It may also be much more noticible if the horse has white hooves like my colt.. he has four all the way around, has never been lame, but has a couple growing out almost all the time on any one of his feet. They so far, have been purely cosmetic.
Wow! why do you think he gets so many abcesses??
I'm not sure exactly what makes them blow out where, but a horse who gets many of them on a regular basis would be a concern for me, in terms of how it's diet or lifestyle is affecting hoof growth/maintenance, or some other metabolic disease process. But that's me being a nervous nellie I suppose. I don't shoe mine, i prefer them to be healthy from within, top to bottom, and their feet to be strong as a result.
No feet, no horse. It could be a one time thing, or a re-occurring problem. Talk long and hard to your vet, her vet, have your farrier check her out and get a complete pre-purchase exam, and talk to the kids at the barn about the horse, they'll tell you all you really want to know. Are they upset she is leaving? if so, you can bet she'll be a good investment.