Sound honest advice needed

[Tbird]

I’ve been offered a horse with navicular so it’s pre existing and will not be covered by insurance. It’s managed presently with egg bar shoes .
,,, he’s a lovely lad this horse ,14 years old . I’m thinking with my heart . Is this a huge mistake ?? I would value anyone’s opinion who has gone through this .

 

[Equi]

What are your plans for him? Navicular is only ever going to get worse so you may not have a long time with him.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

How much do you know about barefoot rehabs for navicular?
https://rockleyfarm.blogspot.com/p/key-blog-posts.html

 

[Tbird]

What are your plans for him? Navicular is only ever going to get worse so you may not have a long time with him.

What are your plans for him? Navicular is only ever going to get worse so you may not have a long time with him.

Short hacks 2 or 3 times a week is what I would like form our relationship.

 

[Tbird]

How much do you know about barefoot rehabs for navicular?
https://rockleyfarm.blogspot.com/p/key-blog-posts.html

I know works some not all !

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

What a tough dilemma. Maybe get your vets outlook on his future prospects, potential costs etc and also consider what you want to do, would you be happy just having him as a happy hacker until he needs to be retired? I dont know your situation but he could make a lovely companion if you bought or full loaned another horse.... I don’t have direct experience with navicular I’m sorry, but definitely get a good equine vets opinion, there may be other options for managing it and any associated pain like physio, NSAID’s or bisphosphonates. I hope someone can give more helpful advice! X

 

[Tbird]

What a tough dilemma. Maybe get your vets outlook on his future prospects, potential costs etc and also consider what you want to do, would you be happy just having him as a happy hacker until he needs to be retired? I dont know your situation but he could make a lovely companion if you bought or full loaned another horse.... I don’t have direct experience with navicular I’m sorry, but definitely get a good equine vets opinion, there may be other options for managing it and any associated pain like physio, NSAID’s or bisphosphonates. I hope someone can give more helpful advice! X

It is !! It’s keeping me up at night thinking about what we could both be doing together then the hard reality of unaffordable vet bills and pts come into play .
I am torturing myself over it x

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I know works some not all !

It has a better chance of working compared to bar shoes. Look at Project Dexter on the link I gave earlier, read the navicular posts and decide for yourself if it is a route that you could consider taking with the horse.

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

That’s awful well definitely if the sums just don’t add up it’s not fair on either of you...hopefully some others will have some positive feedback about managing navicular, there are amazing remedial farriers out there X

 

[brighteyes]

It's his life path. It's up to you whether you have the desire to be part of it, possibly only for a short time. It's not the end of the road it used to be, but it's a significant roadworks.

 

[HashRouge]

Are they giving him away or are they expecting you to pay for him? Because my expectation with a navicular horse in remedial shoes is that something would go wrong sooner rather than later and I certainly wouldn't be offering any money for him. Horses are expensive and break easily - I don't recommend spending money on something that you know is already broken! That said, if they were giving him away and I really, really liked him them I would ask the owners for permission to speak to the vet who has treated him and see all notes relating to his navicular including x rays/ MRI. Navicular isn't a straightforward diagnosis and doesn't always mean the same thing - sometimes it just means that the horse has unexplained pain in the navicular area but no cause has been found (this can be the case if MRIs weren't taken, for instance). I'd probably then try to speak to Nic at Rockley* and my own vet to check that they didn't think I was being nuts and taking on a horse with a very poor prognosis. Then, assuming they thought there was some glimmer of hope and I still really, really liked the horse I might take him on BUT if I did so it would be with the intention of taking his shoes off and doing a barefoot rehab programme. I would also need to have a backup plan just in case the horse did not come sound, whether that be PTS or keeping as a field ornament. Having read back what I've written I'm not convinced I'd bother, but it depends how much you like the horse.

*I know Nic, as I own a horse that previously did barefoot rehab at Rockley for navicular. He is 17 now and went to Rockley when he was 9 (I think). He has been retired for years but not because of his navicular - he's been consistently sound in front for years and is a beautiful mover. However, he's had a lot of other soundness/ health issues (SI pain, hock spavin, ulcers) and I do suspect that they were probably a result of the time he spent in pain with his navicular while we went down the remedial shoeing route and tried, without success, to get him to come sound and stay sound using traditional methods. After a lot of money and effort he is now completely field sound but I have my doubts about how well he'd stand up to ridden work. So he's just a big, expensive pet. But luckily for him I have another retiree (this one due not age) and she needs a companion, so he does sort of have a job to do.

