trying to buy horse need some help

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vetmedbabe

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Hi all,

Im in the process of buying my first horse , have loaned a horse in the past year also and parents have had horses for years. Firstly horse has been in field for 2 years is 9 years old, has one front leg which is pidgeoned slightly which im not that worried about, really smart nicely schooled horse. has done very little with 14 yr old girl pony club just his jump is too big for her lol!! and had always been ridden in a hackamore??!!Jumped him the other day over two foot and very good to fence and threw massive jump. going to jump him again bigger nxt week after tooth out. Buying through third party, but has ageed to let me talk to owner about pasthistory ie colic lamness, ive printed off a document that goes through the history of a horse so Im going to get her to signthis and also get a copy of the horses complete vet history which will give me some come back if anything goes wrong. The horse does have a root which is causing him pain and thats being removed this wknd, as its affecting him jumping we guess esp. after the jump as hes tossing his head quite a lot. He also holds his tail to the left at lot in stable and being ridden ? any ideas. What kind of vetting would anyone recommend?? Hes 3000 but want him for less than that. I want to use him for show jumping only. Is there anything else i need to ask or do?? would love to hear from anyone please!
 
I am afraid I would be a bit weary on a number of points:
- why hashe had 2 years off? This is an awfully long time off and you may find you have a different horse on your hands when he is fit and in work.
- the hackmore may indicate he has a tendency to piss off. Have you been able to try him in open spaces, cantering in company etc? Also you won't be able to do any dressage with that bit, which you do mention you are not interested in though so perhaps that is not a problem.
- overjumping is a sign of a green horse and at his age why is he so green? It may be that you will need to put a bit of work in to produce him for show jumping.
- tail to one side can be a sign of back problems I would get the vet out before buying.
- although I do hope that he is better when the tooth is out it may be that he is the kind of horse that tosses his head and this can become more of a problem.

If none of this is a problem, even then 3,000 is a ridiculous price in the current climate. I would say more 500 and they are lucky you are taking him off their hands rather than leaving him in a field for another 2 years.
 
5 stage vetting I would always recommed.......
although be aware soem of the things you have pointed out certain vets may fail the horse for (to cover their own backs mainly!)

you posted before about the tail..... I think that is a make your own mind up, and ask the vet on the day of the vetting about it etc....... I definetly think you will get a chunk of money off for it though as it is not a "normal" position for the tail to be in and could indicate an underlying problem.....

i agree with the signing of everything etc, and would possibly ensure that you note down on the form the owner will sign all the past history stuff as well so she signs that that is all and everything etc.....

part of a 5 stage vetting is watching the horse be ridden..... ensure that this is included as horses often act differently trotted up, turned in a circle, ridden etc..... and then ask the vets opinion on whether any of this stuff will effect the horses ability as a show jumper. Ensure the vet knows that this is your intention with the horse!

good luck
smile.gif
 
As previous replies - five stage vetting I'm afraid. There is really no other reliable shortcut and if you go down any other route than a proper vetting you could be onto a sticky wicket if things go wrong. Also get the vendor on video if you can, that is a really useful tip I picked up some years ago. Whenever we went to see a horse Dad would film me riding the horse in the menage as he just happened to be discussing the animal with the vendor. Then he would casually ask if the horse had any vices and go through each one. Of course the vendor would forget he was being filmed and quite happily chat away to Dad. At least we had it all on film, so we had some comeback in a court of law.
 
Agree with the above, always 5 stage vetting. I'm in a similar position (been ridign 18 years) always beena round horse loaned / part share but now time for my own. Even if your only spending £3k get a vetting. Piece of mind is priceless. Given your above comments agree with Booboo not worth anything near 3k. When you find a horse you like I'd go along to the vetting - you'll pick up a lot. Happy Hunting.
 
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you posted before about the tail..... I think that is a make your own mind up, and ask the vet on the day of the vetting about it etc....... I definetly think you will get a chunk of money off for it though as it is not a "normal" position for the tail to be in and could indicate an underlying problem.....



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Holding the tail to one side in 90% of the time is absolutely nothing to worry about at all. The horse I have just sold did this and there was absolutely nothing wrong with his back, and sailed through a 5stage vetting. It also wouldnt be cause to knock money off!!

I would definitely go with a 5 stage vetting, personally for 3k I think you could get something alot nicer.
 
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