Thoughts on rescue horse?

Question

Hello.... Saw this horse come up for adoption, and was wondering all of your thoughts on it? He obviously needs a bath, and some basic care..I still need to check into his history and health...but if that all checks out, do you think he might end up being/looking okay?

(Not looking for a show horse, just something to ride around on at home)

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/photoView.cgi?petid=11132654&photo=2

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/photoView.cgi?petid=11132654&photo=1

Answer 1

Yes, by all means do as much homework as possible on this horse, however, the horse appears to be well bred and is really a gorgeous animal. I could be wrong, but I see both Quarter Horse and Arabian in him.  He could be a Quarab.  I love his color and his conformation looks nice.

Answer 2

with  alot of love and patience, he'll be a wonderful addition to ur family and he will be quite a stunner when he's cleaned up. Go for it. LOL

Answer 3

He doesn't look bad in the photos, but do what you said and check into his history and health.  When you see him, check his feet and his teeth (for an idea of his age) and maybe have him vet checked.

Be sure to ride him and make sure you can handle him and that you two seem to get along.

I think he's got as good a chance of being a great horse for you as any other horse.  Good luck!

Answer 4

What a cute face on him!  I see what you mean about his ankle area - I think it's a combo of the lighting and the fact that the hair there is white, though.  It's hard to tell much from that photo, due to his stance.  He's underweight, obviously, and in need of muscle, but perhaps that photo was taken soon after he was rescued and/or while he was still in rehabilitation.  See if you can get some better photos of him (full body, with his head up) and I can give you a better answer.  Cute horse, though.

Answer 5

I think he would definately be great as a Western Pleasure horse. He has a nice slope in his rear end, and to his shoulder. He also looks kind in his eyes. Love and Care would be all he needs, if he is good and healthy.

Answer 6

He does seem a little down on that rear leg, first picture, but that could just be a bad trim on his feet...too much toe, not enough heel, maybe?  What does the vet say?  I would ask the vet specifically about the suspensory ligaments, just to make sure he doesn't have a more serious problem...(since I have a dsld horse, that's going to come to my mind when I see a horse that looks a bit down.  I'm probably a bit paranoid.)

Barn sour can be cured.  If he's healthy and sound, he'll be a nice looking boy for what you're wanting to do.  Do you have the skills to deal with the barn sour issue on your own, or the resources to hire a trainer if you don't?

Answer 7

YES,I THINK IF YOU DO WHAT YOU SAY,HE WILL BE GREAT!

Answer 8

He looks nice, from what I can see. What do they want for him?? How old??

*****edit****

Thank you darlin'!!!! Don't go by those pics much. Sometimes the pics are bad. I am looking at my 1st quarter horse & the 1st set of pics looked like she was sickle hocked, but I asked for more pic & it was just the pic. So go look in person. Take someone with you, too!!!  Whos looking with you??  E mail them for more pics!? Post them if can, then we can help more!!!!! If you like!!!!!

& I love his color! It has a nice shine to it, which normally means he is rather healthly.

Answer 9

I don't see why not give him a shot.  Sounds like you know what you are looking for & what costs may be involved.  You know to have him vet checked & you know to ride him first, so I say what the heck, you could find out he's your best buddy.

Answer 10

do a vet check but he she looks good

Answer 11

He looks fine conformationaly with no extreme flaws that would hamper his use as a riding horse.

I think what your seeing with his front pastern is just the angle he's standing at with it underneath him.

He looks to be a solid built reasonably balanced horse and has a kind eye and good expression. Looks to be a quarter horse. Nice flashy color is a bonus if everything else checks out but should never be used as a purchase criteria.

Definately go and meet him and his owners in person. Take him for a test ride and see how he suits you personally. If he passes on all that then have him checked by a vet for hidden issues like heart murmor, lung problems, arthritic issues ect.

If all that works out and he passes see if they'll let you take him on a 30 day trail basis. Most rescues will do that happily as their goal is to get the horses into a permanant happy home. Also I've generally found that rescues are more up front about any issues or problems with a horse for that same reason.

Answer 12

A decision to choose a horse should not be based on looks.    His temperament and training are far more important than if he needs a bath or not.  

Things to discuss with this rescue organization:

What are your riding goals?  Showing?  Long distances?  Discipline?   And can this horse do those things?

What is your skill level?  Cantering?  Handling training projects?  Can you handle it if a horse were to buck, rear, or run off?   What are your limits?    Do you have a professional trainer to help you?    Knowing your limits will help you rule out unsuitable horses.

I searched and found his full listing

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/display...

I have a few concerns.   They don't say much about his temperament & training.   What did they try doing with him?  Is he ok on trails? Rings?   Have they ridden him at all?

They do say he's buddy-sour.   Are you up to tackling this problem? In some cases it may be just a matter on working with him a little further from the other horse.  In some cases it's a HUGE problem and the horse can't even be ridden away from the other horse; he might act out - spinning or rearing trying to get back to the buddy.    Generally speaking it's a sign a horse doesn't feel secure enough to trust his human.   Expect to put some work in him, perhaps budgeting for sessions with a pro trainer.

If you do contact them, additional questions to ask:

- does he require shoes, in their opinion, to be ridden on trails?

- does he need any supplements or special care?

- is he an easy keeper or hard?  Will he need lots and lots of grain to keep his weight?

- any sore spots, arthritic changes, etc?  Navicular also runs in Quarterhorses

- this is a Quarterhorse.   Has he been tested for HYPP?  Please read up on HYPP --  it can have an sudden onset.  In extreme cases the horse falls over (sometimes with the rider!).   Not trying to scare you, but it's important you can recognize the symptoms of HYPP.

I see that they say his vaccinations are done.   He should also have a recent (<1 yr) Coggins test.  He also needs his teeth done annualy, so I'd hope they'd have they done for you as well.    Has he had an exam by a vet?    If not, why not?   Can you see his records?   Before he's adopted I would also expect him to have been de-wormed and have his farrier care current, so you may want to ask about it to.

I am not discouraging you from adopting.   There are many wonderful horses in rescues all over.   I am just making sure this particular horse & the rescue he's coming from are a good match.  

Best of luck!  Thanks for considering adoption!!!

Answer 13

Hello,

He looks just like my first horse Blonde!

I think he looks perfect to ride around the ranch on.  If he is barn sour, he may just get a barn buddy and hopefully one you can have ride with him out on the trails!  

I wouldn't worry about him, if your going to have him vet checked, they will let you know if there is a apparent problem.

Sounds like you won't be disappointed, your not thinking he is a show horse, or performance horse.  You know that he would probably make a fine trail horse!

THANKS for helping a horse in need!