I am just wondering if anybody would buy a horse that is foundered? I am interested in buying a horse that has been/is foundered. Would you?
Thank you

It really depends on how bad the horse foundered. My geldings mama foundered, but not bad enough to rotate her cannon bones. Her feet needed regular attention, and her diet had to be closely watched, but she was one of the best trail horses I've ever ridden. So, if you're willing to take the time and make the financial investment, and the horse didn't founder too bad it's a maybe. If you're seriously considering it I would definitely think about having it vetted first, and it should greatly affect the price. If I could find another Maggie I'd jump on it though.

You need to ask yourself several questions before YOU and only you could make a decision as to wether or not purchase a horse that has laminitis problems. Laminitis means inflammation in the foot, founder is a term that means sinking. So you need to know whether the horse has laminitis with or with out rotation, or with or with out sinking of the coffin bone.

How long ago was the horse diagnosed?

Was it diagnosed by a vet, and where x-rays done? As x-rays are the only way to know if it is an acute or chronic problem.

Was the horse put on a treatment plan of anti-inflammatories, and supervised hoof care when it first happened?

Also you need to ask yourself:

Are you willing to take on the up keep of the treatment regiment physically and financially.

Do you have a qualified farrier to work on the horse? One that will also work closely with your vet.

You will also have to deal with abcesses more often because of the lack of blood flow to the foot.

Are you willing to take the responsiblity of making the call when the time comes if the horse doesn't get better to euthanize, and not let them suffer through the pain?

Laminitic horses can be managed if it is a mild case and was caught early and some horses go on to lead normal lives with little to no reaccurance. Then there are some that require low doses of anti-inflammatories on a regular basis, special bedding, very strict diets. Some can go back to easy work in soft footing but will never make that trail horse.
When the horse does have a flare up you need to be quick to react and get the horse back on anti-inflammatories and deeply bedded stall rest (6-8 inches of sand is the best footing for laminitis horse at all times).
This is one of the hardest problems to deal with mentally and physically for a horse and an owner. If you are looking for a horse that you can ride on a regular basis then this might not be the horse for you. But talk with your vet, DO a prepurchase, this is a tough decision and one in the end only you could decide.
If it is your first horse I would definately keep looking.

Good Luck.