Should I buy this horse?

[Meadow21]

I have had a horse xrayed and the scan found closeness on one of the back vertebrae, a vertebrae which is further back/last on the Scan. The vet states that the horse is completely sound and this should not impact him, however there in a chance he could develop further.
This mare is just perfect For me and I am at loss of what to do. bloods show no doping etc. She is 9, schools very freely, engaged and falls into an outline easily. I am buying her for dressage, aiming to reach elementary if I am able. Therefore future soundness is so important. Has anyone ever had this issue? The owner is very honest and given me access to a full vet history (all clean) and has had the horse since a filly, so I am not concerned about this being dodgy. I am just worried I will spend a lot of money on a horse that will become lame/backsore.

 

[ycbm]

Close or touching?

Close I would buy, touching I would want a very big price reduction.
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[Meadow21]

Close or touching?

Close I would buy, touching I would want a very big price reduction.
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It is close and she has offered a price reduction.

 

[PSD]

Would depend on the price for me and how much the horse fit my bill

 

[ycbm]

It is close and she has offered a price reduction.

If you really like the horse I would buy him/her and make sure s/he gets the kind of work that will keep the space open. Loads of horses have close processes, it's just that most backs never get x rayed.
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[paddi22]

yeah, if its just close I'd go for it.. proper work can keep issues at bay, and back will improve as horse gets stronger

 

[Laurac13]

I think it’s worth the risk ? good luck he sounds fab x

 

[J&S]

Another horse could have another problem, devil you know is better.

 

[Polos Mum]

Was there any niggle that made you xray back or just part of your normal pre purchase exam?

If there was any niggle already then I would walk

There's work you can do to manage it and use muscles in the best way to support the issue.

 

[Goldenstar]

Close I would buy but prioritise educating myself on back rehab and work this into the horses daily life .

 

[Leandy]

Why did you x-ray the back in the first place? If it was just part of your routine vetting then I would absolutely buy. This is the problem with x-rays, scans etc they will show up all sorts of things which may not cause any issue at all. On the other hand if you investigated the back because of some disclosed or apparent concern then I would not buy, but I don't think that is the situation given the vet's comments? The vet will always find something to note as a result of the vetting. It does not mean they are material. You need to make a judgement. This is a living breathing horse with imperfections like all living animals, not a machine. Yes you may pay a lot of money for a horse which becomes lame etc, many do! Irrespective of how they present at a vetting.