 

[Tbird]

Are they giving him away or are they expecting you to pay for him? Because my expectation with a navicular horse in remedial shoes is that something would go wrong sooner rather than later and I certainly wouldn't be offering any money for him. Horses are expensive and break easily - I don't recommend spending money on something that you know is already broken! That said, if they were giving him away and I really, really liked him them I would ask the owners for permission to speak to the vet who has treated him and see all notes relating to his navicular including x rays/ MRI. Navicular isn't a straightforward diagnosis and doesn't always mean the same thing - sometimes it just means that the horse has unexplained pain in the navicular area but no cause has been found (this can be the case if MRIs weren't taken, for instance). I'd probably then try to speak to Nic at Rockley* and my own vet to check that they didn't think I was being nuts and taking on a horse with a very poor prognosis. Then, assuming they thought there was some glimmer of hope and I still really, really liked the horse I might take him on BUT if I did so it would be with the intention of taking his shoes off and doing a barefoot rehab programme. I would also need to have a backup plan just in case the horse did not come sound, whether that be PTS or keeping as a field ornament. Having read back what I've written I'm not convinced I'd bother, but it depends how much you like the horse.

*I know Nic, as I own a horse that previously did barefoot rehab at Rockley for navicular. He is 17 now and went to Rockley when he was 9 (I think). He has been retired for years but not because of his navicular - he's been consistently sound in front for years and is a beautiful mover. However, he's had a lot of other soundness/ health issues (SI pain, hock spavin, ulcers) and I do suspect that they were probably a result of the time he spent in pain with his navicular while we went down the remedial shoeing route and tried, without success, to get him to come sound and stay sound using traditional methods. After a lot of money and effort he is now completely field sound but I have my doubts about how well he'd stand up to ridden work. So he's just a big, expensive pet. But luckily for him I have another retiree (this one due not age) and she needs a companion, so he does sort of have a job to do.

Thank you

 

[paddi22]

if he's the only horse you have to ride and he's on livery then I wouldn't do it. you'd be starting a whole process to keep him sound and there's no guarantee how much riding you will get. there are plenty of horses out there you can jump on and have fun with with no issues, why take on one that comes with so much hassle, work and probably cost?

 

[IrishMilo]

It is !! It’s keeping me up at night thinking about what we could both be doing together then the hard reality of unaffordable vet bills and pts come into play .
I am torturing myself over it x

I can assure you the torture you're feeling now is nothing compared to when you would need to make the PTS decision after years together. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Please find something with a better prognosis.

 

[Tbird]

Thank you

Just had an update , he’s just had his new egg bar shoes done and they are considering a trial ( but they aren’t asking for money for him - it’s for his tack , rugs etc )

 

[AmyMay]

Personally, I wouldn’t touch him with a barge pole.

Buy a sound horse - not a walking vet bill with a doubtful future.

 

[Tbird]

He’s doing light hacking

What are your plans for him? Navicular is only ever going to get worse so you may not have a long time with him.

hi me again , he’s been offered to me LWVTB as of earlier today ! I would like to hear your thoughts if I may ask .

 

[paddi22]

I wouldn't pay a penny for a horse with those issues. I had assumed they were looking to rehome him for free to a kind home who might try and keep him going. I have a horse in a similar position and I would absolutely love to find a knowledgeable home to keep him in work and happy, but I would never in a hundred years think of charging them any money, they'd be doing me a favour taking him on!

 

[Cherryblossom]

Please do not pay any money for this horse. In fact, I think you shouldn't be paying for tack etc. If I had a horse like this and someone was going to give it a good home, I'd be sending everything with him to make his life easier. In fact, if they're looking for you to pay, I'd be questioning how honest they're being about his condition, because anyone who had his bests interests at heart would be biting your hand off to have you take him on if they weren't keeping him.

 

[Red-1]

If you are tormenting yourself over it, then I would give it a miss, as you will then torment yourself when it goes wrong.

IMO, it has to be a definite 'can't leave without him' feeling, especially with a horse with issues.

 

[Tbird]

I wouldn't pay a penny for a horse with those issues. I had assumed they were looking to rehome him for free to a kind home who might try and keep him going. I have a horse in a similar position and I would absolutely love to find a knowledgeable home to keep him in work and happy, but I would never in a hundred years think of charging them any money, they'd be doing me a favour taking him on!

 

[Tbird]

Thank you yes I think they should be happy that I am willing to even try to keep him sound , she wants him gone so she doesn’t have the expense of his stabling and expensive shoeing .
I does make me question my faith in humanity .

 

[AdorableAlice]

Thank you yes I think they should be happy that I am willing to even try to keep him sound , she wants him gone so she doesn’t have the expense of his stabling and expensive shoeing .
I does make me question my faith in humanity .

The owner is using you to offload a problem. The owner needs to act responsibly towards her horse. OP you are heading towards heartbreak, expense and stress If you take the horse on.

 

[IrishMilo]

The owner is using you to offload a problem. The owner needs to act responsibly towards her horse. OP you are heading towards heartbreak, expense and stress If you take the horse on.

I agree with this. It just sounds like they're lucky to have found you - someone who would genuinely seem to care. Making the call to PTS a horse is absolutely soul destroying but sometimes it's just the best thing for the horse.

