Would you buy a young horse with naviculars graded 2 (out of 4)?

[brightlights]

I’m looking at a just-backed rising 4 year old passed sound in her pre-purchase and labeled a “normal medical risk” for a sport career. Her x-rays look good but her navicular bones are graded 2 (satisfactory) out of 4 (vs the ideal “no remark” or 1). I would not be planning to do overly much with her this year and would allow her more time to mature (though of course I know her x-days aren’t getting better with time ?). However, she would be purchased with hopes for higher level showjumping in the future. I’m wild about this horse but hesitating— what would you do?

 

[AmyMay]

What was the reason for the x rays?

 

[brightlights]

They’re just the standard pre-purchase x-rays. She passed but I’m hesitating because the naviculars are just on the right side of acceptable ?

 

[Gloi]

What is her hoof conformation like?

 

[Ratface]

I probably wouldn't. However, I'm risk averse. In my experience, horses are skilled self-harmers, so why buy trouble?

 

[Red-1]

I don't normally X ray, so I would be trundling home with the new horse now, blissfully unaware of any potential issues.

 

[nagblagger]

If you paid for a vetting and she 'passed' i would be happy with that. She would be able to be insured.
Why not discuss your concerns with the vet.

 

[Highmileagecob]

Take a look at Pete Ramey's 'Hoof Rehab' site. Loads of useful and informative stuff on there. Four years old is very young to have navicular changes. Maybe a good long chat with your farrier to decide whether this is foot related or genetic/inherited issue.

 

[ycbm]

My understanding has always been that there is precious little link to be found between quality of the navicular bone on x ray and lameness unless there are obvious spurs, breaks or roughness at the edges.

In a just backed 4 year old I would suspect that that trimming intervals may have been too long as a youngster, allowing incorrect pressure on the bone that has demineralised it. I would want to see her work without shoes for a good while to really build up the strength of the back of the foot. And then if shod have a 3 month break from shoes every year.

Are there any signs, like flaring, which would indicate she's been allowed to go too long between trims? Is her foot balance perfect?
.

 

[paddy555]

My understanding has always been that there is precious little link to be found between quality of the navicular bone on x ray and lameness unless there are obvious spurs, breaks or roughness at the edges.

In a just backed 4 year old I would suspect that that trimming intervals may have been too long as a youngster, allowing incorrect pressure on the bone that has demineralised it. I would want to see her work without shoes for a good while to really build up the strength of the back of the foot. And then off shod have a 3 month break from shoes every year.

Are there any signs, like flaring, which would indicate she's been allowed to go too long between trims? Is her foot balance perfect?
.

this, you make no mention of the feet, shod, unshod, how well shod or how badly trimmed etc.

In your case I would ask for a vetting from a barefoot farrier.
The feet could be poor but would be able to be resolved with good trimming etc alternatively there could be obvious red flags.
I know of people who have had their feet checked out by a farrier before buying a horse. As the feet as so important it seems like a pretty good idea.

my decision would be based on their comments and advice.