Knock knees?

[Mango20]

I’m casually looking for a young, small horse to bring along while my older, small horse is recovering from a bad coffin bone fracture (hopefully she does). This horse would do a lot of trail riding, and train as an eventer even if I don’t compete. If competed, would go no further than Training level. I would also like him to be resellable if I change my mind about him. I’m not seeing much out there I like for a reasonable price, but this guy has me interested. He’s a 15 hand 4 year old QH/Arab with a nice video with a quiet rider doing circles in western gear, but letting him move freely forward. However, based on only these two pictures, I’m a little worried about his front leg conformation. He’s 3 hours from me, so I’m trying to decide whether to go see him. Do you think he’d hold up for eventing & trail riding with these legs? Would you pass on him? I’m guessing he was probably 3 in the picture with the ribbon, and 4 in the other one.

[Bonnie2]

Ask for a video of him jogging toward the camera. If you can live with what you see, go look at him in real life. For me, these photos would not eliminate him from consideration for the job you describe.

[NaturallyHappy]

I’d also like to see a side view.

[Mango20]

I don’t find the side view concerning

[Highflyer1]

I’d at least go and look, but I’m admittedly not super picky about conformation as long as I like the overall package.

[beowulf]

My family has a QH with similar conformation that has never had an issue with his knees a day in his life. He’s 29. Interestingly, I notice it looks worse if his toes are allowed to get long.

Since this one is 4, I’m not too worried. I’ve seen TBs with similar conformation straighten out when their shoulder growth plates close.

I say arrange trying him, and if you like him, enjoy your cute new project. Sorry to hear about your mare, jingling for an uncomplicated and easy recovery.

[NaturallyHappy]

I don’t either, and I agree w what everyone else said. I was curious about the side view …. It seems like back at the knee shows up in that type, and for me, that’s a non starter.

[luvmyhackney]

Congrats on your new project.

His knees wouldn’t bother me at the level you want to do.

[Paint_Party]

The front views aren’t that bad. I’d go try him. Definitely watch him trot toward you in a straight line to see how he tracks. Then, of course, if you like him, have a PPE with xrays to see if anything is brewing.

I happen to be a fan of QH/Arab crosses. I’ll bet he’s really cute!

[Aussie_2020]

I don’t think he’s bad at all. After seeing the conformation on some iron horses there’s a lot worse out there that are performing well.

The only conformation issue I saw that had me scratching my head was a QH with bench knees. She looked weird! But she was sound.

[goodhors]

Agree with “not too bad” and only 4yrs old. Breeding is very likely to widen his chest, pivot the legs with knees ending on the front as his elbows get pushed outward. He may just need time to grow, to get his body more aligned.

I would go look at him if you really like him, like his videos. He sounds like he will be able to do what you want, in time. Just don’t push him too much at this young age.

Have Farrier do NO CORRECTIVE trimming, just a level hoof trim… Both hoof sides even on those front feet. Correcting is not going to “FIX” anything at this late date, just mess up his joints with uneven meeting of the bone surfaces he gets with “correcting” things.

[LilRanger]

His knees track with his toes, and I agree with goodhors, as he gains muscle and fills out, his elbows will rotate out, and his knees and feet will turn in.

[Mango20]

I went to see him and made an offer pending a PPE, so we’ll see what happens!

[Mango20]

I had the PPE yesterday and he didn’t come home with me. Radiographs showed arthritic changes in his stifles, which is not really a risk I want to take on with a 4 year old who has had an easy life so far. He also had sidebone, probably from the unbalanced trims he has. It was too bad, he was a sweet guy who checked all or most of my boxes. It also hurts to have spent that much on the PPE and come home with an empty trailer (after driving 3 hours each way). Oh well, back to riding the small pony.

[NaturallyHappy]

I’m disappointed for you.

[beowulf]

Oh no Mango20, I’m so bummed for you. It does sting but think of it this way - that PPE saved you thousands (and heartbreak) down the line.