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

Quite a lot of horses come with bits of wardrobe when you buy them, mine came with rugs, boots and bridle, it’s quite often built into the price....LWVTB so loan with view to buy means they are loaning him to you with the expectation that you will pay for him if you want to keep him. Have they said how much?? For them to say they would ‘consider’ a loan is almost unbelievable considering his condition!! They should be thanking their lucky stars that you are thinking of taking him on at all and honestly it sounds as if they are taking advantage of you, I don’t know your experience, have you owned or bought a horse before? But if you are thinking about taking on this horse because they are willing to give him to you initially on loan so you are not paying for him up front think of all the costs associated with any level of navicular issues on top of his livery, insurance, other vet fees like annual vaccinations etc...At the very least they should be giving him to you for free and with tack etc; as someone else mentioned there are lots of totally healthy horses available for a reasonable cost or for loan. But if they do agree to give him for free with tack don’t let that fact be the deciding factor to take him on. It would be a short sighted reason compared to the long term costs and potential heartache. They may have thought they would have to search for someone to take him off their hands and now be laughing thinking you might actually pay for him or his ‘tack’- you wouldn’t need the tack if you weren’t having him!! Maybe tell them ok I’ll buy the tack for that much but you can keep the horse! It sounds to me that they think you don’t understand the financial and emotional burden you would be acquiring. My concern is the fact that you feel as if you are getting him for free is swaying your decision but I could be wrong. If you are totally in love with this horse and feel you are happy with just limited hacking for an unknown number of years then insist he comes free and with tack just to help you in anticipation of the costs especially as he is essentially uninsurable. If you have only viewed him once I would seriously consider looking at other loan or purchase options, if you only want a happy hacker you could find something really nice for less than £4000 easily! Good luck and don’t let them take advantage of you X

 

[Cortez]

Thank you yes I think they should be happy that I am willing to even try to keep him sound , she wants him gone so she doesn’t have the expense of his stabling and expensive shoeing .
I does make me question my faith in humanity .

Actually, it would make me question your sanity......you are simply proposing to take on nothing but heartbreak.

 

[Goldenstar]

You are walking straight into heartbreak and expense don’t do it .
Shame on his owners they need to do the right thing .

 

[Tbird]

I thought a horse is yours till the end of his days not until he becomes a bit of a pain to you and just get rid !!!
I asked for honest advice , I have received it !!
my motives for this horse isn’t that they are only asking £500 for his tack or that I just want to own a horse for the sake of saying ‘ I have a horse ‘
It’s a feeling that I just bonded with this horse in a way I have not with any other , maybe it’s because I feel he deserves a chance or I I don’t who will !
Either way I’ve collected all my costings in for X-rays , yard with off rd hacking for his feet , pain relief , specialised shoes and no ins as pre existing med condition. And whist I can afford in the short term each month , I wouldn’t want to be in a position that it’s me who has to ask for PTS when it becomes unmanageable.
thank you all for the advice , some unwanted , some seemed cold , some gave me hope . T x.

 

[18hhOlls&Me]

I thought a horse is yours till the end of his days not until he becomes a bit of a pain to you and just get rid !!!
I asked for honest advice , I have received it !!
my motives for this horse isn’t that they are only asking £500 for his tack or that I just want to own a horse for the sake of saying ‘ I have a horse ‘
It’s a feeling that I just bonded with this horse in a way I have not with any other , maybe it’s because I feel he deserves a chance or I I don’t who will !
Either way I’ve collected all my costings in for X-rays , yard with off rd hacking for his feet , pain relief , specialised shoes and no ins as pre existing med condition. And whist I can afford in the short term each month , I wouldn’t want to be in a position that it’s me who has to ask for PTS when it becomes unmanageable.
thank you all for the advice , some unwanted , some seemed cold , some gave me hope . T x.

I think some people have probably had horses that have developed navicular problems and just know how traumatic it is. And I just meant that my worry is if you are thinking the money you are saving from not paying up front or paying for him full stop will help with the ongoing costs then it may be because they haven’t been honest about the amount it could add up to be just to keep him sound or even comfortable. If you care this much about him imagine how hard it will be to see him in pain, you will want to do anything to alleviate it but above and beyond remedial shoes those pain management costs will add up to so much...anyway good luck with the decision and make sure they are totally transparent and honest with you X

 

[Ownedby4horses]

I was going to say if you are prepared for an uncertain future with him and have the money to deal with his shoeing, additional needs, livery etc and can afford to keep him as a retired pet and be prepared to make that difficult decision when his quality of life is affected, then I was going to say go for it.
However, they owners now want you to pay for his tack? Knowing full well you are taking on a very expensive horse? They’re keen to stop having to pay for his livery and shoeing, so this is what, a month’s livery cost for them potentially?

If you adore the horse, can’t bear the thought of not having him and you are fully prepared and financially sound yourself then you could offer to take him on permanent loan/full loan. It is something that is very difficult to advise on, we don’t know the horse or the degree of issues he has, he could have a very short time left or like a horse my friend had, she had five very good years of hacking on her beloved horse before he had to be PTS.

Just don’t make any rash decisions and if you go into it, go into it with your eyes fully open.

He sounds a lucky horse to have someone considering taking him on. ?