Considering buying a horse with a previously bowed tendon. It was probably two-three years ago that it was bowed. Apparently he hasn't taken a lame step since it healed but what are the odds that it re-bows or something of that sort? Is it a risky thing to do? Hate horse shopping with a small budget. It's a pain in the rear end.
There is a chance it could bow again. You will need to be very aware of the shoeing and how you take care of his legs. I would definetly make sure he was iced after a run . And I would poultice him after icing.
If it's a certain one which I can't remember the name of, if the time was taken and it's completely healed it should not be a problem. Some other tendons do not heal and hold up as well. Has the horse been competing or occassionally rode? I would not buy it without the vet doing an ultrasound or any other tests they seem neccessary
A bowed tendon does not have as much "stretch" in it. Scar tissue has very little stretch so how bad the original bow was, as well as what the horse is used for, will determine if it gives the horse problems. Tendons also take a long time to heal as they don't have the blood supply that muscle or bone have.
Posted 2014-05-28 10:31 AM Subject: RE: Previously Bowed Tendon
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 340
Sangria - 2014-05-26 9:09 PM
If it's a certain one which I can't remember the name of, if the time was taken and it's completely healed it should not be a problem. Some other tendons do not heal and hold up as well. Has the horse been competing or occassionally rode? I would not buy it without the vet doing an ultrasound or any other tests they seem neccessary
Was told it happened while training for the track and after it he never raced. He's just been trail ridden mostly. He's only run the pattern a couple of times.
Posted 2014-05-28 10:50 AM Subject: RE: Previously Bowed Tendon
Elite Veteran
Posts: 678 Location: Canada
Honestly I'd pass if you're buying for a barrel horse, if a trail horse I'd consider it. If he was previously a barrel horse (and not just off the track) if he was running competitively before and has since returned to competition sound then that would be an exception but I'd still vet check. If he hasn't been run since the injury I'd pass.
There are SO many horses out there that are nice, and inexpensive if you're willing to do some travelling. I've found finished horses with nice records for small prices because in that area horses didn't sell for big money. Move the horse a state or two over and he'd be much, much more expensive so it's worth continuing to shop.
That being said if you think you find a smoking deal and all other horses in the area are way above in price... shop with caution.
Posted 2014-05-28 11:18 AM Subject: RE: Previously Bowed Tendon
Pork Fat is my Favorite
Posts: 3791 Location: The Oklahoma plains.
I owned and trained one that bowed twice before I had him and he lasted for 20 years as a barrel horse. Sometimes I have to look at scar tissue as natures way of repairing an injury and while it may infact be less elastic it could also be viewed as stronger.
Previously Bowed Tendon
