TB Prospect

[icarus_abides]

So, my friend runs a TB rescue and I am on Trainer Listings and TB websites daily looking at possible prospects.

I came across this guy and, while she cannot take him for the rescue, I'm almost tempted to consider getting him for me.  The problem is (well, other than the fact that he's about FIVE HOURS AWAY)  that he's had multiple splint issues

Comments

[thejinxii]

I'm not sure what the horse market is around where you're at, but you can get a totally healthy thoroughbred same age or younger here for often less than $1000. I don't really see how it would be worth the risk. He is gorgeous though!

[icarus_abides]

Yea, I feel the horse market is pretty dead everywhere and here is no exception. I was being generous with $800 (if he ran through the slaughter sale here he'd probably bring $450). It's ridiculous that some of these racehorses are listed for 2 or 3K but haven't done ANYTHING other than racetrack work. There are good horses already trained for that amount around here.

Arrrrrrgh, sometimes I'm such a bleeding heart.

I think I'm just insane and have spent too much time going through trainer listings, lol.

[thejinxii]

Ahaha I totally understand. Also it seems to me that if they are listing him at that price that they aren't to desperate to sell him. Or idk maybe they are trying to make back what they spent on his injuries?

I personally wouldn't want to get involved with him, not unless he was totally free or very cheap, but it's a buyers market here and there are plenty of good horses that are plenty affordable to choose from.

[thisiswater17]

I would get a video before thinking about it any more than you already are. If he is a good mover, then you can go from there.

I think its totally reasonable to assume you would have less soundness issues doing flat/dressage work with him than what he had while racing.

After you see him move you can decide how much he is ACTUALLY worth.

[linsell_farm]

I haven't had experience with multiple splints in a horse of mine, but I did have an off-track TB with a cold splint on his right fore. It was fairly big but didn't interfere with his check ligament or tendon and only rarely swelled up (but we were jumping 2'6" fairly regularly). When it did flare up, alternating sweating and cold-hosing did the trick nicely at getting him back.

Because the splints on Bill have been removed, I don't see any reason why he wouldn't do just fine soundness wise at dressage. I agree that you're being very generous at $800 and would think $500 isn't an unreasonable offer if you do decide to go that way. It's great that you want to help him and agree that his re-homing prospects likely aren't as good as some others.

Seeing a video would be a good idea so that you have some idea of how he moves. I wish I could help with trailering but am lacking a truck, trailer, and proximity (I'm about 10 hours away from the track). If I had the means, I would do that in a heartbeat.

[morgieporgie]

Jeez, that seems like a lot for a OTTB with soundness issues. I have a green TB mare who's sound, currently in work, and I'm only asking $1500. Maybe I should up it lol. Maybe they're trying to weed out people who just want to do a quick flip?

I don't know much about splints, but he definitely is cute. I know you can't always ride them when they're with the trainers, but if his personality is what you're looking for... I'd consider it more seriously.

[failuresofine]

Don't know if you've made a decision on this one or not, but personally... I'd take a chance on him(but definitely not at that price! I'd lowball pretty hard[though above kill price] and see what sort of response that got.). Would ask for a video as others have said and would have my own vet look him over thoroughly and if vet agrees with their assessment(or thinks he's capable of more once healed fully), I'd take him(assuming a more realistic price was agreed upon). That's a *very* nice looking horse and I feel he'd be more than suitable for what you want to do with him.

Good luck in your search, no matter what you decide.