Young horse toes out in front, pass?

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Ravtoad82

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Hi all,

Let me preface this that I’ve been riding and competing for a very long time and spent many years working with young horses and bringing them up from unbacked up to the mini prix ranks.

There is a very nice coming 2 year old that I’ve had interest in that toes moderately out from the knee down (seller states this has been from birth and not a random occurrence in a growth spurt). Conformationally aside from that, he is built well. Normally I tend to go for horses that have a very correct leg structure, but I do like this horse and see potential. I’ve also seen other horses in SJ that were not built the best and still excelled.

What are your thoughts on horses that toe out? If the horse was otherwise correct, moved nicely, and showed potential, would you pass or consider moving forward with a purchase (including an involved PPE of course)? This horse would end up hopefully at the 1.2-1.3m level, not looking for a Grand Prix or high level prospect at this stage.
 
I think I'd pass. there are so many youngsters out there that I'd keep looking for one with less risk. If you were looking for a happy hacker, low level riding club etc etc my opinion might be different. Landing from a 1.2m jump puts pressure on joints and the knock on effect from mis-aligned joints would make me constantly second guess and question every stride the horse took. It wouldn't be fun for me.
 
i think i’d pass, one of mine is slightly pigeon toed, but she was 9 when i bought her and only a low level all rounder so completely different level of risk!
 
dottylottie said:
i think i’d pass, one of mine is slightly pigeon toed, but she was 9 when i bought her and only a low level all rounder so completely different level of risk!
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ihatework said:
How mature is he at 2? You want babies a little toe out as they tend to straighten as they mature. It obviously depends how toe out he is and how much maturing he has left.
Would be worth asking a vet before writing off.
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He’s still a long yearling and a very large one at that, currently 16.2. Does not look unbalanced for his size at all like most big young WBs do, I was actually very surprised at how balanced he looks conformationally other than the toeing out.

I did speak to my vet and several others and keep getting conflicting answers. I’ve had seasoned Grand Prix level pros tell me to snatch him up in a second because of his breeding, movement, and overall conformation and others tell me to pass. My vet said the only way to know what I’m getting into is to do full rads of his front legs from knee to hoof and see, which was my plan already.
 
Ravtoad82 said:
He’s still a long yearling and a very large one at that, currently 16.2. Does not look unbalanced for his size at all like most big young WBs do, I was actually very surprised at how balanced he looks conformationally other than the toeing out.

I did speak to my vet and several others and keep getting conflicting answers. I’ve had seasoned Grand Prix level pros tell me to snatch him up in a second because of his breeding, movement, and overall conformation and others tell me to pass. My vet said the only way to know what I’m getting into is to do full rads of his front legs from knee to hoof and see, which was my plan already.
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if you think he poses a level of risk you’re prepared to take then go ahead with the vetting/rads - with mine i was prepared to risk it as long as she passed a 5 stage, which she did. for me it was a case of “if it was going to cause a problem it would’ve done by now”, but i also don’t have high aspirations and at the minute she’s a glorified pet whilst i focus on the 5 year old🤣
 
Ravtoad82 said:
He’s still a long yearling and a very large one at that, currently 16.2. Does not look unbalanced for his size at all like most big young WBs do, I was actually very surprised at how balanced he looks conformationally other than the toeing out.

I did speak to my vet and several others and keep getting conflicting answers. I’ve had seasoned Grand Prix level pros tell me to snatch him up in a second because of his breeding, movement, and overall conformation and others tell me to pass. My vet said the only way to know what I’m getting into is to do full rads of his front legs from knee to hoof and see, which was my plan already.
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I’d do the rads and see where you are.
I’d want symmetry on both limbs - as in equally as toe out.
They do often straighten up as they mature and broaden. But you do need an orthopaedic vet to evaluate where the deviation is originating from.
 
I'd assess a few things -
Both legs to be equally as toed out
Does the foot land flat?
Do the feet wear evenly?
Is there any twist in the knee?
Does the horse look well developed or does he look narrow through the chest?
What do you want the horse for? I'd be more inclined to it if you wanted something lower level or predominantly on a surface, rather than a high level eventer or something to hunt twice a week.

Then, assuming price takes into account the toe put, I'd vet and x-ray front limbs.
 
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