from a horse you like unless you can be totally realistic and practical about it, to call it a day if the op' is not a success or it brings problems later in life. If you can do that, then yes, go for it but if you can't face up to reality if the need arises, then I don't think it's right for you.

PS: if it's your own land and you do DIY liveries all you will be losing is the box and grazing rent, is that such a big deal to lose?
 
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I took a punt on a yearling who was very backwards growth wise but had to have her put down at 3 as she had developed further issues preventing her working. I am stood next to free yearling 2 right this minute trying to work out how on earth they intended to race her this time next year! I didn't intend to get attached to either, i lasted a week with both...
 
It is a tricky one, I would say forget the bloodlines for the moment and the fact that the horse is free and ask yourself would he mature into the sort of horse you want and do the job you want. Then calculate the cost of reaching maturity and then would that lump sum buy you the horse you want anyway. If you want a top showjumper and the only way you can afford one is to take a risk then it would be worth it.

Then add in the bloodlines - are these important to you? Perhaps ask in the breeding section, someone will know all about the ones you mention. Some really lovely successful stallions produce fabulous stock but some have a known quirk, depends if you can work with the quirk!

Sounds like an idyllic life for the horse with your sister :) it would worry me that I would be opening myself up to heartbreak though but then again a great opportunity (possibly). Oooh dilemma!
 
Spendtoomuch said:
When I was looking for my yearling, I found one I really liked but it had had an op for ocd in stifle. I spoke to my vet, he advised that he should speak to the vet who had done op and visits as each case can have a diff prognosis. After that call I was advised to avoid by my vet, because he said this one was too risky.
Can you get your vet to speak to theirs or speak to them yourself? At least then you would know what risks you ee taking on?
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Yes, I would be able to speak directly with the vets and also I have a copy of the veterinary post op report. His OCD was in a different place than is usual, and so the prognosis was more guarded than if it had been on the outside of the limb. But now that he is no longer lame on it, the prognosis is better.

Maesfen said:
Many WB from abroad are operated on as youngsters and unless you're lucky, you wouldn't be told it had been done at all; it is a routine operation for them.
Anyway, back to the point: knowing how many WB from abroad seem to end up lame with dodgy limbs, then no, I wouldn't touch a WB with a barge pole but it's a very hard thing to do, to walk away from a horse you like unless you can be totally realistic and practical about it, to call it a day if the op' is not a success or it brings problems later in life. If you can do that, then yes, go for it but if you can't face up to reality if the need arises, then I don't think it's right for you.

PS: if it's your own land and you do DIY liveries all you will be losing is the box and grazing rent, is that such a big deal to lose?
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Sound advice, thank you. I only have five livery places and they are all part or full livery with a waiting list, so I would be losing the profit I make on one livery space plus the cost of keeping him stabled (my land is not good enough for 24/7 turnout in winter). He would be living in knee deep mud if living out, along with whoever I put out with him.

Rebels said:
I took a punt on a yearling who was very backwards growth wise but had to have her put down at 3 as she had developed further issues preventing her working. I am stood next to free yearling 2 right this minute trying to work out how on earth they intended to race her this time next year! I didn't intend to get attached to either, i lasted a week with both...
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He's certainly not under developed. In fact, I think he's a bit over developed, hence the problem he's had. I remember reading about your filly. So sad for you. It's always a risk.

RebelRebel said:
It is a tricky one, I would say forget the bloodlines for the moment and the fact that the horse is free and ask yourself would he mature into the sort of horse you want and do the job you want. Then calculate the cost of reaching maturity and then would that lump sum buy you the horse you want anyway. If you want a top showjumper and the only way you can afford one is to take a risk then it would be worth it.

Then add in the bloodlines - are these important to you? Perhaps ask in the breeding section, someone will know all about the ones you mention. Some really lovely successful stallions produce fabulous stock but some have a known quirk, depends if you can work with the quirk!

Sounds like an idyllic life for the horse with your sister :) it would worry me that I would be opening myself up to heartbreak though but then again a great opportunity (possibly). Oooh dilemma!
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For me, personally, he would mature to be far too big and athletic if I'm honest. He's going to be at least 17.2 hh and I like my horses around 16 hh. I used to compete in show jumping but now I prefer dressage :D. But he would easily do that so long as he stayed sound, even though show jumping would be what he was bred for. But I really do like where his head's at, if you know what I mean. He coped brilliantly with his ten week's box rest. I had no trouble from him, and he stayed bright and cheerful. Naturally he was a bit full of it being turned out for the first time, but by the second day he was leading out again like a lamb. He has the most amazing walk I think I have ever seen, even from birth.

