sickle hocks ?

[Jericho]

Have posted this in New lounge as well but didnt get much response so thought might be more appropriate here. I have looked at nice 12year TBxID 16.1hh gelding to buy today - he is perfect in every way except he is sickle hocked - not to any extreme and has no curbs or any other problems with his legs and he has been competing ODE / XC for last 4 years without any problem. He has been out of work for last 4 months due to his riders broken pelvis and the gelding is being sold because she has a youngster and hasnt the time for both. Seller seems very genuine. how much a problem is sickle hocks? Am I lining myself for spavins and arthiritis in a few years? I only want to hack and a few shows and his £2600 price tag is reflection of his poor back leg confirmation. He looks fairly weak on his back end generally but I think this is just lack of work and has just been chucked out in the field. Any opinions much appreciated - good or bad......

 

[Darkly_Dreaming_Dex]

Get him checked out by a vet and i would strongly consider getting the hocks scanned/ xrayed to look for any trouble that might be brewing.
I have purchased 2 horses with pigeon toes / dishing and it hasnt stopped them doing their jobs. IMO if it does the job and the price reflects the confo fault and the vet passes it then go for it. I would rather have a cheaper horse because of a slightly bent leg than something that cribbed or bucked/reared