[lacy]

Well, we just got back from seeing the first pony...

I really like him, but I think I'm attracted to project horses
Now, I do not mind picking up another project horse at all and Dustin much more loves to sit and pick and prod with the horse then he cares to actually ride them.

But, here's the situation with this one- please tell me what you think...

He has foundered before and to the looks of it, he is foundering again or is very close. He is on about 20 acres of VERY lush, tall, green grass with only 4 other horses. The property has never been mowed, its just growing. He hurts to walk, but once he starts going, he's MUCH better and can turn on a dime. His feet need major attention and the guy said that he was just trimmed about 2 weeks ago. To my knowledge, these people have no clue what they are doing with horses and are majority getting taken for their farrier money. He is only eating grass and needs some major exercise- once his feet are better.

You cant see how his feet really are, but you can get a good idea. I was trying to take pictures without the guy knowing that I was trying to get pictures of the hooves

My question is- since I can take this horse as a project and is something that Dustin can ride for many years- after he's all better, what do I need to look towards. I realize that MOST likely, the money I will save in feed, I will be spending in farrier bills.

Lol, I just love little project horses... but these people just don't see it. I pointed out that he is ouchy, his feet are very long, he's fat... he does have a huge cresty neck. I was actually surprised. But... they want $400 for him and wont budge. Its actually the wife. The husband wanted to take my offer- $300, but wife said no. Lol, but she hates horses

I talked with my boyfriend and he says that it seems like I would be asking for trouble if I got him. Which could be very true. Or I could turn him around and he would be an awesome horse for Dustin.

Also, I was thinking that while he is getting better, Dustin would be more confident helping to lead him and do things with him because he will be slower moving in the beginning. O, the pony also picked his feet up while I was moving around him. All I had to do was touch his leg to get his feet up. I did not feel heat in his feet...

But, man, what a good boy

Here's the pictures-



Also- Oldhorsehome suggested that he may have insulin resistance. Does anyone else see that?

[cowgirlek7]

I wouldn't take him, he looks like he would have major health issues.

[lacy]

Originally Posted by cowgirlek7

I wouldn't take him, he looks like he would have major health issues.

Like what?? Just wondering what you see that I don't.

I see the founder and the work as far as getting him to loose weight.

[Finallyownhorse]

If you are getting him with your eyes wide open, then you shouldn't be surprised by anything. I would, however, stick to the $300. Especially if you think there are going to be vet/farrier bills involved.

Keep in mind, I know very little about buying horses. But I am good at shopping. So I am sticking to the opinion that if you are aware of what you are getting into and have decided you are OK with it, then buy him.

[PeggySue]

I see IR for sure and the feet do need work BUT without xrays there is not way to tell the amount of demage he has

He would def need a very very low carb diet so well as staying on top of the farrier coming alot ...

If you think it is worth the chance go for it

he is a cutie but I would not go above $300 on him

[BarrelBaby18]

I am not good on the IR and all that stuff, but I wouldnt pay 400 for him. Like they said without x-rays you never know whats going on. Hes a cutie thats for sure, but if you have the experiance, time, money, and are able to care for him, he might be a good little guy to get. But I would keep my eye out.

Good luck

[lacy]

Thanks guys. I'm trying to do some research on founder right now since I've never dealt with it...

I feel bad leaving that little guy there, but am also trying to keep my mind on "This is for Dustin, not your next project"

[Haas Horse Farm]

Personally I would be very concerned about buying this pony for a lot of reasons. Founder is a common problem with ponies. They tend to have soundness issues and often IR is also an issue. How do you know how broke he really is when every step hurts him.

If you could get him bought cheap, not a dime over $300... for sure...personally I would not give them more than $150.

You did not say how old he was or how broke to ride he is etc. There is no way to know how the pony really is because he is not sound and in pain. Often with work the true pony comes out...

If you can afford a project horse I suppose that is fine... it is your choice... Also is he a gelding?

[lacy]

Originally Posted by Haas Horse Farm

Personally I would be very concerned about buying this pony for a lot of reasons. Founder is a common problem with ponies. They tend to have soundness issues and often IR is also an issue. How do you know how broke he really is when every step hurts him.

If you could get him bought cheap, not a dime over $300... for sure...personally I would not give them more than $150.

You did not say how old he was or how broke to ride he is etc. There is no way to know how the pony really is because he is not sound and in pain. Often with work the true pony comes out...

If you can afford a project horse I suppose that is fine... it is your choice... Also is he a gelding?

Sorry Haas, I did forget a few things... these people have had him since Christmas. The people that owned him before moved out. These new people moved in and took the horses... or rather, the old people just left them. The guy said that he used to be their kids pony and was ridden often- but obliviously not since the new people got the house.

The guy said that he is about 15, but with looking at his teeth, I'd say he's about 10 or so.

I do not really have a lot of money to be spending. But, that is also why I am posting this with so many questions. I know that with founder there are many other things that could happen. I don't know what all of those are and what they would cost me. But, I am looking for every possible idea.

[Buckshot]

I would NOT buy that pony. Besides health issues, if this pony's feet stop hurting, will he still be a nice riding pony for Dustin?

AND, I wouldn't give them ANYTHING over $175.