How to NOT pick a lame horse because I certainly don't have that skill - pictures added

[stargzng386]

My first horse raced 8 years and broke down a few years after I purchased him. I had fallen head over heels at my lesson barn and couldn’t be talked out of not taking him. I was a super poor college kid and put every cent I had at the expense of food sometimes to try and help him but couldn’t. I finally had to give up and he was retired.

So I went horse shopping. Bought a sound but too green bucking mare and had to sell her. Had another super cute sound horse on trial but had some coughing/heaves at the prepurchase exam so I passed. Bought a nice gelding currently in work for what I wanted. Had him vetted no major issues, started having on and off issues and found out the trainer hid some SI issues that needed a FULL workload to keep at bay. He also had chronic Lyme disease which caused a bunch of random on and off lameness issues. Horse was semi rideable for years but ended up with a suspensory injury that I fully rehabbed that he went and re-injured a year later. Owned him 7 years, rode on and off maybe 4 mostly just walk/ trot or rehab work because he never held up to a lot of canter or jumping. Was never a horse I really connected with. Mentally wasn’t in a good place from spending so much $$$ and not having any fun.

So this time I wasn’t going to buy someone else’s lameness issues so I bought a yearling. Had him vetted, know the farm through a friend and literally every foal out of this stallion is sound and 2 full siblings are completely sound. Absolutely fell in love with him and then at 2 years old he popped up lame. Major hock arthritis, didn’t respond to regular injections had to do a chemical fusion or euth. He recovered came 100% sound vets said ride him and he went to training and we had a good couple months once he was back having the most fun I’ve had in saddle. I trust him, love riding him and it was amazing. Then he started having issues again, we can’t really pinpoint where but it’s like playing whack a mole everytime you fix something something else pops up. I would be completely happy just tooling around at a walk but he’s not having it. He doesn’t look completely horrible lunging so ppl keep telling me it’s a training issue and that he’s not that off he should be fine to ride but I know him. He’s a happy go lucky wants to please, did fantastic being broke horse who refuses to take a few steps under saddle because something hurts. This horse who will follow me anywhere will pin his ears, buck in place and do anything in his power to not move with a rider on his back and I feel like I owe it to him to listen to him. He’s been seen at Morven Park multiple times, VEI and a number of local vets who I trust to do a lameness eval. I have spent everything recommended by the vets to try and diagnose and figure this out aside from a full body scan because all of it is out of pocket. I recently moved him to a new barn with a huge hill in the field had the vet out for a top to bottom new look at him and she found very mild neuro symptoms, did full treatment for EPM while handwalking him 5-6 days a week to help him slowly and correctly build muscle and he was just cleared to be 100% neurologically normal and looks better than he has in awhile. However he’s still sore in the hind leg with the fused hock…that was sound a year ago. At this point I’m done and just going to turn him out for awhile and see if maybe once he’s done all of his growth spurts he’ll be ok but chances are he’s retired…at 4 years old.

So I have a few horses I can ride at the barn and this guy will be with me for life because I love him. I could swing a second horse but the idea of shopping makes me sick. I have spent 15 years and an ungodly amount of money on not having a riding horse and ALL I want is a horse to do low level w/t/c, trail ride, and maybe pop over a few fences. Trust me my expectations are low. How do I even trust myself to pick out another horse? I literally picked out the ONLY yearling at an entire breeding farm to have any issues. I know I’ll need a huge pre purchase exam budget because you can believe I’ll be x-raying literally all the joints.

[islgrl]

Its so hard - you simply can’t predict how its al going to go. Its just such a leap of faith. You have had a pile of bad luck. Hopefully it won’t continue, but I get why you’re frustrated.

[outerbanks77]

I am sorry, it’s such a crapshoot. I’ve been through the arthritic at a young age, and always NQR horse, and then the bucking horse, and I’m still working through things on a horse that had some issues and then injured herself on top of that. Finally have one that knock wood seems to be sound and sane, and ironically, I didn’t really choose her, just took her in trade because I was desperate to get rid of the bucking horse after two years of trying to fix her.

If your shoes, I think I would get something that is going as a pleasure horse living and raised in a pasture situation, maybe in the 6-10 year old range, in a size and breed that tends to be more sound. A horse that has demonstrated holding up in consistent work.

[stargzng386]

@outerbanks77

I am sorry, it’s such a crapshoot. I’ve been through the arthritic at a young age, and always NQR horse, and then the bucking horse, and I’m still working through things on a horse that had some issues and then injured herself on top of that. Finally have one that knock wood seems to be sound and sane, and ironically, I didn’t really choose her, just took her in trade because I was desperate to get rid of the bucking horse after two years of trying to fix her.

