Low Pasterns. Help

[hreagon]

I've recently purchased a 3 1/2 year old thoroughbred that the vet says may have a problem in the future. While his disposition is amazing, his rear pasterns are long and low. They are not causing any pain or lameness, he is currently 100 % sound. The vet can not say for sure if he will have problems in 5 years or 10 or never, which makes this difficult. The angle is not quite the same as the hoof, definatley a little lower, but not so low that they are horizontal. I would use this horse as a pleasure horse, trails, light jumping, but not sure if he will hold up. Does anyone have a horse with low pasterns in the back, and how old is your horse? Is he or she 100% rideable? I'd appreciate any feedback.

Holly

[hunter~hottie]

Well, Sould like you could not use him for anythibng rigourous, and it is hard to say how long he will last. I have seen a quarter horse with this same problem, but he lived wel linto his late teens but did get very bad arthritis and ringbone. Just take it easy on him, and make sure you check out your next horse for confo problems before you purchase.