5 Stage Vet Check on 16 yr Old Gelding

[TwiggyL]

Hi all,

I have found what seems to be a lovely pony, 16yr old 13.2hh welsh section C gelding.

The Seller is not keen putting him through a 5 stage check as she says it is too strenuous for a 16 year old horse. She said she would rather put him through a 2 stage. Is this a red flag?

Thanks

 

[ihatework]

Potentially a red flag but not necessarily.
On a 2 stage you would still have eyes/heart/flexions done etc.
What is the pony being purchased for and what sort of workload is it in at the moment?

 

[TwiggyL]

Schooled a few times a week and a hack a week - something along those lines. Would like to take him out on sponsored rides as well but nothing strenuous.

I have been told that he has not been ridden for 2 weeks and was lightly hacked and occasionally schooled prior to him being sold. The seller had mentioned that he is unfit and slightly chubby at present.

 

[HufflyPuffly]

For me it would be a big red flag!

I've had very green horses vetted, who were in a similar amount of work, and had a five stage done, his fitness would be taken into account...

 

[TwiggyL]

She has now agreed to it! Got a vet with a good reputation via horsey friends and who she also knows of to check him! She seems happy with that...

 

[Widgeon]

She has now agreed to it! Got a vet with a good reputation via horsey friends and who she also knows of to check him! She seems happy with that...

Oh that's good, well done. I'm glad for your sake - now at least even if he fails, he won't ever be the one that potentially got away!

 

[TwiggyL]

Have to say my pony search has been stressful, to say the least! Fingers crossed!

 

[Sparemare]

Ah good. Good luck with the vetting!

 

[Shay]

I have to say for myself I'm not sure I would bother with a full 5 stage vetting for that age and anticipated use. I'm presuming it isn't needed for insurance purposes? A 16 year old horse for hacking shouldn't be that expensive. OP - please don't expect him to pass with no advisories. Obviously there could be a serious issue - as there could be on any animal at any age. But I wouldn't personally expect a 16 year old to move away from a flexion test without a misstep for example. (And of course this is included in a 2 stage as well.) Wishing you the best of luck though. Waiting for a vetting is nerve wracking!