Sidebone

[Bob & Amber Roberts <mlaboure@ntws.net>]

Yes, we have personal experience with sidebone.  My husband bought a 2 1/2
year old absolutely wild 3/4 Arab 1/4 Quarter gelding, did all the
Parelli/Lyons round pen training and then sent the horse to a professional
trainer when he was 3.  After we got the horse back, my husband trail rode
him, conditioned him and entered him in some LD when he was 4.  Did one 50
when he was 5 and the horse was pulled for lame on his second 50.  When we
bought the horse, he came to us with an old wire cut on the left front.
Local vet said it was cosmetic only during our prepurchase vet check.
Well, after this horse was pulled from his second 50, we took him to an
equine vet specialist that we had just discovered.  The vet x-rayed the
horse and discovered sidebone.  We'd never heard of sidebone up to that
point.  This vet said the horse could do anything EXCEPT endurance!  We
were heartbroken, but ended up selling the horse to a pleasure rider (with
full knowledge) who is boarding the horse with us.  So we still get to see
this horse daily and even occasionally ride him.  However, his endurance
days are over.

My advise to you is that if you suspect sidebone, take your horse to the
very best vet you can find and follow his/her advice.  My best wishes to you.

Amber