Buying a horse from the knackery?

Question

I'm thinking about buying a horse from the knackery, I'm wanting to know what to look for in health wise, feet, teeth, weight etc.

Answer 1

You should really dont because may horses are not healthy and have hoof problems .

If you are sure i would go and have a look and bring a vet with you so it can be vetted .

Answer 2

some people turn horses over the the knackery when the horse develops a medical problem they don't want to deal with.  Other people turn over horses with mild to severe behavioral problems and still others simply can't afford to feed a good horse anymore and don't feel like there is any other option.

You want a horse that will approach you at the gate, something that looks relaxed.  A cowering horse in the corner of his stall, one that is pacing anxiously, or one showing the whites of his eyes could have behavioral issues you aren't prepared for.

Something that is underweight might be old, sick, or just underfed.  some things that clue you in about the health of the underweight horse will be his eyes- are they glossy and bright or dull and lifeless.  Is the horse looking around, or does he seem depressed.  Is his coat long and shaggy in the summer?  Is there rain rot?  open sores?  These things could mean the horse will need more than just groceries.

Look at the feet. pay attention to the horses gait.  is he limping? are the feet over grown? are there splints on the legs or conformational deformities?  if so, the horse may have a lameness issue.

You want something without nasal discharge.  

watch him move and interact with his surroundings.  is he alert?  does he seem fairly friendly?  if so, you might have a good prospect.

I bought a horse from an auction a year ago, and it was in a tiny stall and was brought into an arena filled with soft sawdust.  I got her home to learn she was dead lame.  a year later, she is doing a little better, but it has been a long and expensive road.

Your best bet whenyou are buying a horse in this setting is to bring a friend.  a second pair of eyes often sees something you dont.  they can also be the voice of reason.

be very careful about bringing home a rescue.  they can cost a ton of time and money, and many don't end well.

good luck to you.

Answer 3

Such horses are not typically worth buying.  Some of the health problems are obvious, some are those that seem to come and go and always cost lots of money.  And some horses go there because they are bosket cases that will get people hurt.  Like the health problems some horses can seem fine in certain conditions but get them home and they seem to take random spells of going berserk.

ONE THING IMPORTANT!! Keep in mind that a horse rarely bucks when ridden under a roof.  So one knows why but they don't.  In fact I know someone that initially breaks all his horses that way because of that fact.

One more thing.  Do not think you are saving a horse!  The knackery will simply take the profit they earned and buy two more.

If you still want to buy one go ahead.  But since you obviously are inexperienced enough to ask for what to look for then take someone else along with you.  

It appears I still have a troll LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Someone who thinks they know horses apparently.