Opinions Needed

C

Coulby

Member
Joined
15 June 2007
Messages
10
Visit site
Hi
I am a new poster here, but guess I will be here more often after just purchasing my first horse. He arrived yesterday and is now in a field alone after sharing with two others, the weather has been appaling here, so bad that half way through the afternoon we were out dragging a caravan into the field to give poor horsey some protection. He is a 16.3hh Thoroughbred gelding, aged 15 years old. He has raced before and been involved in PC activites. He came with a passport that bears most information. He has not been ridden since the winter so needs some work doing on him. I am hoping I can do this myself but would really like some more experienced opinion on how to best achieve this. At the momenthe is still nervous as can be expected. How long would you say I should leave him to settle? Also if he gets any kind of pressure placed on his back, even a hand he shies away from it, anybody any ideas?
I really don't wanna give this guy a hard time lol.
Thanks
river2.jpg
 
I am in the process of getting him a rug, he arrived around 8pm last night and I only managed to get out to measure him up this afternoon - I am on the case so to say, especially if this weather is coming again. The seller reckoned he didn't need to be rugged up but he was shivering away and looking quite sorry for himself till we moved the van. A companion could be on the cards but it won't be for a while. He can see another five horses in the field opposite though.
 
He may need some rugs in this weather, espec if he is out and alone.

Get his back checked by a profesional if he is reacting that way to you just touching his back, although it could just be a case of he has bad experiences (you say he is nervous), you need to rule out physical pain first.

Im taking it you didnt have the horse vetted?
 
Did you see him being ridden at all? I would spend time making friends with him, getting his trust and doing some inhand work so he gets to know you, get his teeth back etc checked out as well
 
Please don't think I am being harsh, but you don't really sound prepared for this horse
confused.gif

Get his back checked out ASAP, and if his back hasn't been looked at you can bet that his teeth haven't either. Have you wormed him?
I would find a good instructor or a knowledgable friend to give you the help you might need getting him started.
Good luck with him.
 
Afraid not, I had a set budget and Vets fees would have gone way out of my league. I know I should have but what more can I say
frown.gif
I only intend to use him as a hack and nothing else, he arrived here with absolutely nothing so it's been a mad dash buying essentials.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Afraid not, I had a set budget and Vets fees would have gone way out of my league. I know I should have but what more can I say
frown.gif
I only intend to use him as a hack and nothing else, he arrived here with absolutely nothing so it's been a mad dash buying essentials.

[/ QUOTE ]

I understand money constraints but if you cant afford a vetting what are you going to do if after getting his back checked you find out he has expensive problems, or even just general vets fees?

Being an ex racer, his age and his temperment, he could have so much wrong lurking under the surface.

I dont want to get at you as I can tell you really care for the horse, but PLEASE PLEASE get his teeth and back checked before you even think about getting on him, and just take the time to mkae friends with him, he looks like a nice chap.
 
I have already started losing my confidence on this decision and know that I have not prepared well enough so I don't mind anyone saying so. Honest opinions are what I am needing. I have been around horses on and off for 26 years now and worked in many riding establishments so I don't consider myself totally green- just over eager with him been my first horse. I want to do things correctly and not ruin him. Worming and rug is next on my list but as I say he appeared last night and with the atrocious weather other than a few visits to see him I haven't been able to do much. His name is Liam's River.
 
Don't be hard on yourself, you obviously have the horses best interests at heart!!
laugh.gif
but do get his back/teeth checked, for you as well as him cos if he is in pain he could be a danger to you
 
Can I ask how you plan to afford back and vets fees (as he sounds like he has a sore back..although it COULD just be the rain) if you can't afford a vetting?
I brought my delicate tbx in today to give him a break from the weather as it is just constant here atm
 
I am lucky enough to have a farmer live up the drive from us who has horses and hunts them regularly with his sons. I am more than prepared to ask them for their help and advice wherever possible and when needed. One thing I have learnt is to not be afraid to ask those that know lol- If in doubt shout out! I shall sort out getting him checked over the weekend as I would hate to think he was in pain in anyway. If he turns out to be totally unsafe I shall go out of my way to find him a suitable caring home if needs be.
 
I am lucky enough to have a farmer live up the drive from us who has horses and hunts them regularly with his sons. I am more than prepared to ask them for their help and advice wherever possible and when needed. One thing I have learnt is to not be afraid to ask those that know lol- If in doubt shout out! I shall sort out getting him checked over the weekend as I would hate to think he was in pain in anyway. If he turns out to be totally unsafe or his care is out of my capabilites I shall go out of my way to find him a suitable caring home if needs be. If not he can live out his days in my paddock.
 
I can only re iterate what everybody else has said but would stress this horse needs to be handled, a lot.

He needs company as all horses do and you don't say if you have access to a stable?

If so you need to get him indoors and spend time handling him, grooming etc. Whilst many TB's live out fine when rugged and provided with shelter, you can learn a lot by just sitting in the stable with a good book and cup of coffee and you need to spend time in his space, gaining his trust as somebody said
 
I know you want to do your best for this horse and you've said worming and rugs are your priority, but please also get his back checked because from what you've said it sounds like he's in a lot of pain.
 
