02 September 2008 15:43
I’m thinking of loaning a 10-year-old Hackney pony, but she has a very sunken back. Will I be able to ride her? Also, since I’m loaning and not buying, will I still be able to have her vetted?
Answer
By Your Horse
Vet Gayle Hallowell says:
Anyone can get a horse vetted and it is particularly useful in your situation as it will highlight any problems. It also gives you a baseline to work from at the end of your loan agreement – if, for example, she’s slightly lame now, and is found to be slightly lame at the end of your agreement, it’s likely the cause happened before you had her.
As for a sunken back, if she’s not lame or in pain, she should be all right to ride. The biggest problem may be finding tack to fit – you may need a specially-made saddle .