Uneven quarter muscle development

[happihorse]

I am considering purchasing a young horse and will be getting her vetted if I go ahead but there is something I wanted your views on in respect of her hind quarters.

Essentially when you stand behind her you can see that her one rump is slightly less underdeveloped that the other. I think her pelvis / hip bones look level so it is simply muscle development and it isn’t massively different but is noticible. When you stand behind her and she is walking you can see one side move slightly higher than the other.

She looks totally sound when being ridden (in the arena) and would be subject to a full vetting and xrays but I am interested to know peoples’ views before I progress.

I have also posted separately about her visible third eyelid.

 

[be positive]

If she is young, you are buying for competition, she is expensive enough you want to xray then I think I would be inclined to get a physio to take a look before wasting money on a full vetting, they will not be able to diagnose but for far less than the cost of a vetting would give an opinion on the cause and prognosis.
Otherwise I would want the vetting to start with a look at any concerns and be prepared to stop if the vet feels there is an underlying issue, you really need to be there to observe and make a decision to stop before running up a big bill having xrays taken.
Have you asked the vendors about her background, whether she has had an injury or any set backs in her work so far?
I would probably be inclined to walk away as you may be buying trouble even if she passes a vetting.

 

[happihorse]

Thanks be positive.

You are right. She is a young dressage horse for competition.

Good call re physio and being there for any vetting.

I will speak to the owner breeder today - she wasn’t at the yard when we tried her. She has only been backed a few weeks so don’t think it is a training issue. One side canter was harder for her but nothing unexpected for a newly backed 3 year old.

I think you are right re walking away but she is so perfect in so many ways - always the way with horses huh!

 

[twiggy2]

Personally I would walk away.
Uneven muscle indicates uneven use of the body.
One side moving higher than the other I would class as a lameness.

 

[dogatemysalad]

I think it depends on what you plan to do with her. I bought an 11 year old hunter who has a similar issue, but rides straight and level. Vet, saddler and physio have verified his soundness and it causes him no problems. We suspect he had an injury in his younger days. He's hunted without problem and jumps anything with enthusiasm. He's such a great horse for what I need him for, which is not a serious competition career.

 

[Goldenstar]

That young I would leave it unless it’s a huge bargain and you have the emotional mind set that allows you to get out of it without heart break and financial melt down further down the line .

 

[Leo Walker]

Personally I would walk away.
Uneven muscle indicates uneven use of the body.
One side moving higher than the other I would class as a lameness.

Mine had this and it was an indication of major underlying issues. I managed to get him sound twice but he couldnt stand up to any sort of serious work. It might be something that physio/osteo and correct work can fix, or it might not be. In a young horse wanted for dressage I wouldnt walk away, I would run.

 

[gunnergundog]

Hip hikeing is generally a sign of lameness. Worrying in a just backed baby. I would forget it.

 

[happihorse]

Thank you all for taking the time to reply.

Reading your responses and reflecting on it today I have decided to walk away.

 

[dogatemysalad]

Good luck with your continued search. Horse hunting is tough.