Posted 2006-12-08 9:44 AM (#52321) Subject: Cresty neck
Member
Posts: 31 Location: Nashville, TN
Hi,
I checked the archives and didn't see any information so sorry if I missed it. I have a question about over weight horses. I am looking to buy a Morgan gelding, he is about 9 years old. Has been broke to ride and drive and is very sweet. The problem is he is over weight and cresty. Now, I know that Morgans tend to be crestier anyway and I saw a picture of him fit and he looked great. He has been idle for at least 6 months.
My question is am I crazy if I buy this horse. Is founder immenent in his future? What tests should I have done at the pre-purchase exam (Cushings, IR or others).
His price is at my limit but because I am a beginner rider and he is so broke and easy going that I would pay more for the confidence of knowing that he is safe to ride.
Any info or direction to sites of information would be appreciated. Also, if anyone is familiar with this breed of horse and whether this is just a common characteristic.
Posted 2006-12-08 10:29 AM (#52323 - in reply to #52321) Subject: RE: Cresty neck
Veteran
Posts: 235 Location: Keymar,Maryland
Spending at this level and with some indicators make sure you get x rays of the feet ( all 4). They can make the difference. Don't skimp you'll be money ahead in the long run. And if he's a little cresty now think of husbandry in the future. Check out www.safergrass.com. Rich
Posted 2006-12-08 1:33 PM (#52326 - in reply to #52321) Subject: RE: Cresty neck
Location: KY
If the horse is overweight enuf to have the cresty neck then I'd suspect it was more than 6 mos since he was ridden regularly. In addition to xrays of his feet, I'd want thyroid testing too. How long have you known this horse and his owner? I don't want to know but I don't want you to have the experience I had with my first horse, 15 years ago but I remember it quite vividly. So for your own sake, take some time.
There are a whole lot of good horses around....if you have not already, get a book on buying a horse for the first time; enlist friends and so on. If you haven't already, do a search on www.agdirect.com www.horse.com
Mark Rashid's books are very helpful too. Buying your first horse can be a great adventure, look, study. If the seller is pushing you to make a decision, back off. Whatever the seller says about the horse, put it in writing.
Now having said all of that, if you want to come look at an aqha reg gelding or a saddle mare, I am about 120 miles from you. You are welcome to come and spend several days and see if either fits your needs. If I don't think it is a good match, I will not sell you a horse. Really, because it is bad for business, bad for you and bad for the horse.
Posted 2006-12-09 5:47 PM (#52373 - in reply to #52321) Subject: RE: Cresty neck
Regular
Posts: 50 Location: Colorado
Definitely put forth the extra to get the vet check. Unless you know the breeder and that horse's history well, it isn't a good idea to make a guess on the horse's condition.
Particular bloodlines of Morgans will tend to be "typier" more than others, Gov't bred animals (UVM) or Lippitts for example. An old type Morgan will be built rather low to the ground, short backed and flat crouped and they tend to look sort of draft-y. And the neck will rise higher from the shoulder and yes, the crest will be there, even on the mares. Some of the newer breeding philosophies advocate more of a Saddlebred type of look, taller and lankier though.
I've kept that breed for 20 years and seen them come in all shapes and gaits however. And too, Morgans as they age, tend to become air ferns and will gain weight easily if unexercised for a period of time.
Posted 2006-12-13 8:22 AM (#52471 - in reply to #52321) Subject: RE: Cresty neck
Veteran
Posts: 127 Location: PA
As Westernsky just described.....the old breeding of Morgans are short, stout and muscular and tend to put on weight easily if not worked. If this is what you are looking at then your horse may be "crestier" than others. I love the old style breeding of Morgans......they are loyal, friendly, and usually smooth gaited to ride. Also very hardy and sensible on trail rides. If this horse is overweight then a sensible low calorie diet will take the weight off of him along with all the exercise you are going to give him. I would be concerned about him having foundered in the past as this can cause a hard crest in the neck also. Along with the vet check I would have a good farrier look at his feet.
A quiet, well broke, sound horse will give you years of pleasure and companionship....so if you like the horse then get him thoroughly checked out before you buy him. Even if they find something wrong with the horse it doesn't mean you have to pass on buying him.......it does give you options on how to proceed from there.
Cresty neck
