To good to be true???

littlenicker · Jan 14, 2013

Ive been offered a 5 year old reg show mini, proven winner, great lines, FREE! However shes insulin resistant (I have lots of experience with it but not with one so young).

Is it worth it?

Riverrose28 · Jan 14, 2013

I don't know the circumstances, but if I were you I would communicate with the current owner and ask why. The anser may be very simple, as a reputable breeder this horse is of breeding age, but is special needs, and therefore not breedable, perhaps the current owner just wants a loving forever home for a much loved horse. This is only an assumption and there may be other reasons, but it you open up and ask why, then I'm sure you will get an answer that is honest, as this person seems to me to have the best interest of this horse at heart. Many of us have given away horses to the person we feel will love him or her, and give them the care they deserve. If you need help PM me.

Terry

muffntuf · Jan 14, 2013

ditto, I would only add - ask if it has had a laminitc attack or has issues with its feet now....

Carolyn R · Jan 14, 2013

Y'ep, agreed, sometimes just the idea that maybe the horse needs to be dry lotted but only grassy fields are available, or a field whe horses are pasture breed and they can not accommodate the horse, horse has special needs or may need extra attention in its diet and it is not cost effective to keep, but isn't worth breeding because of the risk factor. Sometimes it is more effective to give a horse to a great home then have someone undermine or lowball the current owner with insulting monetary values based on its issues.

Ask if they have a vet you can further discuss the issue with to know what you need to prepare for if you take them up on the offer and ask if they are willing to take the horse back if the condition proves to be too trying for you.

Does not mean this horse can't serve a great purpose with you, but may no longer fit the bill for the intended purpose of the current owner.

Barnmother · Jan 14, 2013

Medicine to treat these insulin resistant horses can get expensive and perhaps this isn't within the reach of the current owner. Investigate if the horse is on medication and if so what the cost is.

We cared for a insulin resistant national show horse, continued to show him for quite a while, then retired him to trail riding and a life of luxury.. He had had a few issues with his feet which we dealt with. One day I walked out to the barn, about a year after we moved to Montana, as was heart broken to discover he had suffered a severe bout of laminitis overnight (he hadn't even seemed slightly gimpy when he came in the night before) a quick look between his pad and sole revealed severe damage and ultimately his untimely passing. So glad for the time that we had with him and I would do it again for anyone of my critters, but to adopt another one, I honestly don't know that I could do it. His care was a huge financial responsibility.