Viewing on Thursday

[doolally_tap]

I've got a viewing on Thursday which sounds quite hopeful.

Ad reads:

Dark bay tb gelding, 15.2hh, 14 yr old. Ex RS, so lovely manners, ideal for hacking, would suit novice/teenager, has lovely temperament, loves company, good to box, shoe, catch, quiet on roads, used to all standards of riding.

Spoke to owner and asked my usual huge list of Q's. Only concern is that the horse has a soft front knee which causes him no problems at the moment. However, bearing in mind his age, this could easily be a problem for arthritus in the near future. I don't want to take on something that will present me with huge vet bills.

I would, of course, be getting whatever I buy fully vetted - but I know that this horse would not pass a 5* vetting.

Apart from this - the horse sounds ideal in terms of temperament.

Will keep you posted on how it goes, but if anyone has any advice in the meantime it would certainly be appreciated.

[NoviceNic]

So would you buy a horse that failed the vetting if it was perfect for you??? Or would you turn it down because of the failed vetting???

If you are thinking the latter then I if it were me, I wouldnt go and view on the knowledge that it wouldnt pass a vetting.:o But saying that I bought an imperfect cob and am very happy with him.:D

If this horse ticks all your boxes then go and have a look. See what you think and speak to the vet about the soft knee. You never know. May not be a problem, yet may be a huge health issue.:confused:

Hope you find your dream horse soon.:)

[eml]

As an RS owner I would not be a fan of the 14yo ex RS horse.

Some schools use and then sell on horses usually as 7-8 yos, others like us keep our horses and retire them when they no longer want to work. An ex RS horse at 14 makes me wonder why the school are selling him. Our horses at that age are normally worth their weight in gold as they know the job and are sane but still supple and willing.

[doolally_tap]

So would you buy a horse that failed the vetting if it was perfect for you??? Or would you turn it down because of the failed vetting???

I would really take the advice of the vet - a lot of the issues that fail a 5* vetting don't necessarily mean that the horse shouldn't still be considered - but at least you are aware as a new owner what issues the horse actually has.

Maybe I should seek some advice about the knee before I go see him??


As an RS owner I would not be a fan of the 14yo ex RS horse.

Some schools use and then sell on horses usually as 7-8 yos, others like us keep our horses and retire them when they no longer want to work. An ex RS horse at 14 makes me wonder why the school are selling him. Our horses at that age are normally worth their weight in gold as they know the job and are sane but still supple and willing.

He's no longer at the riding school - is with a private owner now. But he was a RS horse previously - I think until he was around 10ish.

[NoviceNic]

One thing to be aware of with ex RS is that they dont necessarily solo hack. Captain is very nervous when we got out solo. We just work through it slowly and surely we are getting there.;)

[Mary Poppins]

I would be slightly wary that the ad states that the horse loves company but does not mention solo hacking. This could mean that he won't hack out alone.