…but how sound does he need to be?

Years ago, I had a “barn friend.” For purposes of this story, we’ll call her “Karen.”

Karen had years of horse experience, but she was getting older and looking for that “last” horse. Something she could take on trails, maybe some low-level jumping at the 2 foot or 2’3 level, maybe putter about the dressage ring in the walk trot Intro level tests. Nothing fast, high-performance, or Olympic level.

One of Karen’s friends found her the “perfect” horse. Oh, how they raved about this gelding. He was a great age, he was quiet, he was within the smaller size-range she wanted, and oh what a mover. So, Karen went out and tried the horse. He was in professional training at a nice facility, everyone was accommodating, and no one batted an eye when Karen decided to move forward with a pre-purchase examination. After all Saint Gelding had never taken a lame step or given anyone reason to question his future soundness.

Vet visit scheduled, vet visit concluded, including radiographs and the whole 9 yards. Vet mentions in passing, because this is what PPEs are for, that Saint Gelding is slightly over at the knee, which is not a problem for the level Karen is going to ride, nor does he at 11 years old show any joint distress from this minor conformational flaw. Well, to Karen, it killed the sale. Vet found a problem she could not live with.

Why does this matter?

Well, no horse is going to vet 100% clean and sound and free of all problems. Horses are like people – especially the older they are – they’re going to have some arthritic changes, they are going to have imperfect bone structure, they are going to have marks and scars. A pre-purchase exam is to identify these issues and leave it to the veterinarian, farrier, owner team to determine whether or not the horse can perform the job it is being purchased to do.

A little over at the knee in a horse that will rarely jump more than 2’3, probably never jump a full course of fences, and primarily be used to pleasure ride is probably not a valid, rational concern.

Think about the riding you’re going to do. Are you looking for a horse to ride around your property and enjoy? In that case, a little arthritis or annual hock injections when the vet comes to do shots and Coggins is probably a worthwhile consideration for something you, the kids, and the grandkids can ride around and be safe in all aspects. A horse that is walk trot sound might be perfect for the rider who just wants to ride their property line a few times a month. Likewise, a serious competitor looking to take a step up within their discipline might choose a horse that needs a little extra care because that horse can teach their rider and keep them safe while they are learning.

The reality is that very few of us recreational riders need a horse that vets sound for a 50-mile endurance ride or 3-day event. We need the brains and experience of that imperfect horse for our safety and confidence, and yet we often overlook these guys because of their imperfections – while at the same time, we’re taking Ibuprofen and soaking our old bones in a hot shower at the end of the day.

Something worth thinking about the next time you see that horse that is “serviceably sound” or “does best on a joint supplement and injected once a year.”