oija - 2014-10-24 10:53 AM Okay, as QH3>er so wisely pointed out in her thread, BHW is awesome when you have questions. I only really started somewhat regularly lurking and posting about three years and a half years ago when I got my first broodmare, though my account is older from when I was in college. You all kept me convinced when my whole family and my husband's family told me to sell my broke necked mare, my own daughter of Shawne Bug, not to. I stuck it out and just sold my first baby out of her by Chasin Firewater for a definite profit (first horse I've ever sold). Now my whole family thinks keeping her was one of the smartest things I've done. The neck threadworms thread was really interesting to me too. I've learned so much about pedigree information, PSSM, worming schedules, feeding plans, and maintenance issues on here. I've always been a life-long student, even now as a teacher, and really appreciate all the knowledge that is linked and shared. The old adage is also true that when you get two horse people in the same room or discussion board as the case may be that there will be three opinions. I learn as much from people I don't agree with as those I do. So all that being said I'm a planner and trying to do things right with my two year old futurity prospect. She went to the trainer for a total of 120 days this summer. She is now home and gets ridden 3-6 days a week 20-45 minutes depending on how she's feeling, my time, and weather. She's doing awesome. Both trainers mentioned that she was slightly sore in her back end, felt like riding a 'stink bug' one said. She's never been lame at all just slightly sore and a bit more reluctant to the left, especially at the lope or in a small circle. I don't want to push her too hard which is why my plan is to futurity her at 5, not 3 or 4. She will go back to the trainer this spring (around April) to start on the pattern but slowly. I still am looking for more foundation for us. My main concern is her comfort and effective maintenance. When she got home I had her stifles and hocks xrayed and consulted with my trainer and vet. She has a small cyst on the lateral chondyle of the right stifle and some epiphysitis. I have her on rejuvinaide for this and some adequan. She will get adequan again next spring. I also know she is going to need injections, maybe some next year or the year after to keep her comfortable. I've never done these injections. I know you can use steroids, HA, and even do total hock fusion (cheryl is always mentioning this). I would love any information people have about the choices they have made with their futurity prospects on maintenance, what they feel are the best products etc. I've been researching a ton and will always listen to my trainer and vet first, but I thought I would just try to get as much information as possible. What are your maintenance schedules and how might you approach these issues?

cheryl makofka - 2014-10-26 12:16 PM I would be more concerned about the stifles, I would be asking treatment, prognosis, longevity, and maintained costs. Then I would decide if I want to sink a ton of money into training maintaining, etc, or if I want to cut my losses and sell as a trail horse, or sell as a broodmare prospect (I would be asking the vet if the cyst is genetic)