If your shoes, I think I would get something that is going as a pleasure horse living and raised in a pasture situation, maybe in the 6-10 year old range, in a size and breed that tends to be more sound. A horse that has demonstrated holding up in consistent work.

What breeds would you consider more sound? I am definitely going to try and find something already going for what I want. The last two were QH, the first was a TB. I prefer a cold blooded quieter horse but am done with QH right now. And mine were not show bred I specifically picked a working ranch line…for a sound working horse.

[joiedevie99]

You want something fully grown (6 years or older), something that wasn’t started super young as is common in some of the breed worlds, something that currently lives in a set-up as close as possible to yours, currently has workload as close as possible to what you want, and has preferably been in that exact workload for at least a year.

Vettings are only as good as the vet doing them. And even the best vets don’t have crystal balls. But you can start asking around and compiling some names. You need more than one option in case the seller uses your first choice as their vet.

Also, consider a free lease. If something goes wrong, there is some cap on the amount of time/money you need to invest.

[fordtraktor]

Ugh. feel your pain. The only thing I will say is that having been through this before with several, I get out from under them sooner when it turns out they have chronic lameness issues. I want a high performance horse, though, so usually I am able to find a situation where the horse is still usable. but when the vets tell me now a horse isn’t likely to stay sound at this job, I move them on (with full disclosure). I have taken an absolute financial bath on a few, but it is better than throwing good money after bad and fairer to the horse to not have expectations it isn’t likely to meet.

and no TBs! I know some people manage to find sound ones but the last 4 I had developed non-obvious limitations when in heavy work. I love riding TBs but man, I can’t go down that road again.

[justdandy]

@stargzng386

What breeds would you consider more sound? I am definitely going to try and find something already going for what I want. The last two were QH, the first was a TB. I prefer a cold blooded quieter horse but am done with QH right now. And mine were not show bred I specifically picked a working ranch line…for a sound working horse.

This guy is a QH? Did you have him HYPP tested?

[stargzng386]

@fordtraktor

Ugh. feel your pain. The only thing I will say is that having been through this before with several, I get out from under them sooner when it turns out they have chronic lameness issues. I want a high performance horse, though, so usually I am able to find a situation where the horse is still usable. but when the vets tell me now a horse isn’t likely to stay sound at this job, I move them on (with full disclosure). I have taken an absolute financial bath on a few, but it is better than throwing good money after bad and fairer to the horse to not have expectations it isn’t likely to meet.

and no TBs! I know some people manage to find sound ones but the last 4 I had developed non-obvious limitations when in heavy work. I love riding TBs but man, I can’t go down that road again.

I keep getting stuck because once they have their lameness issue they aren’t saleable. I’m the low level rider who would take the ones you are moving on for example.

[stargzng386]

@justdandy

This guy is a QH? Did you have him HYPP tested?

Both parents were negative and I had the Etalon testing done mainly for color genetics and that test was negative as well.

[outerbanks77]

@stargzng386

What breeds would you consider more sound? I am definitely going to try and find something already going for what I want. The last two were QH, the first was a TB. I prefer a cold blooded quieter horse but am done with QH right now. And mine were not show bred I specifically picked a working ranch line…for a sound working horse.

Foundation appaloosa might be one to look at. I was going to say less-refined Arabians and Morgans, but that might not be your type. It seems like many smaller draft crosses are sound/low maintenance. The Perch/QH cross mare that is stabled in between my two mares is super easy-going and low maintenance, sound barefoot.

[Arelle]

Good lord, that’s a run of bad luck. Although, it’s only four horses over fifteen years? A horse they told you not to buy and you did anyway, a horse with a bucking issue, a horse that was injured while with you and a young horse that developed an issue while with you after starting him as a two year old.

Young horses are a crap shoot. I think your money would probably be best spent on an adult horse (8-12) that is doing what you want, has been for a number of years, and is staying sound. Like it or not, past performance is the best indicator of future performance.

Also, you are going to have more issues when you are riding them at 2. I say that as someone who breeds AQHA and APHA. I don’t do the lunge line events, and I don’t do the 2 year old events… I usually don’t start them until they’re a true 3 because my end goal is to have an over fences horse, which means I need longevity.

There are plenty of horses I know who are pretty sound and would absolutely go W/T/C and pop over some fences and trail ride. I have a mare that I’ve owned for 20 years who is still sound as the day I bought her and she’s 22.

