Would this worry you and general thoughts?

[Wishfilly]

So, I went to view a pony today and I'm after some thoughts!

5yo Grey 14hh Connemara mare, registered with the BCPS. Backed last winter and been in regular work since February.

She ticks a lot of boxes for me. She was green, but as advertised and very good with the traffic we met. To be honest, I was quite nervous as she's the first one I've viewed and I basically forgot to ride until we were part way down the road.

However, I've just googled her registered name, and as well as turning up some showing results from when she was a yearling, I found a listing for her in a sales catalogue from a bit over a year ago which says the following:

Homebred. XXXXX was best yearling filly in show, at the BCPS Breed Society Show in 2016. She was injured later that year and can show lameness on hard groundsince. From a prolific performance and show family she is well-bred, easy to handle and has proven herself to be good mother to date.

She was obviously sound today, and I would get her vetted regardless, but would this bother people? She is shod all round, as her current owners felt she needed it for the amount of road work she is doing, but this wouldn't necessarily bother me. She has a small amount of cosmetic scarring on one back leg (not over a joint), which would be an issue for showing, but I'm not looking for something to show anyway.

I'm hopefully going back to do a second viewing next weekend, as I did really like her. However, would it be really silly to buy the first pony I viewed? A lot of ponies down here are moving really quickly, so it is hard to arrange viewings, and she is (in my opinion) better quality than a lot of what I have seen advertised locally.

She is greener than I was initially considering, but I couldn't afford a "made" Connemara and I do really like the breed. She seems willing and trainable, and I would have regular lessons with her after buying and could afford to pay someone to school her if I needed to. I used to work for a riding school/trekking centre, and did bring on ponies for them, but obviously I had help/supervision and it was a very different environment. She would be my first owned pony as an adult, so I don't know if I am silly for considering something green. If it makes a difference, she has been ridden over the summer by a novice 12yo, but only in company/under supervision.

Well done if you got through all of that, I know it's not the most organized! And thank you in advance for any thoughts you might have!

 

[AmyMay]

Have you had a conversation about what you’ve discovered with the current owner?

 

[Marigold4]

It definitely warrants further questions. I would want to know what rhe injury was and would want to see her trotted on a tight circle on hard ground with a professional watching.

I have PMed you.

 

[Wishfilly]

Have you had a conversation about what you’ve discovered with the current owner?

I haven't yet. I was going to speak to them later today regarding a second viewing, so I'll bring it up then. However, I don't think they are the ones who purchased her from the sales, so might not be aware of this.

 

[Wishfilly]

It definitely warrants further questions. I would want to know what rhe injury was and would want to see her trotted on a tight circle on hard ground with a professional watching.

I have PMed you.

The PM doesn't seem to have come through yet, but I will keep an eye out for it. Do you think a video of her being trotted like this would be OK, as then I would be able to send it to a couple of pros and experienced people who's opinions I respect- or would it be better to see in person with a pro? I was hoping to get an instructor I know to come with me to view next time, anyway.

 

[PapaverFollis]

I don't think you're silly to consider it but I'd want all the information, fill disclosure of vet records from the time is at all possible plus a good second opinion from the vet doing a vetting for you. And would want the price to reflect the issue. Depends on the issue itself whether I would walk away or not.

 

[Wishfilly]

I don't think you're silly to consider it but I'd want all the information, fill disclosure of vet records from the time is at all possible plus a good second opinion from the vet doing a vetting for you. And would want the price to reflect the issue. Depends on the issue itself whether I would walk away or not.

This is possibly a silly question, but the injury would have happened when she was with her breeders. Would her current owners have access to vet records from that time or would I need to contact her breeder?

I think her breeder is a small stud, so do you think it would be worth trying to get in touch with them?

Her current price is mid 4 figures, to include some rugs/tack. Without knowing the issue, I'd thought she was priced fairly, and certainly see Connemaras that have done less go for more locally. How much of a discount would you want on the price?

