advice

[diane]

there is this horse. not running anymore and on a farm... the trainer has him listed on Canter Mid Atlantic..

I think he is 5 now.. the remarks say he has mildly arthritic knees.. now would he make a riding horse? with help? would he need medication all the time ? and what meds? and would it start to bother his stomach?.

my daughter knows this horse and says he has a good temperment and is good to be around and handle.. but those knees keep me from asking about him..

[jenarby]

Would that be Jo? If so I took his listing. I watched him jog two days after his last race. If you want more ifo let me know.

[TeachU2Ride]

Xrays and flexions will tell the tale of what's really going on inside those joints. Stiff knees can be very limiting, affecting stride length, creating sore shoulders/low back (due to compensation), and if there's a chip or oddly-healed fracture more damage can occur with time. Be careful!

[animaldoc]

You definitely need radiographs and a vet exam - depends exactly what's going on with the knees, how sound the horse is now, and what he's currently doing vs. what you want him to do (ie. he was lame racing, but you want a trail horse, might be OK. Sore on turnout and you want a jumping horse, no way.)

[diane]

thanks guys.. I think you answered my questions.

yeah Jen.. its Jo.. I love the white legs and face, but I dont think he would hold up to be a riding horse.

[jenarby]

Okay, the trainer has films on this horse. He's only had four races. The son broke him to saddle and said he has never, ever put a foot wrong. Trainer said he must have had some type of injury when he was very young but vet couldn't pinpoint anything, just said he was arthritic. The trainer's son is also his rider....said he is sore for a few days after runing but comes out of it. He was very confident that this horse could be a "riding horse." What I can tell you is two days (it might have been three) after he ran he WAS sore. I do trust this trainer though....both times I've seen this horse he was QUIET. Stood very still and just watched his surroundings. He seems very sweet too. He's actually four this year, not five. Also, if the home is right, he's free. Hope that helps. If you are really interested, I'd go see him and maybe ask to let your vet see his films. He just steals your heart he's so sweet.

[numerologist]

Also consider potential use...What do you mean "a riding horse"? He may be fine for 2 or 3 short trail rides a week, but not for dressage or jumping.....

[diane]

thanks everyone.... I heard that he has a home now.... he was handsome..