Horse Question?

Question

This horse that I am looking at trading, has always been a trail horse in Indiana. This horse is an Appoloosa(maybe mixed). This horse has not been trained to go backwards. The owner said that when you put this horse in the stall the leg (thiegh) swells up, and he said when you let him out of the stall the swelling gose down. This horse is the age of 13. No papers.My question is what is this swelling? Would it affect my ridding? What is going on with this horse? I really would like if you did not put have a vet cheak it. I would use this horse for mainly contesting. I would not like to invest alot of money into this horse.What should I do?What is the swelling?

Answer 1

The swelling can be due to age and lack of circulation. My older show gelding (17) did this if left standing in the stall for a few days. I have also heard it called being "stocked up". The swelling will usually go down after the horse is taken out and moved around, but this is never going to go away and may get worse with age and use. When this started I retired my gelding, since his joints just could not take the stress of showing all day. Out in the pasture with no use he was fine, but any type of riding over aout 30 minutes and he was stiff and sore the next day. And sometime his hocks would swell. The vet said I could have his hocks injected, but that only lasts about 6 months and will cost about $400 each time you do it. And you stated this horse is not trained to back up. What is going to happpen when you pull back and ask for a "whoa"? I see you getting dumped off from a rearing horse. I would think long and hard about this. There usually is a reason that a horse is cheap. If you are not wanting to invest a lot of money, then please do not buy a horse that already has health issues. They are not going to go away.

Answer 2

I would find a different horse. 13 is a little old in my opinion for competition. The swelling, although it doesn't sound bad, could be something from an injury once or something that can turn worse as the years pass. If it can't go backwards. then that's something else you'll have to work with it on. Also if you don't want to invest a lot of money in this horse, then think about the vet bills you'll have if the swelling turns for the worse, and all the effort you'll put into it to make the horse go backwards well enough for competing. I can't truly tell you what's wrong with the horses leg 1) because I'm not a vet 2) there aren't enough details I hope that whatever you chose it turns out great for you though and good luck.

Answer 3

You say you will be using this horse for contesting - does that mean you will be trailering it and stalling it at different facilties? If so, then whatever the underlying cause of the swelling, it is going to be a problem. I have never heard of a horse stocking up in the thigh (upper hind leg), but if it is swelling of the lower legs, the cannons, then it is just stocking up, and relatively common and harmless. Remember that a vet check is far less investment than the horse, and the hassle that you save yourself by getting a vet check may be worth it in the long run. That being said, I understand your aversion to the idea, and I encourage you asking questions, as you may rule out the horse before you get to the vet check. If you do decide you may want to buy this horse though, a vet check wuld be a good idea, just to be sure.

Answer 4

First of all, to own a horse, you must invest a lot of money into it. Horses are expensive and NEED regular vet checks as well as proper care which is pricey.

The swelling may be because it is an older horse and older horses need to be able to lie down. Standing on one place could cause swelling in the legs. A wide stall with enough room to walk and lie in would be the best solution

Answer 5

you may not like the answer vet check, but you really do need to have it checked out by a vet.

it sounds like the horse just gets puffy legs from inactivity, but I can't say for sure. you may not want to invest a lot of $$, but what if the swelling turns out to be a serious problem? that could cost you more in the long run than just biting the bullet now & getting the horse looked over.

Answer 6

l got a Tenn Walker with the same problem and the same story that you are getting.The man lied to me. but l kept the horse because l refuse to let it go back to that liar.It had bone slits in it's leg. l never could show it but would ride it around on the farm. l could not even run it out. My vet gave me pain killer call brute or something like that. And l will tell you to not get the horse. even if you want too,it will cost you money and you would be able to show it.

Answer 7

i have a contesting horse that does that in the ankles and my vet said that it would not hurt anything as long as u warm him before u ride (not sure y) but it help My horse. and it is only swelling because his not able to move his joints and that stuff if there is heat in the swelling then i would see a vet even though u don't want to spend the money if u do well in ur class that u show in ur horse should pay for him self in prize money !!!
if u need to know more u can e-mail me at [e-mail]
<~*DaRiAn*~>

Answer 8

it sounds like a type of edema to me, caused by standing....i really would consider NOT trading for this horse, especially if you are going to be contesting...he may not be reliable, and you may end up having to scratch or cancel a show because of this problem...and it may end up costing you money in the long run. here is a q&A dialogue that may give you an idea of what you could face if you get this horse

http://www.horseadvice.com/horse/messages/4/141341.html

Answer 9

to solve the problem dont put it in a stall.if there is bad weather than put it in a stall with alot of room.wait 3 minutes if the swelling is really bad than go to a vet.Most vets know what to do with swelling.they might say to put a warm cloth in the area of swelling.

Answer 10

I think it would affect your riding!!!!!!!!