[coffeemama]

My perfect horse after years of searching so many horses has failed his pre-purchase exam flexion today. Xray shows "significant arthritic changes" in his left fetlock. He seems completely sound, otherwise. Never had any swelling or lameness issues. It does not affect his movement, even jumping, etc. He is 8 years old Appendix Qtr gelding. I won't be jumping for a long time, just flatwork for the next year maybe some low crossrails. I also want to do parelli clinic with him and have fun with him but won't pay what they are asking. He is the only horse that I ever found who is a perfect match for me in every way and I am not a confident rider after two bad falls and he is the only horse I am not worried about riding. What should I do? Has anyone had this experience and either offered a low-ball price and bought it with no problems later or bought it and had all kinds of problems later? I want to hear it all. Thanks

 

[mom2pride]

If there are significant changes already and the horse is only 8 years old, I personally would pass on him; a horse this young has an awful long time to live yet, especially if he is in pain already on the flexion level.

He may or may not be able to perform for you for years to come. And don't let the owner fool you into thinking he can. It will highly depend on the horse.

Yes, there is always joint injections, and supplements, and other pain remedies, but these are far from fool proof, and may only improve his joint pain somewhat, and may not help it for 'long term'; ie, he still may not perform for a long time, even on all of those options.