Rib injury on horse

[thebadfastranch]

I am looking at a paint gelding that has an indentation on his rib cage (likely the size of a hoof). I looked at him briefly, and felt the area. He was not tender, but it felt like the bones were not in the right place. The history that I got from the rescue: The owner rode the horse across mud a couple of years ago and the horse threw her. No one has been on the horse since. The horse had the indentation as long as he has been at the rescue. My question: Do you think this is ribs are out of place or could they be broken? The dented area is below where the saddle will fit, but close to where he would have leg pressure. The horse has a nice disposition, I think the rider was inexperienced and after seeing his ribs, wonder if that may resulted to her being thrown. I am wondering if anyone has dealt with a rib injury on a horse. Grateful for your help and wisdom.

 

[rhino]

I have seen a few rib injuries on horses and they can be a complete nightmare to be honest, healing tends to be very slow and I don't think it ever heals quite as strong - off topic but does anyone know how Karen O'Connor's Mandiba is after his fall at Badminton this year - he broke a few ribs falling at the Outlander bank?

I have also known a horse which appeared as this Paint - with a clear dent below the saddle area. In fact, after x-raying it was discovered that the horse had in fact been born missing a rib!

I would be very, very wary about this horse and would definitely get a vet involved before making any decisions.