[Alyce+Rocket]

There’s a mare that has been used in western and English pleasure and trail up for sale. She’s 11, 15.2 hands, and stocky. They’re wanting $3,000 for her. She’s registered and she has some great pleasure bloodlines. They say that the only problem with the side bone is she can’t do small circles for long periods of time or go fast on hard surfaces or else she’ll get sore. The vet has cleared her as sound for riding though, what do you all think? I would use her as a trail horse and for mounted orienteering. I’m also willing to invest in hoof protection if needed for the rougher trails.

 

[Winterkitty122]

I think if you really like this mare and are happy and willing to put the extra time and care into her, if that’s special shoes, lighter rides when needed ect… then it’s worth it. Of course you can find horses without sidebone issues for the same price, but it sounds like you’re up to give this girl extra care so I’d say go for it

 

[ClearDonkey]

I'd want my vet to give their opinion - including long term maintenance. Just because she is sound for riding now, doesn't mean she will be sound for riding forever.

"Sidebone is mineralisation of the lateral cartilages of the foot occurring most commonly in the forelimbs. It is more common in older and heavy horses or those with poor lower limb conformation." from this Fact Sheet

11 is not that old, so I'm going to assume that her lower limb conformation might have issues, that could contribute to further issues. Was she competed in western and english pleasure events, and for how long? The only reason I am concerned specifically about that, is that many stock trainers for pleasure events start at 2 or a hair earlier. I don't think I'd ever buy a horse that I knew had been shown in pleasure, as many of them need regular maintenance by their 8 or 9... Heck, my friends 6 year old has been being injected since 4 (and she is planning his retirement by before 10)!

 

[Alyce+Rocket]

I'd want my vet to give their opinion - including long term maintenance. Just because she is sound for riding now, doesn't mean she will be sound for riding forever.

"Sidebone is mineralisation of the lateral cartilages of the foot occurring most commonly in the forelimbs. It is more common in older and heavy horses or those with poor lower limb conformation." from this Fact Sheet

11 is not that old, so I'm going to assume that her lower limb conformation might have issues, that could contribute to further issues. Was she competed in western and english pleasure events, and for how long? The only reason I am concerned specifically about that, is that many stock trainers for pleasure events start at 2 or a hair earlier. I don't think I'd ever buy a horse that I knew had been shown in pleasure, as many of them need regular maintenance by their 8 or 9... Heck, my friends 6 year old has been being injected since 4 (and she is planning his retirement by before 10)!

Yes I agree it is risky. I’m planning on getting a vet check beforehand. I asked for more pictures so hopefully they won’t show any problems but I’ll probably post them on here and see.

 

[Zimalia22]

Definitely go with the vet check. Listen to what your vet has to say. Then make your decision.

 

[Whinnie]

It also wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion from another vet.

 

[dustyk]

It wouldn't hurt to have your farrier look also

 

[Woodhaven]

I bought a nice 12 yr old gelding and I should have had my Farrier look at him first as he shook his head when he saw him the first time.
He had side bones but was a really good horse and I did well with him at the shows but it did take too much out of him, he just couldn't handle the schooling. I did sell him to a lady with physical disabilities , she just wanted a horse to walk about on and he was good for that.
So my answer is no I would not buy a horse with side bone

 

[Alyce+Rocket]

Around where I am located $3000 is pretty cheap for a good horse with trail experience etc. the lady that owns her said she was willing to go down on the price for the right home, so even better. If all I can get is a few great and memorable years together with her, then by all means I would! I’m definitely going to get at least my vet to see her but hopefully my farrier can take a look at her too. She never actually competed in pleasure riding, so she’s only ever been a trail comp/arena horse. We’re hoping to see her sometime this week.

 

[wvfarrier]

Nnnnooooooo. Especially for $3G. You are essentially just buying problems.

 

[Alyce+Rocket]

I know some of you are against the possibility of me buying this mare but here’s the full description on her anyways:

“11 year old APHA beautiful blood bay mare. I have owned her for 4 years. I used her for trail riding and then bred her twice and have 2 gorgeous fillies. She has super smooth gaits. Excellent ground manners. After being off for 3 years got back on and started riding like it was yesterday. Great with feet, I barefoot trim and ride with boots if it is rocky. Had her teeth done and up to date on all shots. I pony my babies off of her. She does trail obstacles - crosses bridges, walks through water, picks her way through rocks and is good with hides. She is big and stout - 15.2. Loads in the trailer by herself. No buck or rear. She is looking for a new trail riding job. No maintenance needed. She has really nice pleasure breeding - Ratchett, Im a Big Leaguer, Zips Chocolate Chip. I have been arena riding since November and she is in great shape and ready for someone to enjoy this spring.”

