Traumatic arthritis

[Garrett-N-Texas]

As many of you are aware, I am trying to locate a "Solid" Calf Horse for Garrett.

After many hours of searching and many gallons of wasted diesel, I think that we may have found the horse for him.

"Streaker" is a 25yr old Sorrel Gelding that is a seasoned calf horse. He has competed on all levels from youth all the way up to the Professional Level (NFR 2 times).

We went to give him a try this weekend and for his age seems to be in excellent condition and has excellent "Power steering" and "Power breaks".

The only problem that is apparent is what I would assume to be "Traumatic arthritis" in both of his carpal joints. The arthritis is visually apparent but I would not describe it as being overly profound.

Has anyone had to deal with this sort of condition?

Any information will be helpful!!

Also, the owner is allowing us to pick him up today and keep him for a week so Garrett can take him to the pen and rope for a few days, to make sure that he is what we are looking for.

If the arthritis is going to be a lameness issue, I am guessing, it will be obvious after a few days on calves?? He has been in the pasture for the last 6 months or so.

Here are a couple of pic's of him working when he was leased to a youth last Spring.

[mart]

Traumatic arthritis would indicate injury in the past !! If not a lameness issue now it will be eventually !!

[mart]

One thing you might keep in mind,,,a roping horse that is any good at all, is bound to have issues with the legs at that age !! Roping is a very physically demanding discipline !! If it were me, I would look for a horse with a really good handle and a bit of speed and train it myself !! You stand to have many more years of being able to use the horse without spending a fortune on vet bills !! At 25 years old your time is limited !! And you don`t know if that is the only problem it has or will have !! My vet is a roper and if you want I can ask him if he knows a good one for the boy !! Of course it would be around here !! But I trust him to tell the truth about it !! And he has a boy about 13 so he would know what to look for in a roping horse to learn on !!

[Mits]

Why has this horse been turned out for 6 months? At 25 years old,time is running out on him--I knew of a roping horse that roped until he was 32 yrs. old and he taught a nearly blind boy how to rope and they was a great team.They gave $1500.00 for him when he was 22 years old.If you decide on buying him and the price is right---you may want to take him and get his hoovies and pasterns\ankles ex-rayed and vet checked.For me it all would depend on the price of the horse.Hope this helps you a little!

[Garrett-N-Texas]

Mart, the problem is that we are not (in my opinion) qualified to train a roping horse....That is why I have been looking at the older horses.....in hopes that we would find one that would teach us what a calf roping horse needs to do....If you would, ask your vet, and if he has a prospect, we would more than happy to consider it........

Mits, the people that own him have raised their children and as of right now he has no rider...they are asking 1200.00 for him....already talked to Dr. Pullin and he will run the full series of X-rays on his limbs and advise from there.....the cost of the "Vet Check" will be less than 200.00 and I trust Doc pullin with MY life so if he says to run from the deal I would run as fast as I could, BUT if he says take a chance then it is a done deal

[Cuttin74]

Did you have the vet check? If so how'd he do?

It could be the best deal ever or the worst one.
Great help, huh! (sorry)

[Garrett-N-Texas]

Mrs. Cuttin74,

I got hung up at work and was not able to pick him up yesterday, rescheduled for Wednesday.

I know that you already advised me not to even go look, but I just could not help it, I had to go check him out. You know how we men are.....

I will only make the purchase if Doc Pullin is comfortable with the results of his exam and if the horse doesn’t exhibit any lameness after being back on calves for a few days.

Thanks for the advise.......Even though I didn’t listen :o(

Just because I did not heed your advice does not mean that I don’t value your opinion!!

[mart]

I will sure do that and see if he knows of one that would be suitable !!

[Garrett-N-Texas]

Thanks Mart!

Let us know A.S.A.P please

We are going to try and get Garrett entered in a "He Paid Your Fee's" roping on the 26th of this month at the Lonestar Cowboy Church.

[mikarod]

This concerns me...apparently they've been using Max as a roper and he's pretty good coming from the men that have seen him.

I hope you can find your perfect horse.

My aunt's mare has arthritis to the point you can see it. It doesn't seem that bad until it gets very cold and the joint swells up. You can tell it's stiff, but doesn't ruin her walking.