Would you buy a horse with a known problem?

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sparky1981

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I've been looking for a new horse for a little while.ive found the most perfect connie gelding but he has a bar shoe fitted on one front hoof due to a sand crack that is in the process of heeling.the foot is stabilised and farrier thinks will completely disappear within 8 to 12 months.but after reading up on it they can cause problems.do you think this would effect his value?will it effect me being able to insure that foot?any advice would be great.thanks
 
It sounds okay, but I would ask to speak to the horse's vet to get their opinion, and also another farrier for a second opinion if you haven't done that yet. You don't really want to get attached and pay out for a vetting if you already know that he will fail because of the sand crack - if you have some more information you will be able to decide whether he is likely to pass a vetting or not.

I think it will affect his value as it is not ideal. I bought a horse last year with slightly odd front feet (one is slightly dished) and he still passed his vetting, although because it was mentioned in the vetting the insurance company excluded the whole of that leg, obviously I was not impressed. I was told that when I'd had him for eight months and hadn't claimed for that leg I could speak to them again and they would insure the leg again, as you can imagine it's been a bit of a worry but hopefully next month his leg will be insured.
 
Google connemara hoof seperation syndrome and make very sure it isnt that.

As the owner of one with that, having spent and spending a fortune on casts, glue on shoes etc, wouldnt touch a horse with any kind of hoof problems!
 
My boy windsucks, i'm investigating stomach ulcers. He also has couple issues under saddle when excited but nothing too serious yet. He pulls vile faces and previous owner thought he was bad tempered. He's not he's scared and defensive. I knew all this before I bought but I loved him and could almost afford him so had to have him. Sounds like you have looked into possible issues. Can you not have him? Will your life be richer with him in it? Can you cope with worst case scenario? Mine was a no brainer. He's my horse through and through. There was no other option. If you don't feel that way maybe not. Has to be your decision though
 
Thank you so much for all your advice.the farrier looked at him for me and says he has excellent feet and feels it will heal.im just concerned as have had a horse with nightmare feet before and it was so difficult but that was due to soft soles.ive never delt with a sand crack before.i said I would buy him but for a lower price due to it but owners won't have it!i will look up Connemara hoof probs and try and make a decision.anymore insight welcome:confused:
 
Can you post us a picture of how bad it is?

I'm currently looking for a big under 10 year old horse which is lame with front hoof/foot problems if anyone has one?
 
The cost of the horse should be cheaper though than similar horses with no issues. It's amazing how many owners price due to sentimental and not practical value.

Imagine if you were buying a car and one wheel axel was faulty, and you knew you would have issues with tyres for a while. you would def expect a car dealer to factor that into the price and make it cheaper
 
I'd be careful bar shoes sometimes cause more problems than good but I'm sure your farrier knows best! I owned a mare who got laminitis and it was a nightmare!
 
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