Ridecamp: [RC] Sidebone in young horse

Mary Abbott mabbott@xxxxxxxxxxx
I have looked at a 3 yr old Arabian horse to purchase that I really like a lot in terms of breeding, conformation, movement, size, and personality.  It has never been ridden but handled and raised well.  Here's my question.  I have been told that it has "a little bit of sidebone" in each of its front feet equally at the hoof end, and that a vet has said he should be fine for endurance because the sidebones are "stabilized."  I greatly appreciate the honesty of the seller, but they want me to make a decision ASAP.  Thus, I must ask, What do you all think?  Should I risk it?

(Note:  I have a 17 year old with sidebone who is fine and does endurance, so I am very open to the possibility of this horse doing fine with correct shoeing, etc., as well!  But then, what if it gets worse?  Sigh....  Do you think it will???)

I searched the pre-crash archives.. There's not a lot there on this subject.

THANKS in advance for all of your opinions!


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