can't believe i am doing this *with pics*

[eeek]

Just rang up about a horse. Extremely well bred 5yo pacer gelding. The guy has sent me some photos. Can't see a great deal but will blow them up, print them out and show them to the farrier when he comes tomorrow... Then depending on what he thinks, arrange a vetting.

The only problem I can see so far is that he's in DURHAM. I am in Wales...

Don't know a great deal about conformation and photos were crap but he seems OK.

**UPDATE**
Just put the photos on my computer so could have a better look.
Photos are TERRIBLE so it's hard to know what to think!

Are the photos desperately unflattering, or does he toe out and is he a bit behind the knee with a seriously dodgy left hind???

He has a very sweet face, anyway
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p63/vintagelobell/Image000.jpg

this makes his chest look non-existant but I think that's just an optical illusion.. Does he toe out?? Bit behind the knee maybe??? (I know very little about conformation so am really just guessing here and would love some help!)
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p63/vintagelobell/Image001.jpg

What's up with the back leg? Standing awkwardly, or a total disaster??
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p63/vintagelobell/Image007.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p63/vintagelobell/Image008.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p63/vintagelobell/Image009.jpg

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p63/vintagelobell/Image010.jpg

This is the best photo and I like the look of him, he's my kind of build. The only thing I can see is his hind leg looks quite weak.. Can that strengthen up with maturity and the right work? Any other things?
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p63/vintagelobell/Image011.jpg

Thoughts, PLEASE!

[IcarusGirl]

Are you looking for one to race?

[CDR]

I wouldn't have a vetting until you've seen him yourself, he could be totally unsuitable for you and you'll still end up having to pay the vet. I know it's a long way though so I'm guessing you're trying to avoid another trip up here!

[My Crazy Clan]

best of luck x

[Cyprushorses]

Fingers crossed for you. Be sure to find out as much info as you can before you make that long journey and ask for more piccies if poss!

[doodledoo]

good luck, hope he's as good as you think- fingers crossed!

[eeek]

Claire, yes, to race.

I worry so much about overdoing it with Vinny. I need to get a younger horse at some point, and now seems as good a time as any (my mother does not fully agree). Vinny is still young enough to show him the ropes! And a 10 year age gap between horses is ideal.

CDR, good point. But as it's so far I think getting the vet first might work out cheaper (and certainly easier) than making a trip up to look at him. The vet should be able to tell whether he's likely to stand up to hard work shouldn't he? I have never had a vetting done before.. Do they comment on whether the horse is suitable for what you want, or do they just point out any flaws that he has? Also, how much does it cost for a 5* vetting?

The seller sounds pretty genuine but I shall pick some brains. Everybody in the trotting world knows everybody! This boy is for sale because the owner also has his mother and a brother or two, and just doesn't have time for him (he has 4 kids, which I could hear yelling in the background). His brother is extremely good, so it makes sense that this one is for sale rather than the brother.

Will upload some pics.

[clippi]

Get lots of info and more pics, it's hard to tell from those photos but I would agree with you about his back end, he also looks quite straight behind

[BEX101]

How horsey is the seller? If i was selling a horse i'd never send out pictures like that. The final pic looks like a nice sort with no problems a bit of time wouldnt sort out. The other pictures might just be bad angles n stuff

[CityLights]

im not sure on the price of a vetting but if you tell the vet what he will be doing they vet for purpose and intended use so they would be able to tell you if he would hold up to racing etc, so make sure you really empasise that he will be in a lot of work and racing

the pictures are awful! how do people expect to sell horses off them!
i think the back leg is probably just how he is stood, and its hard to tell off the front ones as well

[My Crazy Clan]

How much is he up for? Is he broken etc? He's got a real sweet face.

[Smurf]

How old is he? My first thought was he looks really young - i dont think you said in your thread. I dont know how much for a 5* vetting - sorry! I would go and see him i would have hoped they would have put out better pics. I think its just the way he is standing aswell x

[eeek]

He's 5, he's broken and he's up for £1500 which is very reasonable.

[gallopinggelding]

ive pmd you , i find standys to be honest but, you can get some bad uns , pics could be they way hes standing if hes been used in harness his muscles are different as well. and his shape will change with riding/hillwork /schooling , and he will fill out rounder can they send you a u tube clip or moby phone video ?