Unsure whether to buy horse with melanomas

[McGurk]

I bought a 4 yo gray filly (gray on both sides of her pedigree - all four grandparents are grey), but I know her dam and a bunch of her half siblings. The dam is 25, has no melanoma, and is living her best life as a retiree. Of her half sibs, only one has any melanoma (currently the underside of his tail) and it hasn’t caused any issues. That half sibling is 21. The other half sibs that I know are 9, 8, 6 and 5 - no melanoma.

So I took the chance, since she was well known to me and I was sure of her suitability.

In your situation, I think I would have passed too.

Sorry, but I think you made the right decision.

[Bluey]

We received an andalusian 3 year old colt to start under saddle.
He already had several larger bumps under his tail and small ones on his throat latch.
They kept growing and when sent back they were so large we think the owner had to euthanize him shortly after.
He was such a sweet, gentle colt, sad.

I don’t think I would take chances on a youngster with melanoma, but your vets will know best.