 

[oldie48]

Would depend when she was bought by the current owners, they might not be aware of a lameness. I found out my present horse had a bone chip removed from a fetlock when she was 2/3ish. I doubt the person I bought from knew about this and she passed a rigorous 5 stage vetting. Just ask the current owners and if you decide to proceed, make sure the vet is aware.

 

[Wishfilly]

Would depend when she was bought by the current owners, they might not be aware of a lameness. I found out my present horse had a bone chip removed from a fetlock when she was 2/3ish. I doubt the person I bought from knew about this and she passed a rigorous 5 stage vetting. Just ask the current owners and if you decide to proceed, make sure the vet is aware.

She was bought by the current owners in the winter of last year, I believe, and the sales advert is from last year but earlier than that, so I do think they may not be aware. But I think I will bring it up when I speak to them about a second viewing- I know you can't trust people when buying horses, but they did seem like nice, genuine people today!

I will definitely make the vets aware!

 

[shortstuff99]

Why are the current owners selling? They don't seem to have had her very long.

 

[PatchyBabyHorse]

I would do some serious digging.

BUT the very fact that you can get two viewings at the moment on a mid four figures connemara would make me think there’s something up with it.

 

[FestiveFuzz]

Personally I’d walk away, but having had the heartache of losing a young horse once before I’m incredibly risk averse in that respect.

If you are still keen on her I’d be speaking to both the breeder and current owner to find out all I could about the injury and what it might mean to her longer term ridden career. Only once you have all the facts will you know if it’s a risk too far for you.

 

[Wishfilly]

Why are the current owners selling? They don't seem to have had her very long.

She was bought as a companion to their horse who is now going into training, and the (adult) daughter who does most of the riding of her has got a new job up country. I don't think they were ever going to keep her long term, I think they were always going to sell her at some point, so she was possibly bought with this in mind.

I can't decide if that's a good or a bad thing!

I would do some serious digging.

BUT the very fact that you can get two viewings at the moment on a mid four figures connemara would make me think there’s something up with it.

The same thing (about getting two viewings) has been playing on my mind as well, as everything else I have asked about locally has been selling within days. However, I think they do seem like genuine people who care about the home she goes to, and they don't have a school so the second viewing would involve school hire etc. Although she is reasonably priced, she is expensive compared to a lot of what is advertised locally, as well.

 

[Melody Grey]

May be obvious, but consider insurance exclusions that may apply?
I like my purchases to be Fully insured From the get-go.

ETA: as an after thought- would they be prepared to loan her? That way you could get more of a measure of whether the lameness is still a problem?

 

[Snowfilly]

Lameness aside that’s a suspiciously low price for a young Connie at the moment, and the fact you got two viewings is also a bit worrying. The market is so hot ponies like that are generally going on the same day.

I’d be worried that they’ve found something and are anxious to pass her on, and other buyers may have seen the same report.

I would gamble if she was a lot cheaper - I know someone who brought an Anglo Arab who was lame as a yearling and it went sound and made a decent horse - but it would have to be dirt cheap and be prepared to put down if you didn’t want a pasture ornament for the next 20 years.
From what you’ve said, I’d walk away.

 

[paddy555]

has she been tested for HWSD? If not I wouldn't buy without testing ( and making sure that either you or your vet pull the hairs yourself)

injury and lameness on hard ground in the past and I would walk away from a 5yo. I would expect perfection not the slighest risk of any injury in the past that could knock on into the future.. I think you have to be careful to have a good look around at several and not just buy the first one you like.

ETA anyone selling a horse is going to come across as genuine, nice and caring about the home it is going to. Some people of course are but many are not even though they come across as nice.

 

[Wishfilly]

May be obvious, but consider insurance exclusions that may apply?
I like my purchases to be Fully insured From the get-go.

This is a concern- it's something I'll ask the current owners about too.

Personally I’d walk away, but having had the heartache of losing a young horse once before I’m incredibly risk averse in that respect.

If you are still keen on her I’d be speaking to both the breeder and current owner to find out all I could about the injury and what it might mean to her longer term ridden career. Only once you have all the facts will you know if it’s a risk too far for you.

I've found the stud on facebook and sent them a message. If I don't get a response I'll try calling them to see if I can find out more.

