Cushings? Would you take on a pony with Cushings?

[Theresahairbrushinthefridge]

Found a super 18 yr old pony club school
Master. Who would teach my children so much. Total gentleman. Five star manners Been vetted. Looks healthy and fit all good but has Cushings.

What should I do?

[RosyPony]

How is the cushings currently being managed?

Can you afford the medication to keep the pony in work. If you've got the money and the pony is a decent schoolmaster I would say go for it, a good pony that's going to teach your children is priceless.

You really need to speak to the current vet and find out how the cushings is being managed (are the ACTH levels monitored and how do they change etc), is the pony medicated, how much, is there scope to increase the medication etc

[Theresahairbrushinthefridge]

He is not currently medicated. Only picked up at vetting this week. He looks extremely fit and well. My vet seems to think that medication is straightforward. But £5/600 a year. Though it seems that you can get the pills cheaper if you get a prescription from the vet and the drugs elsewhere.

I was going to pay £2000 for him with extensive wardrobe - more kit than me!!!

Vet says he's a super pony in every other aspect but not worth that now. How do I approach this with the owner.

My concern is that in 5 years time when my children have outgrown him instead of being able to loan him I will retire him. But that's a big long term commitment and cost to keep him well.

All that's head.

Heart says. He has the most amazing temperament. And that extraordinary skill to go faster with my eldest. Slower for my middle - he waits for them to steady themselves after a jump. And besides he wiggles his nose when he gets excited.

[glovesonstrings]

I would if I was prepared to keep him as a companion at home once his job was done with the children. Price is a bit steep though.

[RosyPony]

Yes, I think that's it, you are committed to him for life, if you're at livery you could be looking at having two on livery plus medication costs. But as you say, a safe schoolmaster is priceless.

I can say that if it was us I would say yes and husband would say no.

Plus you would need to have a difficult conversation with the current owner.

Ive always been quite a nervous rider and the appeal of a safe fun pony is very high to me but then again there are probably safe fun ponies that don't have costly medical problems.

Sorry I'm not really helping am I?! 😂

[welliesandsequins]

We got a similar pony 6 years ago. The only difference being that he had already had cushings, and been on medication, for about three years.
He is now 23 and still going strong. He is on the same amount of medication. We get a prescription and then buy it on the internet so it costs just over £1 per day. Although obviously that could go up. We get his blood tested once a year at the moment.
We negotiated the price down, bearing in mind the costs of the medicine and the fact that we were offering a forever home. I would definitely do the same. £2000 is a lot for an old pony with cushings.
I would say go for it. Based on my experience. We have a fab pony. Haven't had any problems with him and he has been brilliant for both my dds to ride. No one can believe he is 23. Having said that, obviously make sure you are fine with ongoing costs.

[monkeyfacegrace]

He wiggles his nose?

You added that bit at the end like it wasn't relevant

You have to have him.

[tattychicken]

Plenty of ponies go on for years with Cushings as long as it is managed and monitored well. He sounds gorgeous, and I would go for it, but would negotiate the price right down. Even half of what they're asking feels steep, especially at this time of year.

[tattychicken]

And as long as he's coping ok you could prob still loan him in five years time.

[glovesonstrings]

Actually I would say the same about any 18 year old pony. Only buy it if you plan to keep it til the end of its days.

[weaselwords]

Really good schoolmaster ponies are like hen’s teeth and often have a waiting list for the next family. They are generally older too, so have some long term issue that needs managing. Snap him up.

[Theresahairbrushinthefridge]

Thank you all so much. That's really helped. I was researching Cushings last night and getting really depressed. Going to go for it.

We have always had Lifers! Our eldest went on until 42. Stopped working at 35. Our Dartmoor died a month ago at 32. What has changed is that the horses are with my parents on Exmoor and my parents are 70. Whilst they have help in return for keep. I don't feel we are making the 20 year commitment that we have previously been able to do. The last thing I would want is for any horse of mine to have an uncertain retirement. If my parents health were to change they would need to move somewhere less rural.

But anyway. He wiggles his nose when he sees a jump and we are all in love with him.

[glovesonstrings]

Look at those ears!

[BaldricksWife]

We have an old boy with this and the tablets much cheaper online with prescription though we have got his his 'count' under control with his fibre based diet. He has been the perfect pony for the DC and though I agree with PP the one you are interested in does seem a touch over priced, if he ticks all your boxes then the pony will be one of those rare gems.

[QuestionableMouse]

He'd adorable. I think it tells you something that it was only picked up at the vetting. He's obviously managing fine so far.

[Theresahairbrushinthefridge]

Thank you to everyone who replied.

We have agreed to pay just for his saddle and wardrobe. The owner was brilliant. Her biggest concern was that he would be happy and cared for.

So everyone happy. Result.

[Theresahairbrushinthefridge]

Settled in and making friends with our other oldie (28!)

[tattychicken]

Congratulations! A very sensible solution! He looks like he's settled right in.

[ClashCityRocker]

What a great outcome all round!

[glovesonstrings]

Very chilled. Is he a few spot rather than a grey? That muzzle looks like it's spotty.

[weaselwords]

Yay! I don’t think you will regret this

[Theresahairbrushinthefridge]

I am not sure about the spot thing. Just on his muzzle and eye.

Orange mane and tail from red Devon clay!

He is super. Here's to happy times. Thanks everyone for all your help.

[justnippingin]

Oh he’s lovely! Correct decision made 😁😍

[mrslaughan]

We have a pony with Cushing. The cost they are quoting for medication is really high - admittedly we got ours early and she has half a tablet a day (she had mild cushings) so it costs us £70 every 3 months.

The other side of the coin - is if you medicate it may change the ponies energy level. Ours went from being quite plodding and safe - back to being a firecracker , but therefore too much for my daughter.

I know others that have medicated in the hope of improving energy levels and it has made no difference.

My daughter has a new pony who I think may have mild cushings - I manage it with diet as I don’t want the same thing to happen again.

If the pony is right - it wouldn’t put me off.

[mrslaughan]

Oh now I have read the rest - so pleased it went ahead.

Our one on medication is out on loan - I just pay for her medication - loaners have to pay for everything else and I keep a close eye on her diet and weight.

[Puppymouse]

I had an older mare on loan (my first horse) who Vet suggested testing for cushings during a routine check for something else. Owner had refused the test the year before and so I was very glad I agreed. She had a pretty high result and I was beside myself. The worst part was owner was the other side of the world and her family asked me not to tell her. I was so stressed. She was on Prascend, wouldn’t stay sound, my Yard owner didn’t like her being muzzled and I spent a lot getting the Vet out every time I was concerned.

I wouldn’t do it again - she was pts not long after owner returned as she just couldn’t have the turnout she wanted and was depressed but I know some horses are fine and it’s managed well. Maybe it was because she was on loan to me.