Exploring interest in rehoming a sweet and very pretty 7yr (no papers) 15.3 h Quarter Horse - for companion or possible riding after rest/rehab. Please read all.
I purchased this horse about two months ago, sold to me as sound, not bothered by much, good on trails, and liking treats and attention. Unfortunately, the first time I tried to ride him at my barn, he was lame on front right. I spent a lot of money on at barn and equine hospital exams, and despite complete physical exam, x-rays, and blocking, no cause could be identified. It was isolated probably to fetlock area, so we think *maybe* some small soft tissue issue. When I re-contacted the seller, they said he previously had a bone bruise on that leg that had "completely healed." The only possible next step for diagnosis was an MRI, which I could not afford, so I have been trying stall/small paddock rest in consultation with vet. However I board the horse, and don't have a timeline of when he might be sound, and don't have money for another riding horse, so I am offering him for rehoming as a companion, with the possibility if you left him on rest for months, he might fully recover and you'd have a great deal on a good horse. Otherwise he would be a great companion horse as he is a low man and gets along with every horse I've seen him meet. The other IMPORTANT note is that overall he is very sweet and a barn favorite, just a little pushy for treats, but I have been hand walking him every day and two days ago he reared twice while I was walking him. Some people think he got stung, I think it might have been fear based, but I'm not sure. He's never done it before or since, but important to disclose, and another reason I am looking to re-home because I am a returning to riding adult and don't have the skills to manage that if it reoccurs.
His PROS: Good personality (aside from those 2 rears), everyone loves him, does like attention, picks up all feet, no stall vices, no biting or kicking, slow and easy type personality (gave kids walk lessons at previous owner), young, seems to know w/t/c and turns with seat/legs.
His CONS: Of course, major one is the lameness (graded 3/5, he can walk ok in pasture and is low energy so doesn't run around). He is NOT trail ready alone, he is herd-bound and gets nervous if he is out of sight of other horses, but will ride/ground work in arena with or without other horses. 2 abnormal rears. A bit pushy for treats, needs some patience and personal space training.
I am an open book about him and if you might have interest you can have all his records, x-rays, and contact info for his vet/hospital, more photos, any other info you'd like. I paid $7,500 for him and taking a loss rehoming him because of his issues, but a kind home for him is important.