Posted by K Bar R Farrier Service on March 01, 2003 at 13:53:26:
In Reply to: Re: First Time Horse Owner- Is getting a horse w/navicular a good decision posted by Gary on February 27, 2003 at 00:30:53:
: : I have just recently been offered a free horse who has been diagnosed w/ vanicular. This was just yesterday, so I am still in research mode. I have grown up w/ friends who had horses, buy know little about this disease. I have read just about all the postings here and am still up in the air as to what to do. He is a standard breed who has just turned 13 and when I rode him I just mosied around the pen and he seemed as casual as can be. The offer came from a good friend of a friend so it would be a personal deal. She has too much in her life and a little girl now so offered my friend (an avid horse lover/lifetime owner) her two horses as they are not abused but emotionally neglected. He is the sweetest horse and I'm not really into the ownership soley for the riding as I've always just wanted to HAVE a horse. I do have means to financial support typical horse care and maybe a little more, but not extravagant costly proceedures and treatment. If I were to get him, what is the likelyhood of his going lame w/out excessive riding and good timely hoofcare? I'm not of heavy build just over a hundred- does this matter? Please give me some advise- I would really be heartbroken if I had to put down my first horse. P.S. Wouldn't be able to afford a horse's price except that he's free so am really tempted to jump at the offer
: Spend just a little and have a good equine vet do a vet check on this horse and also have a good farrier come out and get his opinion and then decide that's what you want to do. Good Luck! Gary
I am in complete agreement with Gary, I just wanted to reinforce his idea. A vet check will typically run $200-$400 with xrays of front feet. A farrier may or may not charge you. If he/she did, It would probably be under $100. The vet is the first call though. That will answer your question completely. Some horses live long healthy lives with navicular. We have a mare that we roped on until she was 20, with proper shoeing.