advice on vetting needed

[CazD]

A friend is thinking of buying a pony. She's never owned a pony before and has finally found one which we hope is suitable. What stage vetting should she go for - the full 5 stage or something lesser? The pony in question is a 5 yr old cob, currently ridden by children. Conformation wise he looks very short backed to me and has ridges round his feet - although the owner says he has never had laminitus. He will only be used for hacking - and probably only a few times a week at that. My main worry is that he seems to be very cheap in comparison to others advertised. What would anyone suggest?

 

[hellybelly6]

Rings on the hoof can also be indicators of change of diet and/or spring grass consumption.

Assuming, he has been well cared for and the children are competent and not the sort who would over jump him, he shouldnt have too many health problems at his age.

I didnt get my horse vetted, but that was because I knew him for a year before buying him.

I would recommend a vetting, it depends on how much money your friend is prepared to pay for. If it was me, knowing all the problems my horse has had, I would go for the full monty.

 

[CazD]

Thanks for that. I've told my friend she definitely needs a vet to check him over - I just wasnt too sure whether she would need a 2 stage or the full 5 stage vetting. Does anyone have an idea on prices

 

[AmyMay]

5 stage for me every time - and even more important for the first time owner I would say.

 

[tikino]

yeh i nwould say 5 stage vetting for every horse you buy where a lead rien pony or top competition horse

 

[fatpiggy]

5 stage every time for me. I'll be honest - why go to the time and expense of owning a horse if you only plan to hack out occasionally? If I were her, I'd be looking for something to share and at least then she would see what she is potentially letting herself in for. A new horse has turned up at my place - the owner is partially disabled and has bought it for her son (plans to get another for the daughter shortly) who can't ride. It seems a nice enough animal (weaves for England mind), but I'm very doubtful about its health myself, and they know nothing about horses - it has previously had laminitis and is turned out on 2 acres of rich clover and grass. The reason they bought it? - it was cheap. Oh dear.

 

[Theresa_F]

We have just bought a four year old clydesdale and had 5 stage vetting - which she has passed.

I had two stage on my cob, but he was only 13 months at the time so obviously could not have done the 5 stage.

I would always go for 5 stage, but then I keep my horses for life so this sum is not that much in the great scheme of all the money I will spend over the years.

I also have blood taken, just in case.

 

[HelenSmith]

5 stage evry time for me. Doesn't matter if you're spending £1000 or £20 000. It could still cost you thousands if there's something later you discover that needs treating. Not to mention the heart ache.

xx

 

[hellybelly6]

[ QUOTE ]
5 stage every time for me. I'll be honest - why go to the time and expense of owning a horse if you only plan to hack out occasionally? If I were her, I'd be looking for something to share and at least then she would see what she is potentially letting herself in for.

[/ QUOTE ]

I have a horse and I go hacking, does this mean I should not have a horse?

 

[shazza283]

I'd ring the vet you've chosen too - they'll be able to advise you on what they think is best for you and talk you through each vetting so you can chose - quite often they'll base it on how much you are paying for the pony - under £1000 - 2 stage over £1000 5 stage - but that's not a hard and fast rule.

2 stage around £60-75 ave , 5 stage around £100 - 150 ave + visit fee for both + blood sample fees in some cases.

I would always take blood - it gets stored for 6 months - and tested if something suspiciuos happens in that time.

Don't use owners own vet - some will do it but it's better to get an independant view.

p.s just to chuck in my 10p worth I have 4 horses and don't ride any of them

!!! (1 mum, 1 foal, 1 2yo and 1 mini shitty)

 

[Hollycat]

Thats cheep! I paid £150 for a 2 stage in Essex (equine vet) and £200 for a 5 stage in Scotland (not equine vet but very through and experienced). Def get a 5 stage for piece of mind