Thoroughbred Confo Critique
 

Hey guys! I'm going to be buying an ottb and I was just wondering if some of you could give this guy a little critique.

I haven't gone to see him yet but his owner said he's very slightly toed out on the front right, but sound and it doesn't affect his movement. Anyway he's 3 so will probably grow a bit more. Sorry I don't have better pics without the snow!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9350708...in/photostream

As with any OTTB, be dang sure and have him vet checked - especially with pasterns that long that appear weak...

I see long pasterns in the front. Would be better if he wasn't in the snow. When you go to see him take a good look at his front legs.

He looks cute; From that one picture, I don't see anything glaringly wrong other than the long pasterns. I agree that you need to get him thoroughly vet checked before you make any kind of decision.

Don't worry, I'm planning on getting my vet's and my trainer's okay before I buy anything!

Will the long pasterns affect him as a low-level eventer? No higher than Training level (don't know what that is to people outside of Ontario).

It may affect him, or it may not. You will definitely need to be very careful and give him proper protection when schooling and make sure he is well conditioned. For low levels, he will most likely stay sound. But think about it:

Look at the amount of stress a horses pasterns take landing off a jump
http://i1.newhorse.com/dynamic/photo...9_Landing_.jpg

Even just when cantering, the pasterns are under enormous pressure
http://www.bridlewoodhanoverians.com...annagodiva.jpg

I would be very hesitant about this guy. I don't know if I'm just seeing things, but it looks as if he was swelling in his right hind fetlock. With those long pasterns and (seemingly) small feet, I don't think he would hold up with jumping.