Lameness aside that’s a suspiciously low price for a young Connie at the moment, and the fact you got two viewings is also a bit worrying. The market is so hot ponies like that are generally going on the same day.

I’d be worried that they’ve found something and are anxious to pass her on, and other buyers may have seen the same report.

I would gamble if she was a lot cheaper - I know someone who brought an Anglo Arab who was lame as a yearling and it went sound and made a decent horse - but it would have to be dirt cheap and be prepared to put down if you didn’t want a pasture ornament for the next 20 years.
From what you’ve said, I’d walk away.

I do agree her price is low, and did sort of think that she was too good to be true. That's part of the reason I'm quite reluctant to just walk away without thinking it through. But it's also not low enough to take a huge risk on either.

She has only just come on the market- I was the first to view. I've been watching horse adverts over the summer, so I'm fairly sure she hasn't been advertised recently, at least. I think the sellers were surprised by the amount of interest- I don't think they realised how insane the horse market had gone this summer. I also think they want her to go to a good home- hence the second viewing. Either that, or they are very good liars, which I know is possible.

 

[Wishfilly]

has she been tested for HWSD? If not I wouldn't buy without testing ( and making sure that either you or your vet pull the hairs yourself)

injury and lameness on hard ground in the past and I would walk away from a 5yo. I would expect perfection not the slighest risk of any injury in the past that could knock on into the future.. I think you have to be careful to have a good look around at several and not just buy the first one you like.

I don't know if she has been tested (but will ask!)- my understanding was that they would show serious symptoms sooner? But I don't know much about it so please tell me if I am wrong. If she hasn't been tested, I will make sure to get her tested.

I totally agree that I should be looking around and not just buying the first one I like, and I'm still looking at adverts! I'm trying very hard not to let my heart rule my head. To be honest, my idea would be to find another pony I liked the look of and arrange a viewing so I felt more able to walk away!

 

[Red-1]

If I found that they knew but hadn't said, then no, I would not buy.

If I couldn't find any more information, then also no, as she was still declared lame on hard ground after being a mother. So it was no short term malady.

There would have to be a blooming good story!

 

[ycbm]

She was bought as a companion to their horse who is now going into training, and the (adult) daughter who does most of the riding of her has got a new job up country. I don't think they were ever going to keep her long term, I think they were always going to sell her at some point, so she was possibly bought with this in mind.
.

Is it possible she was bought not expecting ever to ride her? As a mechanically lame field companion?

If she's very green she hasn't done much yet, and I'm afraid that disclosure in a previous sale catalogue would have me running for the hills unless she is very cheap.
.

 

[Wishfilly]

If I found that they knew but hadn't said, then no, I would not buy.

If I couldn't find any more information, then also no, as she was still declared lame on hard ground after being a mother. So it was no short term malady.

There would have to be a blooming good story!

I agree that if it turns out they knew and hadn't mentioned it, I will 100% walk away.

Is it possible she was bought not expecting ever to ride her? As a mechanically lame field companion?

If she's very green she hasn't done much yet, and I'm afraid that disclosure in a previous sale catalogue would have me running for the hills unless she is very cheap.
.

I do think that's not impossible- that she was bought as a lame companion, came sound and they decided to back her.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I wouldn't go ahead. So many things go wrong with horses that I'd want to at least start with one that doesn't have a big question mark RE a previous injury already.

 

[chaps89]

I'd want to try and find out if there was an original diagnosis/what diagnostics and treatment were done/tried.
I wouldn't necessarily walk away yet but it would depend on that and the horses current level of work and how long they'd been in work.
If only for a couple of months or lighter work than you would be doing then I would only consider it if they were open to a minimum 3 month loan with view to buy. This would give you chance to get her fitter and see how she stood up to work on a longer term basis.

 

[SO1]

Walk away of you are thinking of paying 5k for a green Connie that can't be shown due to a blemish & has been bought as companion due to injury and then only been in light work it is too much of a risk.

If you like Connies but don't have a Connie budget have you thought about a New Forest. Similar stamp but a lot cheaper.