Are you working with a trainer, or are you doing this on your own? Could you potentially lease something for a little while, so you could hand it back if it’s injured but enjoy riding in the meantime? Bad, weird stuff happens with horses all the time - but if it’s happening over and over, I have to wonder if it’s something environmental versus bad luck picking out horses to buy.

[Arcadien]

Another one who can relate! You sounds like an awesome owner who has just run into a long string of bad luck. Anyone in this game long enough (and not a multi-millionaire) runs into a spell of luck similar to yours. You are long ovedue for the other kind of luck!! That said, if I were you I would find a free lease, or half lease situation next - just so your sanity can take a breather, and you can start really riding without being committed to the long haul if something goes wrong. Hopefully through leasing, you work on close contact with a select group of trusted trainers/riders who can then tip you off if a horse just suited for your needs comes available. Without bottomless pockets, I think that’s the best way to improve your luck on the next ownership round.

[stargzng386]

@Arelle

Good lord, that’s a run of bad luck. Although, it’s only four horses over fifteen years? A horse they told you not to buy and you did anyway, a horse with a bucking issue, a horse that was injured while with you and a young horse that developed an issue while with you after starting him as a two year old.

Young horses are a crap shoot. I think your money would probably be best spent on an adult horse (8-12) that is doing what you want, has been for a number of years, and is staying sound. Like it or not, past performance is the best indicator of future performance.

Also, you are going to have more issues when you are riding them at 2. I say that as someone who breeds AQHA and APHA. I don’t do the lunge line events, and I don’t do the 2 year old events… I usually don’t start them until they’re a true 3 because my end goal is to have an over fences horse, which means I need longevity.

There are plenty of horses I know who are pretty sound and would absolutely go W/T/C and pop over some fences and trail ride. I have a mare that I’ve owned for 20 years who is still sound as the day I bought her and she’s 22.

Are you working with a trainer, or are you doing this on your own? Could you potentially lease something for a little while, so you could hand it back if it’s injured but enjoy riding in the meantime? Bad, weird stuff happens with horses all the time - but if it’s happening over and over, I have to wonder if it’s something environmental versus bad luck picking out horses to buy.

The young horse was not started as a 2 year old, he was lame in the field at a walk as a 2 year old. I did nothing with him except teach basic manners, no lunging no work at all until 3 1/2 when he was cleared by the vet and I was told that putting him in light work would be beneficial to keep him moving since he had known arthritis. He went to professional training was broke with me riding him weekly in a lesson and came home to an easy 20 min walk/trot ride 3x a week or just walking on trails.

I’ve worked with trainers and done some of it myself. I board them out 24/7 provide top vet care and have a really amazing farrier who I’ve kept at various barns and through multiple horses. He’s also recommended by my vet.

I hope it’s not situational because I don’t really know how to fix that. I warm up and cool down any horse I ride for 10 minutes each, I don’t lunge unless checking for soundness so I can see the horse move, I don’t push too hard or too fast. Crap there’s a horse at my barn sound as can be and the owner never rides except to trailer her to a show every 2 weeks and jump her around 3ft. I do everything in my power to properly exercise and build up a horse to prevent injury.

The horse that was injured in my care was after 5 years of on and off issues stemming from extremely high chronic Lyme disease that the vet was convinced he had before I purchased him.

[Mulligan314]

I feel for ya. We’ve also had our fair share of lame horses for years. It’s so frustrating. I also beat myself up for the better part of 10 years after my heart horse went chronically lame at 11. I figured it was something I had done(or not done)…footing…jumping on not ideal surfaces…overuse…all the things. After we lost him and after I got my new guy, I have been over sensitive about feet. Our farrier finally stopped me one day and said, ‘you didn’t cause his(prior horse) problems. He always had these problems.’ Which finally lifted some of the guilt that I felt…but I’m still nervous about ‘messing up’ with this guy.

So, I don’t have much advise…more of supportive virtual hugs. It sucks.

[fordtraktor]

@stargzng386

I keep getting stuck because once they have their lameness issue they aren’t saleable. I’m the low level rider who would take the ones you are moving on for example.

Ugh, that sucks. Euth is a reasonable option. I know it isn’t popular to say, but there it is. There should be a lot of half lease/free lease options in your area. Maybe try that? Giving it back when it breaks is why I don’t lease horses any more, but lots of people do!

[Lunabear1988]

I’m so sorry, OP. I have been down a very similar road and it sucks. At this point I’m just planning on spending lots of money on a PPE. Also trying to buy something in some real, good work.

I’m also just hoping for good luck this time. Hang in there.

