Viewing potential

[NoodlesHalloween]

Hi, So am booked in to view a horse today. Current owner has messaged to say horse lost a boot on a hack and is now lame. So I am trying hard to keep an open mind and will still go to viewing. Just wondered on others opinions. Horse is a 7 yo TB, was raced and has been owned for 2 years, spent the winter in field unshod. Am I mad to still be interested?

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Imo there is no point in viewing a lame horse. Why not ask the vendor to let you know when the horse is dound again. It is hardly likely to be sold to anyone else while lame

 

[splashgirl45]

It would be a bit of a red flag for me, very odd that the very day you are going to view he lost a boot

 

[NoodlesHalloween]

It would be a bit of a red flag for me, very odd that the very day you are going to view he lost a boot

I know, I am wondering if a case of too much hacking unshod and looked very lean which I would expect from a winter out

 

[NoodlesHalloween]

Imo there is no point in viewing a lame horse. Why not ask the vendor to let you know when the horse is dound again. It is hardly likely to be sold to anyone else while lame

For me temperament is a big priority so I can still at least get an idea on that and it is very local to me so I can go multiple times and also see when no longer lame

 

[splashgirl45]

As it’s close to you it’s worth having a look , then you can discount it if it doesn’t appeal to you look or temperament wise. I would still be a bit suspicious about the lameness timing though

 

[gallopingby]

If you’re interested and it’s local still worth going to see. Stuff happens, may or may not be a problem. Take a friend with you.

 

[NoodlesHalloween]

Well I went but unfortunately it was a no on the grounds that the state of the poor thing made me cry

 

[starbucker]

Horrible situation not nice to see - horse shopping is a minefield and reading into the red flags clearly in your original post from seller (poor condition, been out of work with shoes took off over winter often done to in an attempt to heal injuries etc) you can probably save yourself a similar trip in future by being more selective and asking the right questions before you view. There are plenty of horses out there find a sound one good luck

 

[NoodlesHalloween]

Horrible situation not nice to see - horse shopping is a minefield and reading into the red flags clearly in your original post from seller (poor condition, been out of work with shoes took off over winter often done to in an attempt to heal injuries etc) you can probably save yourself a similar trip in future by being more selective and asking the right questions before you view. There are plenty of horses out there find a sound one good luck

Hi, I did ask lots of questions prior to turning up and the situation did not sound horrendous, however it was a lot worse than I imagined. I really do not understand some human beings to be fair. I actually got more the impression that they could not afford the upkeep of the horse and therefore had not been shod and definitely nutrition had not been prioritised. Yes though i will keep the red flags in mind

 

[I'm Dun]

Hi, I did ask lots of questions prior to turning up and the situation did not sound horrendous, however it was a lot worse than I imagined. I really do not understand some human beings to be fair. I actually got more the impression that they could not afford the upkeep of the horse and therefore had not been shod and definitely nutrition had not been prioritised. Yes though i will keep the red flags in mind

But the red flags were there, and that should have been enough to discard this horse.

Out of work, turned out without shoes, ex racer. Huge red flags no matter how convincing the story is. And then lame as well. The first lot would be enough for a hard no if I was you, the last would mean not with someone else's barge pole.

Is budget an issue and that's why your having to consider projects and these sort of situations? If so there are still ways to get a nice, safe, sound horse on a low budget, but this wouldn't be one of those ways.

 

[Patterdale]

It’s amazing how many horses lose shoes/boots just before viewings and vettings

Sorry this one didn’t work out - your horse is out there somewhere!

 

[NoodlesHalloween]

But the red flags were there, and that should have been enough to discard this horse.

Out of work, turned out without shoes, ex racer. Huge red flags no matter how convincing the story is. And then lame as well. The first lot would be enough for a hard no if I was you, the last would mean not with someone else's barge pole.

Is budget an issue and that's why your having to consider projects and these sort of situations? If so there are still ways to get a nice, safe, sound horse on a low budget, but this wouldn't be one of those ways.

I don't see ex-racers as being a red flag (appreciate not everyone shares this opinion) as there are some lovely ones out there and yes I am after a project horse to bring on and important for me is temperament and it being sound and currently taken care of.

 

[NoodlesHalloween]

It’s amazing how many horses lose shoes/boots just before viewings and vettings

Sorry this one didn’t work out - your horse is out there somewhere!

Thank you and of course it is, personally I see it as a positive to go for a first viewing, negative was the state but that has reminded me now that I am also learning and this has helped me read more carefully adverts and recognise if people seem a little odd then they probably are. I have time for the right one to come along and will keep looking.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I think even the fact he was under weight can be a red flag especially a blood horse, people often keep them like that so they are quiet to ride.

So fed and feeling well he might have been a totally different horse

 

[I'm Dun]

I don't see ex-racers as being a red flag (appreciate not everyone shares this opinion) as there are some lovely ones out there and yes I am after a project horse to bring on and important for me is temperament and it being sound and currently taken care of.

yes there are. The best horse I ever owned was one, but in order to tip the balance in your favour, you need to buy one already in the level of work you will have it in, ideally in harder work and has been for a sustained period. That gives you a fighting chance of finding a sound one, because sadly there are lots with physical issues and lots that appear sound until you put them in work and the wheels fall off.