I really like Connies but could not afford to get one so 13 years ago I bought a forester instead. He was 3K at 5 years a Connie would have been 5/6k.

He is 18 now and whilst not as flashy as Connie still a lovely pony. This is him age 18. We do veteran classes.

 

[Wishfilly]

I wouldn't go ahead. So many things go wrong with horses that I'd want to at least start with one that doesn't have a big question mark RE a previous injury already.

I'd want to try and find out if there was an original diagnosis/what diagnostics and treatment were done/tried.
I wouldn't necessarily walk away yet but it would depend on that and the horses current level of work and how long they'd been in work.
If only for a couple of months or lighter work than you would be doing then I would only consider it if they were open to a minimum 3 month loan with view to buy. This would give you chance to get her fitter and see how she stood up to work on a longer term basis.

I do think it is a big risk. I asked them about it on the phone, and they weren't aware of the previous injury. None of the rest of the story changed, so I do think they are being truthful. They have offered to contact the lady they bought her from to see what she knows, and I'm going to make a serious effort to contact the stud, but if this doesn't work out, I think I will have to walk away.

Walk away of you are thinking of paying 5k for a green Connie that can't be shown due to a blemish & has been bought as companion due to injury and then only been in light work it is too much of a risk.

If you like Connies but don't have a Connie budget have you thought about a New Forest. Similar stamp but a lot cheaper.

I really like Connies but could not afford to get one so 13 years ago I bought a forester instead. He was 3K at 5 years a Connie would have been 5/6k.

He is 18 now and whilst not as flashy as Connie still a lovely pony. This is him age 18. We do veteran classes.

View attachment 54184

I would love a New Forest, but there don't seem to be many available down this way! Yours looks absolutely lovely, and if I could find one like him I would be really happy. Can I ask how tall he is?

I'm pretty open to all natives or crosses, and would also consider something with no known breeding if it was the type I wanted (although I'd obviously expect it to be a bit cheaper). Maybe I need to start a pony shopping thread?

I think I am resigning myself to the fact that I will probably need to travel a fair distance to find what I want- I am in West Cornwall, so it sort of to be expected, though!

 

[SO1]

My new forest is 13.3 but he rides a lot bigger. They are a rare breed so there are not many around but they tend to be very good value.

I really like Connies but you do pay a premium for them as they are such a popular breed at the moment.

 

[Wishfilly]

My new forest is 13.3 but he rides a lot bigger. They are a rare breed so there are not many around but they tend to be very good value.

I really like Connies but you do pay a premium for them as they are such a popular breed at the moment.

I do agree that you pay a premium for Connies! Easily another £1000 if not more on the price tag compared to even other ponies of known breeding.

I have just had another look for New Forests near me and turned up an unbacked 4yo gelding and a very smart sounding one who's a bit over £1000 out of budget. But there are some possibilities within a 3 hour drive.

I have seen another possible pony who is closer to me, so I'm going to try and arrange a viewing for that one. I think I just need to get out and view some other ponies!

 

[sport horse]

I do agree that you pay a premium for Connies! Easily another £1000 if not more on the price tag compared to even other ponies of known breeding.

I have just had another look for New Forests near me and turned up an unbacked 4yo gelding and a very smart sounding one who's a bit over £1000 out of budget. But there are some possibilities within a 3 hour drive.

I have seen another possible pony who is closer to me, so I'm going to try and arrange a viewing for that one. I think I just need to get out and view some other ponies!

£1000 out of budget now is a drop in the ocean compared to possible vet bills and indeed, heartbreak. in the future.

 

[Wishfilly]

£1000 out of budget now is a drop in the ocean compared to possible vet bills and indeed, heartbreak. in the future.

That is very true- I think that particular pony may suit a competition home more than me, but I'm definitely thinking about the situation more rationally now.

 

[shortstuff99]

I do wonder if the pony was sold specifically as a non ridden companion, would be interesting to see what the stud says. My first pony was a New Forest and he was an absolute sod ?. He was very good at dressage though but loved to tank off and then drop his shoulder dumping you which when you're 10 years old means you fall of a lot! I can stay on most things now though haha.