Sacroiliac Ligament injury

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Bert&Maud

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I'm going to look at a horse this afternoon which is described in the advert as having had a transport injury which has made it unable to continue with its eventing career (apparently it was destined for 3*). It turned round in the trailer and damaged its sacroiliac ligament. This was in 2006. I'm not sure what treatment it has had (will find out full details later) but eventually it has been decided that it can't jump any more (apparently this may not be permanent) but is still suitable for flatwork. I'm looking for a RC dressage horse capable eventually of Elementary. I have to decide (if I like it) if it's worth the risk. The sellers sound as if they really don't want to part with him, but 17 year old daughter wants to event seriously. He would have been a mega bucks horse if completely OK, but they want less than 5k for him because of his injury. I'm thinking of suggesting to them that they may like to loan him, then I don't have to take a risk on him having further problems in future, and they could have him back if he can resume eventing in a year or two. Anyone with experience of SI ligament problems who can offer me any advice?
 
not ligament problems in that area, but arthiritis problems. My mare was only 13 and suddenly became reluctant to work and even releuctant to move. this was traced to sacroiliac degeneration by bone scans etc. and the prognosis wasnt good.
personally i wouldnt go there, how can you expect a horse to work from behind, if they have a weakness in the sacroilliac area? maybe if this horse has had treatment then it may be ok, but with my mare any amount of treatment and excersizes didnt make a difference so she had to be retired.
i know my situation was different to yours, but i wouldnt go there having seen what problems can be caused by weaknesses in this area
i hope your story turns out better! and that the horse has got over its injury- good luck
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Having been there I really don't think it is worth the heartache. My horse developed this probably due to having been a polo pony before I got him. Like Peachesandcream I spent a fortune trying to fix him and ended up having to have him put down.

Depending on the severity of the problem, treatment is expensive and there are no guarantees. Often the horse just gets worse and you end up delaying the envitable. Insurance companies don't like touching horses with problems and will also not pay out on elective euthanisia, which in these cases it generally will be because 'retirement' is technically an option.

However, I have heard some horses do recover and are fine, but I personally wouldn't risk it. Good Luck.
 
I have a horse with SI injury - he is now back competing dressage (medium level) but it was a long haul and he takes a lot of management including shoeing every 5 weeks, physio every 6 - 8 weeks, regular work on the pessoa, and expensive supplements. I have to very picky where I compete as he hates deep or hard going. This may have implications for RC competitions as they are often run on grass? He takes alot of warming up especially in winter and some days I just do stretching work with him. I was told he would need steroid / serapin injections every 6-9 months but he has not needed one for the last two years
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. It's very rewarding for me to be back out competing my boy as the vets said he would never do any more than hack, but I woudn't recommend going out and buying a horse that has had this injury if you are serious about competing and wouldn't pay more than 1.5 k as you wont be able to insure it for this injury.
 
I'm much the same as Kanter. But would also add that because the horse has SI it puts pressure on other joints as horse cant support itself properly. I wouldnt take on a horse knowing it has SI, but I also believe that there are probably a lot of horses with SI undiagnosed competing at lower level and elementary dressage is not necessarily beyond talented horses with SI.
 
Thanks all. Went to see him but have decided it's not worth the risk. They seemed unsure that they wanted to sell him anyway. Suggested they might consider loaning him, I can't imagine anyone would want to pay for a horse with an uncertain future and he wouldn't be insurable anyway. Also, because he's being sold very cheaply he might attract the wrong sort of buyer.
 
If it seems too cheap - there's a very good reason! Im sorry, and Im glad you guys walked away.

If its allowed here????, I do know of a 4yo Trakehner boy who should suit eventing. He's on the yard where I keep my mare, although he's only just backed. Its nothing to do with me - AT ALL. Just I know the owner is thinking of selling. I saw him as a two year old and he still takes my breath away everytime I see him move. (Im a showjumper by nature so what do I know anyway!!! lol!)....

Anyway, he's a good boy - German bred, but up here in Scotland, might be too far to look
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The owners name is Katie Bromhead.

Scotia
 
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