If you plan to use him for endurance the worm issue seems to be the most risky. He probably could do other things and it not be such an issue. You'd be "safer" maybe if you found a horse that was physically cared for, but the owners just dind't use him for much except an ornament. Mine were that way . One owners horses, exponyclubber with 5 kids, just never did much with them, then had to move suddenly. Laurie and Rascal ----- Original Message ----- From: Jennifer Thompson Sent: Tuesday, September 24, 2002 2:18 PM To: Ridecamp Subject: [RC] "Auction" horses? Okay....may be going to go look at a horse tomorrow and need some advice.
Turns out he came from the auctions and is unregistered. A trainer from the LA Equestrian Center bought him a year ago after spotting him at the sales and couldn't bear to see him go to the killers. He has put 8 months of training on him, and now wants to sell him to someone who will do something useful with him. Good conformation, good withers, straight legs, great feet - currently barefoot.
The horse is almost 5 years old and was never ridden before this trainer got him. A vet check will put any lameness issues to rest, I hope.
However, the seller did say that the horse was very wormy when he first got him, but he has been worming him regularly since then. He then mentioned that right now he is a little concerned about the horse because he has not been finishing his hay lately, and is worried something may be wrong (boy, is this honest or what?). He also said it could just be the 105+ degree heat we've been having (my own mare did not finish her hay yesterday either)....I am still afraid of intestinal damage from the worms he had before....is there anyway to know if there is any? The seller said that the horse has not been off his feed for the past year that he's had him, only the last few days - although he is not the type of horse that bolts his food anyway...kinda takes his time. I'm still feeling leery though...I've seen a horse die of damage from past worm infestation and don't want to see it again.
Are there any other caveats to buying a horse with an unknown past? Even if it's a young horse? Anything to check for? Anything a vet should check for above and beyond a normal vet check?
Should I steer clear of this horse?
The seller sounds very honest - I asked every question I was given advice here to ask (we were on the phone for 45 minutes), and the seller told me all of the horse's faults right up front. He is scared of puddles (but will cross streams no problem) and had a bad tooth that led to some bitting issues. Wolf tooth was pulled by the vet one month ago, and horse is now doing better, although still tenses up and gets behind the bit when turned to the right (the side the wolf tooth was on). He said that this is gradually getting better, as the horse is learning that the pain is gone and not to fear the bit. He rides him in a french link snaffle.
The horse has been trained mainly on busy trails in the Los Angeles area (Griffith Park), knows all the basics - turns off fore and hind, sidepasses, collects and extends, knows his transistions. He said the horse is very willing, loves people, and likes to move out.
Horse prefers to be in front while on trail, but doesn't pitch a huge fit if held back.
He sounds so tempting to go see.....but an auction horse? Sounds so risky!
Advice for me?
Jennifer
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