I am on the task and will get something moving over the weekend. There is a stable that he can use but it belongs to my neighbours and I have to wait for them to clear it out of junk as it has been used as a shed and was split in half almost as it was used for a pony. Thanks for all the advice here I shall consider it all and take action on the things mentioned.
 
When i got my horse Mae, she was extremely nervous. I spent ages before i rode her. Grooming her, walking her about, lunging her etc. It created a bond and when i first got on her, i just walked about etc.

My husband used to have a TB called Ozzy, he was an ex racer, "Charlie Chops" was his racing name. He hurt his back after trying to jump out of the arena that i turned him out in to clean his stable out. The vet showed me how to check his back to make sure it was totally healed before we rode him again.

Place 2-3 finger tips on the back to the side of the withers, push lightly and start working your fingers down towards his bum (to the side of the spine). If he bends under your fingers, there is a problem there. Repeat again 2-3 finger widths from the spine.

Obviously he will need a vet to confirm a bad back. I agree with the others that it would do best if he had his teeth checked too. This cost me around £30 if the teeth do need done.

Hes a beautiful boy, and im sure you are really really proud of him. I reallly do wish you many years of fun with him.
 
You sound like a caring owner, and I'm sure your horsey will be fine (he looks nice).
I think you need to buy him a rug (TB's aren't very waterproof!) and worm him with drugs for tapeworm and small redworm - you could do Panacur 5 day, or Equest for redworm, and a week later, Strongid P (double dose) for tapeworm. Then worm normally through the summer.
It would be worth getting a vet/physio to look at his back as soon as you can, and get a farrier to check out his feet (as back problems can stem from foot problems).
I'm sure you'll do your best for him - and that's all you can do.
Congratulations on your purchase.
S
smile.gif
 
Thank you very much for the information and tips of the last two posts, it's very helpful. The weather is better here today so I will be able to interact more with River. I have been to see him in the field today and he looks a lot happier than yesterday. Vets fees etc will be covered fine I just don't have the cash to hand just now.
Thanks very much again (Smile)
 
Hi, firstly he looks lovely
smile.gif

I would buy a couple of turnout rugs for him and spend lots of time getting to know him. If he is a nervous sort then spending time grooming him and fussing him will help him relax and trust you. I would have a vet come and give him a health check too in case that is causing him to be unhappy and make sure you get tack that fits well. Start the work gently and be aware he may get more frisky as he gets fitter.
It took my mare a good few months to really settle down with me so take your time and enjoy his company.
smile.gif
 
Hi
I have had the farmer up the lane look over River and he has a chap coming up on Wednesday this week to look at one of his horses so he is going to check over Rivers back and teeth for me. Farmer thinks he already could have a bit of rain scald so will need to sort that out. I spoke to the seller again who said that River may have injured his back in the field and that he is willing to cover any costs that may occur.
I have had quite a bit of time with him today and he seems more happier in himself, he followed me around the field too. I aim to get this chap right andmake him a happy chap all the time.
Thanks for the link for the racing record, I doubt I would have found that myself.
 
Hi
Just thought I would fill you in on the progress of River. I haven't managed to find a farrier yet that can come out and see to his feet but I have managed to get a vet out today to have a look at him.

His teeth are fine but the vet diagnosed a case of 'Kissing Spine', he has recommended that I give him Bute and is preparing the treatment for me to pick up tomorrow. Hespent over half an hour with River and was very good in explaining things in an understandable manner. I knew River has Thrush in all four feet so I have also got the treatment for that - Oxytetracycline Spray. The Central Groove on all fours hooves is quite spongy and white. Any advice on how to deal with any of these diagnosis is helpful, maybe somebody else here has had to deal with the same.

Also I was considering getting a field shelter built in the future, however I haev heard that these can cause their own problems with the ground around them becoming very soggy etc. Any input on this will be much appreciated.

I have managed to get River a lightweight turnout rug and low and behold we have no more rain, but at least it is there for now. He is also becoming more settled, just yesterday he was over licking my hands for ages, he seems to want to spend time with me rather than be off on his own.
 
He looks a lovely sort
smile.gif

Agree with wthat the others have said really, get him a light weight rug and get his back checked, might be an idea to get his teeth checked as well
smile.gif

Plenty of tlc and he'll be just fine
You are obvioulsy a very careing person and you are doing your best for him
Good luck with him
smile.gif

Debs x
 
Coulby - I feel disaster impending......

You do sound ill prepared to have bought this horse for many reasons - not least of all financially. However, you have him now and need to do the best you can for him. Make sure that the rug you have is totally waterproof, not just shower proof - as that will be worse than useless.

A companion would be nice - very few horses like to be kept on their own. And a field shelter would be hugely beneficial. A stable would be better though.

A few people on here have had horses with Kissing Spine - and the diagnosis seems to have been much more thorough than a half hour visit from the vet. I think in all cases it involved referrel to equine hospital and MRI scans. All of this costs a lot of money - and if the horse isn't insured, do it today.

If the horse has thrush he will need to be stabled to allow his feet to dry out and be treated.

I would absolutely love for this to have a happy outcome - but I fear it won't. I feel quite upset for the poor old lad.

Sorry
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top