Buck Shin and Saucer Fracture

Question
I recently bought into a syndicate for a 2 year old thoroughbred.  It is my first purchase and my first ownership experience in the game of horse racing.  So far I am loving the experience.

The 2 YO that I bought was suspected of having buck shins and has been taking it easy since the auction purchase 2 months ago.  He was jogging nicely over the last couple of weeks until some flare up in the shin.

The vet came out, took a scan, and said that the colt has a saucer fracture in his cannon bone.  He recommended shockwave treatment and light jogging for the next 4-6 weeks.

From all the readings that I have done, staying in light training is necessary in order to continue to strenghten the bone.

What is you experience in a situation like this?  I would love to see my horse run eventually, but my concern is the safety of the horse first.  The horse's trainer is a very good and reputable trainer, so I think the horse is in very good hands.  I basically wanted to hear from people with experience on what I can expect to see.

Thank you very much,

George


Answer
hi George, well a saucer fracture is not a good fracture as it can continue off in any direction and cause a more serious fracture and i have had them break the cannon bone  from that type of fracture.  i am from the old school as not to train a 2 yr old, just break him to the sadle and bridle ,and gallop him so he is use to all of the racing things he has to do in the future, but no work outs and no fast work because the 2 yr old bones need to grow out. you seem to get  bucked shins, common fractures of the cannon bone coughs and wind problems in all 2 yr olds. in the past i have always fired the shins and painted them with a stong leg paint , then rested them 6 months before returning them to training as a 3 yr old. I know that there are many new modern  practices for horses now, and your vet will give you advise on what he would do for your horse .there is a lot of purse money for the 2 yr old races and that tends to make people rush the horses even though it is not good for the 2 yr olds. your trainer and your vet and you, will have to look at the overall picture , and then decide if you want to risk any more damage to the horse now, or turn him out and let his fracture heal. time heals all . hope this helps you.   thanks for your question and this is only my personal opinnion and please take it to heart   thanks ED HESS