I bought my first horse from a dealer (good reputation) 4 weeks ago. He is 15 years old, passed a 5 stage vetting and was delivered 3 weeks ago, I signed a contract 3 weeks ago and have a 30 day warranty on him on which there is a week left.
He has been in quarantine and so unrideable for 2.5 weeks as I could not use the school and it's been too dark to ride in the field. Last Wednesday I had my first ride on him during a private 1/2 hour lesson with the YO. We did mostly walk as I am a nervous rider and a tiny bit of trot (meaning once along the long side of the school on both reins). YO immediately picked up on back pain as his head comes up when there is movement on his back and he throws his head up when you move your weight forward to dismount. Thursday the school was too busy and yesterday I had another 1/2 hr lesson with YO. We did a lot more trotting and she has picked up on lameness but as he is a black horse and it was dark, we were under the floodlights, she had problems putting her finger on it.
Today, in the light of day she is certain he is 3/10ths lame in both hinds, and one fore. He twists his pelvis and she is almost certain it comes from higher up rather than his feet and legs. I have spoken to the duty vet and told them about the warranty and I need to call 9am Monday morning to get them out asap.
If this is not something easily sorted via physio and the chiropracter, YO advises me to take the 30 day warranty and claim my money back. She also thinks that as I've bought from a dealer if he is not fit for purpose regardless of the 30 days I have 3 months to claim my money back, and possibly all expenses so livery costs, vets fees, vetting, rugs, tack etc.
Is she right?
I am absolutely gutted He is a sweet sweet boy and does not deserve to live in pain, I am so afraid that sending him back means he will be sold on to live in pain for the rest of his life or that he ends up being sent back and forth between lots of different places. He doesn't deserve anything but comfort and a secure home
He has been in quarantine and so unrideable for 2.5 weeks as I could not use the school and it's been too dark to ride in the field. Last Wednesday I had my first ride on him during a private 1/2 hour lesson with the YO. We did mostly walk as I am a nervous rider and a tiny bit of trot (meaning once along the long side of the school on both reins). YO immediately picked up on back pain as his head comes up when there is movement on his back and he throws his head up when you move your weight forward to dismount. Thursday the school was too busy and yesterday I had another 1/2 hr lesson with YO. We did a lot more trotting and she has picked up on lameness but as he is a black horse and it was dark, we were under the floodlights, she had problems putting her finger on it.
Today, in the light of day she is certain he is 3/10ths lame in both hinds, and one fore. He twists his pelvis and she is almost certain it comes from higher up rather than his feet and legs. I have spoken to the duty vet and told them about the warranty and I need to call 9am Monday morning to get them out asap.
If this is not something easily sorted via physio and the chiropracter, YO advises me to take the 30 day warranty and claim my money back. She also thinks that as I've bought from a dealer if he is not fit for purpose regardless of the 30 days I have 3 months to claim my money back, and possibly all expenses so livery costs, vets fees, vetting, rugs, tack etc.
Is she right?
I am absolutely gutted He is a sweet sweet boy and does not deserve to live in pain, I am so afraid that sending him back means he will be sold on to live in pain for the rest of his life or that he ends up being sent back and forth between lots of different places. He doesn't deserve anything but comfort and a secure home