Tell me about this horse...A Paint?

[CountryMom]

Quote:
With the issue being in the back hoof I would be worried. I would have asked for xrays though if you were still serious about buying this horse. There could have been other issues at play there. As for the infection, yup that would keep him down and not so full of himself. You may have a completely different animal once he is healed. I hope the infection doesn't spread to your other horses. I have two cutting horses that are on liquid joint medicines and do fine. Although our climate way down here in the south is easier on their systems all around.

Just remember, there is no such thing as a perfect horse and you have to find one you can manage for your ability and climate.

 

[farmgirljen]

What were you planning on using him for? I would never pass on a horse due to a bad flexion test- how well would you walk if someone cranked up your leg and held it in an unnaturally tight position for a bit then let it go and made you walk on it ? I know I would flunk if I had a flexion test done on me, lol. If you were just planning on average use, trail riding a few times a week, etc... I would give him another shot- take xrays and see what shows up. The respirtory stuff could be weather related, and combinme that with moving to a new environ ment- it is probably just a spring cold- If you like this horse, and like the way he rides, don't let a bad flexion test keep you from him. You can always use it as a bargaining tool to get the price lower on him... If you are looking for a performance horse to compete heavily on, hten pass on him- but just an average trail horse to rie a few times a week- he most likley will be fine for that...

 

[Calebs Acre]

Don't forget that some APHA have some appendix quarter horse in them...so some have a touch of TB blood, too!

It's really very difficult to tell whether a paint or quarter horse is a purebreed because there is such a wide quality of purebred horses out there. The quarter horse has SO MANY body types! I have seen paints and qh with short stocky, thick necks and other with long, sleek necks. Some are tall with long legs while other are short and squat.

If people are asking what you are riding, you could say paint or pinto.....they aren't going to ask to see your papers. LOL.

However, with this new information....be careful. I had a horse fail a real flex test and he had a torn suspensory ligament and a slight fracture. He didn't trot lame, just looked slightly "off." I'd try to find a sound, healthy horse to avoid lots of unforeseen expenses.

Best of luck!

 

[SpringChickens]

I think you should look at several factors before you decide whether or not to buy him.

1) What is his price? Is he very well priced for what he is, including lameness? You will ALWAYS have a hard time trying to re-sell a lame horse.

2) How many horses did you look at before you found him? There are a LOT of horses out there right now, it won't be too difficult to find another one.

3) What do his radiographs look like? I know that you didn't have them taken, but you should definitely get them done if you're still considering him. He could have just slept on his hind leg wrong last night, and had some muscle soreness. Or, it could be something serious which will progress quickly.

4) How hard are you going to ride him? If he's only slightly lame in the back leg, he'll probably hold up well with light riding. Although he's still relatively young, lameness tends to only get worse with age.

Good luck with making your decision. I know it's a hard one.

 

[patandchickens]

Well, flexion tests from a vet really good at them, and with a very good eye for lameness, DO mean something... from other vets, not so much.

But since we're being told that the horse was "off" behind BEFORE the flexion test was even done, with the respiratory infection on top, I think passing on this one is very sensible.

The right horse will turn up for you, honest

Pat, who hates hates HATES horse-shopping, but, how else ya gonna get a horse

 

[pips&peeps]

He looks to me as if he has some TB blood in him. Notice how flat his rump appears, it could just be the picture.