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  Discussion on To prepurchase or not???
Author Message
Member:
mysi

Posted on Monday, Aug 30, 2010 - 10:23 pm:

I plan to purchase a horse soon that I've had on lease since Nov 09. He was a PMU foal, now 5, a Percheron cross, 16h. When I got him he had been lounged at the walk, trot, canter and ridden walk, trot but they were unsuccessful cantering under saddle. I since have taught him to canter under saddle. I ride him 6 days a week for the most part, ring work, trail riding, started small jumping (12-18"). He has always been sound, no health issues have come up. I adore every single thing about this horse except his surface cracks on his hooves that will not grow out(I have posted about this in a older post). They have posed no problem, my farrier assures me they are nothing but superficial and ugly.

Couple of mild concern...he doesn't seem to use his hind end to push forward, like when going up hill he seems heavy in the front. I only notice this trotting uphill. When he lays down he rocks back and forth before pulling himself up. I've never seen a horse do that before but my experience is limited. My farrier saw him do it and said he's just ridiculously lazy...which is true, he is quite a lazy boy.

I wasn't going to vet him, as my thoughts were...he's not done alot, he's sound and has remained sound for the 10 months I've had him with the workload I put on him. The only increase I will impose is the occasional jumping at a higher jump of 2'6" then the now 1'6". I like to pop over a couple once a week or so for fun.

I'm only questioning myself because I worry about having some major debilitating issue that will cause him to not be able to work. I have 3 retirees and the point of the new horse is to ride him all of the time. Of course I know there are no guarantees, I guess I'm just going back and forth. I thought of just having x-rays taken and after reading the article I realize the x-rays wont necessarily give me an answer.

My question is given the time with him would you recommend a PE? Should I be concerned with the things I mentioned? I'm leaning towards not doing it but I don't wholly trust myself.
Member:
mrose

Posted on Monday, Aug 30, 2010 - 10:59 pm:

Hi Melissa. One thing that pops into my head is that since you've had and used the horse for 10mos, if something does show up, the owners will probably say you caused it unless it is congenital. There is no way to guarantee you won't have some issues pop up with him (or any other horse) in the future regardless of a pre-purchase exam. I would do an exam if I am looking for a performance horse, and I'd do it right after seeing the horse for the first time if I liked the horse. I wouldn't wait and use the horse for 10 months and then do one. Others here might have another opinion. Just my thoughts.

Oh, btw on his hoof cracks; does he go from dry to wet footing a lot; go from pasture in the day to dry shavings at night? I've seen superficial crack in the outer covering of the hoof caused by this and am wondering if that is what you are seeing. You can file it away, like they do for a halter horse, but it's not good for the hoof to do so imo.
Member:
mysi

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2010 - 8:49 pm:

I took this horse on a free lease situation. The owner never vetted or anything when purchasing, she bought him at 2 from a farm that saved him from slaughter, started working with him at 3.5 and by 4 realized she didn't connect with him to ride him as he was/is stubborn and lazy. She wanted to free lease him or sell him. I took him on a free lease to see if I would connect with him riding and personally as I want a horse that I love and love to ride like my horse that I had to retire. We connected in every way. I wanted to buy him but had to save the money to buy him. Now that I am ready to do that I was wondering if I should have his feet and hocks x-rayed just to make sure there are no current underlying issues. I'm not so concerned with a traditional vetting as has given no indication that he has any issues over the past 10 months. I guess I worry because I vetted my horse Moose and he was 100% sound with no concerns. But... 3 years later he was retired with severe DJD in his LH(ringbone)and RF elbow.

I don't have concerns if something shows up that she will blame me, I've discussed it with her. I guess I'm wondering if its pointless now and if xraying is necessary.
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2010 - 8:51 pm:

Melissa, if you are uncertain this horse has a fair to good chance of meeting your goals you should have a professional appraisal done by one who is versed in your concerns.
DrO
Member:
mysi

Posted on Tuesday, Aug 31, 2010 - 9:40 pm:

Dr O, I really don't doubt that he will, I just get paranoid and don't trust myself.

Thanks for putting it that way for me. Sometimes us horse girls, well girls in general over analyze everything, I'm going to go with my gut :-)
Member:
dustee

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 1, 2010 - 7:45 pm:

Regarding your second paragraph - I had a horse who, before getting up, would rock back and forth on his sternum. I finally decided he was itching it, and it was a good time to do it - probably the only time - and it just felt good. Could that be it for him? Good luck!!
Member:
mysi

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 1, 2010 - 8:26 pm:

That is probably exactly what it is! I thought that for a moment...but then I got paranoid...over analyzed... the usual. lol
Member:
leilani

Posted on Wednesday, Sep 1, 2010 - 9:57 pm:

Hi Melissa,

My older mare, Mele also rubs her belly just before she completes her rolling.
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