[Gardenhorse]

I’m so sorry. I’ve been dealing with an unspecified hind end lameness for the past 6 months and it’s just so frustrating.

I agree with a poster who suggested you might try a lease for awhile - might let you just enjoy riding without the stress of trying to pick a non-lame horse. An older eventer stepping down from competition might be perfect for you.

[four2farm]

Short of buying a horse you don’t like, those never go lame. My only advice is too have faith. Some horses can have crap conformation and stay sound forever and the ideal conformation ones never take a sound step. Buying babies is no guarantee of soundness. Neither is a PPE, but you are DUE for a better turn. I will send vibes of healing for your current horse and vibes for you, Mr Sound is out there and he is looking for a nice owner like you!

[Arlomine]

Lease! Lease a FUN horse so you can relax a bit and enjoy riding. Of course get a good lease agreement! Revisit purchasing later, recover first!

[4horses]

I wish I could say I have had better luck, but no.

First horse I bought was a grade appendix mare. She was dropped at a boarding stable and surrendered. I had her 2 years and she had some issues - one contracted hoof. Tried shoes but she kept losing them. Finally pulled the shoes, but then we dealt with stone bruises and abscesses (very wet environment and rocky roads). Then went lame in the right front and was diagnosed with navicular syndrome. Then was moving crooked behind and we thought it was hock arthritis. Treated for that without much success. Finally diagnosed with DSLD as her hinds swelled up from the hock down. Swelling went way down with surpass ointment, and we tried to manage her condition as best we could.

She was given an early semi-retirement and used for kids pony rides- put toddlers on and walk around - she was an angel with children. Just loved kids. We had a special needs child come up and pinch her in the rump and pull on her tail and she must have recognized he was special needs, as she didn’t even move. She made so many kids happy- touched so many families. Just a lovely temperament even if her body couldn’t hold up for athletic work. She eventually developed leaky heart valves and was fully retired. Looking at euthanasia soon, as her condition is progressing. I could ride her bridleless with a rope around her neck and she never put a foot wrong.

Next horse I bought as a 2 year old (untouched). She immediately developed lameness issues - I chased that down with diagnostics but ran out of funding when they started talking about nuclear scans… She was happy as a walk-trot horse for many years. Finally tentatively diagnosed as type 2 pssm- she never could canter under saddle without cross firing. I sometimes think she has kissing spines in addition to pssm, but really don’t know.

I took in a rescue from a feedlot. She’s sound and healthy so far (knock on wood). Couldn’t ask for a better temperament. Just as nicely tempered as my first horse. She loves everybody and will do anything you ask with complete trust. Definitely came from a good home originally. She’s my main riding horse. Wish I could find her papers!

Next rescue I took in was a Paso Fino. He was fully sound - no lameness issues, but he’s probably going to go blind (uveitis). He’s steadily losing vision in one eye. The other eye is okay, but he’s mentally damaged (ptsd and prior abuse). Right now he’s in remission with the eye issue but I probably will end up euthanizing. He’s very flighty at the best of times, hates being in Florida, too sensitive to bugs, and doesn’t cooperate with eye drops. I decided I will not risk getting myself hurt fighting over eye drops. He had this year off, minus a handful of rides. He rides nicely if the situation is right (no bugs, and not a lot of people).

It’s a shame he is screwed up because he is more athletic then any horse I have met. Would be a great endurance horse (very high energy). Runs the weight right off himself in the pasture, as any little thing stresses him out.

My plan moving forward is to euthanize the 2 at somepoint, and maybe breed my sound mare this spring. Maybe. I don’t mind buying something but I worry about unknown issues like pssm 2. I don’t want a thoroughbred (too big, probably needs shoes, thin soles). I don’t want a stock horse (no more pssm). The other paint I leased had type 1 pssm and continued to have issues despite a proper diet and exercise program. Beautiful horse with major health issues.

I’m mainly interested in Welsh ponies, Connemaras, and Morgans. I was very impressed by my friend’s older haflinger. 26 years old and just as healthy and sound as a young horse.

I think people are ruining certain breeds. I don’t like the conformation of most stock horses. What happened to the Appaloosa of old? Paints and Appaloosas all look just like Quarter horses now. Straight hind legs and downhill build.

I don’t have to buy anything. I don’t have to breed anything. I have one lovely riding horse. But I find myself dreaming of a younger version of her- as I know she will need to be retired at some point. I’m already planning her retirement. I have a friend that does therapeutic riding and I think she would be perfect for that when the time comes.

Maybe lease something? Or lease to buy?