Mini Shetland foal- what to do?

[Smileyhiley]

I have had a deposit down on a mini Shetland foal waiting for her to be weaned. Spoke to the breeder yesterday and she said the filly has stiff stifles. Her vet has said it could be due to growth spurts or maybe something else. We have two mares already who are just pets and this one was due to join our little herd.
I have the option to drop out of the sale. Don’t want to take on a huge amount of trouble and heart break. What would you do?
Please would love your comments, many thanks in advance x

 

[Orangehorse]

I had a friend that bred Shetlands, after several successful years and foals she had a series of malformed foals. The vet said that it was not exactly common, but not unknown. I can't remember whether it was just one stallion, but I have a feeling it was more than one, and she used stallions with good breeding and a show record.

They had malformation of the legs of one sort or another, it was heartbreaking really and she ended up having most of them pts. I think she did manage to rehome one as a companion but it was rather distressing to see it getting along in an odd fashion although it was happy enough.

 

[Daughter of the Moor]

I think you have answered your own question.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Walk away. There are plenty more without issues.

I find that a lot of mini shetlands can't move these days. An iron rod would have more bend and give than mosts hind limbs!

 

[Gloi]

Remember, even though you will be keeping her with your others, the purchase price is a small amount of the cost of keeping a pony so take your time to find one without issues, it will be better in the long run.