As for my sister, she would do whatever the horse was best at. Her husband would likely be the one riding him and he's tall and slim, so a big athletic horse would suit him.
 
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I would say yes - it sounds like your sister has the knowledge and land to care for him and even a rider in her husband. And you love him a lot, which does make a difference and you cannot be impartial in that situation.
Piper was operated on (his hock) for OCD and is now bering broken in, surgeon said he will probably get arthritis when older but that most horses do, he wasn't super confident that Piper would make old bones but you can buy a horse that could get kicked or something.
Sallyf recommended the super expensive cortaflex which he on at the moment but when the insurance runs out it will be back to a more standard joint supplement. It has to be worth a gamble!
 
I'm no-body to listen to lass, I say go with your (sister's) heart.

Having spent a fair amount of money and a little bit of money on horses, to see the expensive ones go lame just as easily as the 'cheap' ones did, and as my horses are with me for life, I like to have horses around that are nice people and who we are attached to - it makes the lame days easier as it's worth having them just for that smile and warmth that they bring.

Sorry. Being very word clumsy today. Need more caffeine/sleep/caffeine/sleep...
 
One of my Shire boys had OCD surgery on his hock when he was 14+ months. He was never lame pre or post surgery. He just had a very large swelling. Mind you, he will never be ridden or driven. He's just a stunning field ornament. During his convalescence the vet told me about a vet in Germany who does OCD surgery exclusively. He said the majority of horses on whom he operates are WBs and most of them go on to careers in dressage. My vet felt it was in my boy's favour that he was young when he had the surgery. The results have been an unqualified success.

Should you or shouldn't you? I would. It is obvious that you have an emotionally established 'connection' with this horse. That's a very special place in which to find yourself, practicality be damned. I know, I'm a bad influence.
 
MrsMozart said:
I'm no-body to listen to lass, I say go with your (sister's) heart.

Having spent a fair amount of money and a little bit of money on horses, to see the expensive ones go lame just as easily as the 'cheap' ones did, and as my horses are with me for life, I like to have horses around that are nice people and who we are attached to - it makes the lame days easier as it's worth having them just for that smile and warmth that they bring.
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^^^Very much This!
 
Clodagh said:
I would say yes - it sounds like your sister has the knowledge and land to care for him and even a rider in her husband. And you love him a lot, which does make a difference and you cannot be impartial in that situation.
Piper was operated on (his hock) for OCD and is now bering broken in, surgeon said he will probably get arthritis when older but that most horses do, he wasn't super confident that Piper would make old bones but you can buy a horse that could get kicked or something.
Sallyf recommended the super expensive cortaflex which he on at the moment but when the insurance runs out it will be back to a more standard joint supplement. It has to be worth a gamble!
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Thanks for that. Glad to hear Piper is doing well. You are right though, I had my gelding for three weeks when he got kicked. It wasn't a nasty kick, just a play kick, but he needed an op to remove a bone chip. Then to top it off I discovered he had kissing spines.

MrsMozart said:
I'm no-body to listen to lass, I say go with your (sister's) heart.

Having spent a fair amount of money and a little bit of money on horses, to see the expensive ones go lame just as easily as the 'cheap' ones did, and as my horses are with me for life, I like to have horses around that are nice people and who we are attached to - it makes the lame days easier as it's worth having them just for that smile and warmth that they bring.

Sorry. Being very word clumsy today. Need more caffeine/sleep/caffeine/sleep...
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I know exactly what you mean. My horses and my sister's horses are pets first and riding horses second. They are all 'nice people'. I couldn't be doing with a horse with a dodgy temperament. But there does come a limit to just how many field ornaments you can collect! :o

RutlandH2O said:
One of my Shire boys had OCD surgery on his hock when he was 14+ months. He was never lame pre or post surgery. He just had a very large swelling. Mind you, he will never be ridden or driven. He's just a stunning field ornament. During his convalescence the vet told me about a vet in Germany who does OCD surgery exclusively. He said the majority of horses on whom he operates are WBs and most of them go on to careers in dressage. My vet felt it was in my boy's favour that he was young when he had the surgery. The results have been an unqualified success.

Should you or shouldn't you? I would. It is obvious that you have an emotionally established 'connection' with this horse. That's a very special place in which to find yourself, practicality be damned. I know, I'm a bad influence.
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That is encouraging, thank you. I hope my sister has him, but at the same time I would feel awful for her if it all goes wrong.
 
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