When I contacted her she let me know she has sidebone and was very honest and upfront with me.

 

[ClearDonkey]

Ultimately, you can get whichever horse you please - none of us will be paying the future upkeep if things go south. Get a vet check, try her out, make the best decision for you.

 

[gottatrot]

It wouldn't be the sidebone that would concern me, but what caused it.

Was it poor hoof care for a long time that has by now affected the musculoskeletal system above? Or misaligned joints or poor movement causing the strain/pressure that calcified the tendons? Those are two main causes of sidebone.

Unless poor farriery was corrected, the issue is still there and continuing to degrade the horse's musculoskeletal system.

It's fine when you can inject a joint or two, or keep a horse comfortable with systemic pain meds. But if multiple joints get involved it can get complicated and very expensive to keep a horse sound.

 

[Woodhaven]

A red flag for me is "off for three years" I would worry that once she is back in regular work even if light work problems could come back

 

[wvfarrier]

Absokulely correct ^^^

 

[horselovinguy]

Having babies doesn't stop a horse from being ridden for 3 years....there is more to this than full honesty and upfront is telling of.
A vet and farrier look-see would be mandatory since already disclosed she has side-bone....often what is disclosed may not be the entire scenario and I will say maybe it has progressed and the owner is also not in the know of how much progression.
Are you looking at taking on a animal with limited time of sound riding and comfortable without medical intervention of drig and treatments being faced.. Ultimately, it is going to cost plenty or some rough decisions to face.
If you are open to spending thousands for a animal that may only have a year or so to enjoy astride...

GO see the animal in person.
Be very critical of what is in front of you in build and be super critical cause it is the build that is creating the issues.
The fact the horse was off for 3 years waves a red flag, she was made to carry 2x also added issue to her ailment...
You need a vet, a farrier to share with you their knowledge and for you to do some serious research from reliable resources...
I would be hesitant though and the fact the owner already said she will take less "to a good home" is waving that red-flag at me a bit more...
Go look, handle and ride... be vicious in your eval.
If you like her that much, get the vet out and one who is well versed in lameness issues and then, your farrier to come and see if he can work with, make less the issue cause it never goes away and is there room to make changes to keep the animal comfortable and ridden since no-way would I spend $ for a pasture pet, by me they are to abundant and needing homes.
Be prepared to walk away...you do not want to take on someone else's financial problems or a horse who faces some difficult decisions in to short a time in your ownership.
🐴.... jmo...

 

[Alyce+Rocket]

A red flag for me is "off for three years" I would worry that once she is back in regular work even if light work problems could come back

The reason is that she was diagnosed and they were already wanting to use her as a brood mare because of her bloodlines. They got her vet checked again after the three years off and the vet said they saw no change in the sidebone and cleared her for riding etc. I agree though it’s a concern when you first hear the 3 years off.

 

[Alyce+Rocket]

I am going to be very cautious and like you all have said before to keep emotions locked up when looking at these horses. Thanks everyone for sharing opinions!

 

[Whinnie]

Again, a second vet for an opinion.

 

[beau159]

“11 year old APHA beautiful blood bay mare. I have owned her for 4 years. I used her for trail riding and then bred her twice and have 2 gorgeous fillies. She has super smooth gaits. Excellent ground manners. After being off for 3 years got back on and started riding like it was yesterday. Great with feet, I barefoot trim and ride with boots if it is rocky. Had her teeth done and up to date on all shots. I pony my babies off of her. She does trail obstacles - crosses bridges, walks through water, picks her way through rocks and is good with hides. She is big and stout - 15.2. Loads in the trailer by herself. No buck or rear. She is looking for a new trail riding job. No maintenance needed. She has really nice pleasure breeding - Ratchett, Im a Big Leaguer, Zips Chocolate Chip. I have been arena riding since November and she is in great shape and ready for someone to enjoy this spring.”

I bolded the part in the description that doesn't make any sense to me. Why would she put this in the ad, and then "be honest" and tell you she has sidebone when you contact her? That will be a HUGE maintenance issue. Why would she said "no maintenance"? It's contradictory.

Can the seller provide you with a video before you go look at her? Because, if she's dead lame in a video, then that might change your mind about considering her.

I'm not afraid of selecting a GOOD-minded horse that has some issues. However, you also don't want to be fighting an uphill battle if the horse is extremely lame.
As others have said, if you even do consider her, a full PPE is in order.