Scar near/over joint (pre-purchase horse)

[4horses]

Would a scar near or over a joint deter you from buying a young prospect? I really liked the horse’s temperament but am wondering about the location of this scar. I do plan to have the horse vet checked as she appeared sound, but she needs a new coggins. She was chased by the other horse and jumped the fence and cut her leg open. Would ultrasound be better than x ray at diagnosing any potential issues? She does appear sound at the trot.

Here’s a picture of the scar. She did allow me to prod it and it didn’t appear painful.

The owner said she didn’t need stitches and it was only a skin wound. The vet did come out to clean it.

[2tempe]

I would ask the PPE vet. Given you like her and she is sound, I would go ahead, BUT start With that leg before taking a bunch of other xrays.

[trubandloki]

I agree 100% with the advice above by @2tempe.

Lots of scars in life do not cause any issues. Ask the vet to start with this one to see what they think.

[vxf111]

Unless the horse is doing conformation classes I’m totally unconcerned with a scar on a sound horse. I would PPE if I otherwise liked the horse.

[4horses]

Well the owner wants her picked up right away (with no vet check or coggins). I’m not sure I want to do that. I made a low offer (as that may reduce my risk if she comes up unsound later on) and the owner hasn’t gotten back to me.

We will see but I think it’s going to be a pass. Probably not a good sign when they leave in the middle of a conversation.

[IPEsq]

If the wound had penetrated the joint, it would have needed more care than just one visit to clean it topically. But I would pass just based on the fact that they don’t want you to do a PPE or pull a Coggins. That itself is too shady for me.

[Dutchmare433]

I would not pass because of the scar. I would definitely pass if they won’t allow a vetting or Coggins.

[Warmblood1]

It sounds like they are trying to force you into a sale.

PPE/Coggins or pass.

[Lusoluv]

No seller in their right mind says you can’t do a PPE unless they have something to hide and are afraid you’re going to find it. Run away!!

[Highflyer1]

I rarely do a PPE but not allowing it or even just discouraging it is a huge red flag.

[vxf111]

Same

[J-Lu]

A PPE should be done on EVERY horse prior to sale.

I have a good friend who didn’t do those on “otherwise perfect horses” and ended up with a bunch of lawn ornaments.

[4horses]

The owner of this particular horse knows nothing about horses. I don’t think she understands the reasons why people would want a pre-purchase exam. I honestly don’t think this horse has had any vet work at all. No vaccines, no coggins, and she definitely hasn’t had her teeth done. Her hooves looked beautiful for never seeing a farrier. The owner said she had them done once. She said she had the vet up when the horse cut her leg open, but I’m starting to doubt that happened either.

It’s a very sweet horse, and I am certain she would be an easy project, but there’s a lot of youngsters out there around the same price range, with a nice attitude. I can spend a little more and get something started so I’m thinking it’s a pass. If they drop the price, it might be worth the effort to get her vetted, but it would definitely be a gamble.