Would you buy a horse with saddle marks?

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newboult51

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Just been with my 13 year old daughter to try out a 15 h 11 year old tb x connemara gelding for her to compete at affiliated level, as a move up from her 14hh pony. He has about 170 notional points from 2005/6 but has spent the last year hunting/hacking with a different family. To ride he seemed perfect, very well schooled, responsive, seemed sane and sensible and jumped like a dream. From experience, a type hard to come by.
The down side...He has two hand sized white marks either side of his withers, apparently from when he was lent to a 'friend' over the summer. Also, a small bald patch over one eye where he had a wart and the hairs were growing back. He's up for £4,400, and we would obviously seek the opinion of a vet, but any thoughts anyone?

Thank you
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As long as you are not planning on showing him and they cause no pain then I don't see a problem. though think it would affect price!
 
I would draw the vets attention to the saddle marks to see if there is any lasting damage like atrophic muscles. Could be a problem and stuff up your training, not to mention expensive if the horse needs remedial saddle fitting as any damage is reversed. How is his top line muscling in general?

It doesn't sound like his attitude has been soured by his saddle ordeal, so that is a good thing.

I would get the vet to check closely for sarcoids... many a sarcoid becomes a "wort" when the horse comes up for sale! If he has a history of sarcoids, the price should reflect it as tehy can return at any time, and with vengance. A horse can end up unridable in the worst case scenario.
 
Unless you want to show or your vets find something underlying, it wouldn't bother me at all, why should it? You will presumably buy and have properly fitted a saddle yourself, end of problem.
 
He was nicely muscled up and moved freely and had had a day's hunting yesterday.
Yes I did think sarcoid and would definitely point this out to the vet to check.
Does the price (without tack) seem about right do you think?
 
hmmm just a thought i would make sure your daughter tries the pony again, as the pony may of been tired after a days hunting, may be a different pony

i too thought SARCROID, i would have a good look around its sheath and top of the inside back legs

r.e. the saddle marks, if you are planning to sell the pony in the future you need to consider that other people may be put off by them, but iv bought ponies with saddle marks, as they seemed not to cause pain and the pony was a v.good pony

price wise i think its good money as its got form, however you put 15hh but would it measure 148cms for junior bsja??
 
Yes, will be trying to negotiate a trial period if we decide to take it further.
Deliberately buying a horse over 148cm rather than a pony so she can compete at junior associate level (ie aged 13 or over but riding a horse not a pony). Reason for this is the sad lack of any junior shows within striking distance, despite having an international arena nearby with senior shows weekly!
 
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