So, he probably IS lame, but it’s covered up by shoes / pads or is sub-clinical. Horses like this are a time bomb, and unless you’re willing to dedicate time off (years, possibly) to help him recover, I would not buy him if you want a horse that you can ride and show with right away.
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My guess is its a former driving horse.
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Absolutely not, no, never ever.
NO HOOF, NO HORSE.
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Why would you guess a driving horse?
I guess she is thinking road founder? No way would I risk this. Even if you can dedicate years to its recovery - that recovery might never happen. No matter how much money you can throw at it. And if both front feet hurt - the trainer might THINK it is not lame because there is no sound phase to compare it to. I have been down this Heartbreak Highway and I am never going that way again.
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Hard pass.
Sheilah
The subtle navicular is still navicular – that issue turns me off far more that thin soles (can be addressed) and rotation/laminitis which might never occur again with good management.
But with navicular, which can be well managed for many years (but not forever) a popular treatment that works is injecting the coffin joints or bursa with steroids added, but this can bring on laminitis in a risk horse. So that treatment is (probably) out right off the bat, so that means your navicular options are more limited long term.
I feel confident that I could keep a horse like that sound for a long time with superb management + $$$$, but all that would mean is that I’d be saving his life = keeping him out of the hands of others that might give up = a shorter life perhaps full of pain and misery, or worse, sent down the road to auction.
Worth the risk? Only if you’re prepared to go the distance. No judgement if you’re not.
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